Change Your Image
bhat962
Reviews
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Seen it all before *Spoilers*
I've seen many movies involving thieves and how they want to take the money from casinos. It's been done way too much in Hollywood; stealing money smoothly without getting caught. This movie, just because it has interesting points in the beginning that end up in the end doesn't make it a good directing performance by Sodenbergh or a good movie. It really was just for eye candy for all the great actors in the film; Clooney, Pitt, Damon, Garcia, Roberts... just to name a few. Honestly I fell asleep while watching this movie because I just have seen this all before, examples include "Heat", "Trouble in Paradise", and all these other thief movies that they all get away so nicely at the end. What ever happened to the Butch and Sundance Kid endings?
The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
Stylish Horror Film
I'm not exaggerating when I say this but, The Mothman Prophecies is *the* best horror movie in the 2000s. It is a high-paced, spooky film that will leave you breathless at the end. The directing is stellar, and so is the acting performances. There really is nothing flawed in this movie and it keeps getting scarier and scarier as it goes. In my opinion, prophecies are the creepiest topic to attack and this movie did it with stunning ease. It doesn't matter where you see it, this horror movie delivers. Out of 10 stars, I give it a 10. This is the only horror movie that I believe people can relate or even find meaning to. Forget Sixth Sense, the Mothman Prophecies is the new movie to beat.
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
Across the Stars
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones is, contrary to popular belief, is a great film. Unlike many, I do not compare it to other Star Wars movies to judge the movie as a whole. Obviously nothing can top the original Star Wars, whether how good the movie is or not. Episode II is wonderfully directed, written well for Star Wars (reality writing isn't what Star Wars wants), okay acting (Portman was a disappointment), awesome special effects, and much more. It lived up to the Star Wars name just like Phantom Menace did three years before. This time, it had more violence and more lightsaber action, and less Jar Jar Binks... Thank god. This movie had a lot of good and bad points that showed throughou the film. The good, was the world that Lucas formed- it felt as if the viewer was inside that life, Ahhhh the beauty of Science Fiction! The action scenes were quite intense and groundbreaking, most of which were high scale war scenes that never had been used before. Yeah, so what if they were fighting in blue screens? Do you really think Lucas would show a war with people dressed up as droids? Yeah he'd have to find thousands of people for that. Hayden Christensen did a wonderful job as Anakin Skywalker and so did Ewan McGregor as Obi Wan Kenobi- who really showed off his jedi knowledge and power in this movie, as well as his acting. Christopher Lee (The Man with the Golden Gun) also did a good job as the villian; rarely do you see a grounded villian who is not savage and at peace with himself. That is the best villian you can have in a movie and that's why Lee as Count Dooku survived. Unlike the Phantom Menace, Episode II failed not to make you fall asleep, but to take nothing away from Phantom Menace, the 1st Star Wars (Episode Four) does make you fall asleep at times. Lastly, when Yoda came in, it was not only funny but very entertaining. I won't give away much more, but Yoda definitely is my sunshine. Now to the bad points. The Romance between Anakin and Senator Amidala was way too childish. Childish is alright, but this love was like 1st grade love. One scene Anakin acts jealous because of a boy Amidala was with and another scene Anakin acted like he was hurt and rolled and played with Amidala in the grass. O how sweet. It would of been nice if the love story was built up a little bit more- that was like the second scene with the two together in there newly found attraction. Plus, every time it cut back to the soon to be couple, they were at a different romantic location. Is this the Travel Channel or something? Also, one actress who failed to make a good stand was Natalie Portman who did a bad job, I think, as Senator Amidala. Hayden had all the chemistry to fuel his relationship with Amidala, and even together, it looked like Hayden was the only one driven on pure energy on love. Amidala looked like she was loving him as a friend, more than anything else. But the romance wasn't the only problem, as Portman just didn't "feel" her role so to speak. Overall, great movie. Relax and enjoy your time at the theater. This is not a kids movie like many people believe; this is a teenage flick and should be watched anyways regardless of your age. It brings back the forgotten age of the passion of Star Wars and leaves you drooling for the next installment Episode III.
Nightwatch (1997)
Another letdown *Spoilers*
This movie had great potential and it scared me like no other movie has ever done after the 1st hour. But like "A Perfect Murder" failed to do, was to end strong and have a suitable and more creative ending. Nightwatch was typical like most killer movies- he's about to kill the main character... NOOOOOO! Then gets shot at the last second. Nightwatch could've been a classic horror movie if it was written better and had a better plot. I mean, the part with a guy *doing* dead people is quite scary and unique, but the part with the killer once working there and such, is just so old and outdated. I think Hollywood, in broader terms (directors, producers, writers), need to know how to be more creative, because this movie was killed by that. Other than these problems, this movie had no flaws. Great acting by Ewan McGregor... I LOVE THIS GUY. He brings so much to the table. I think this movie might've been the movie that brought Ewan to the top of Hollywood's elite, not that drug movie "Trainspotting".
Psycho Beach Party (2000)
Surfing USA
Psycho Beach Party, I have to say, is a very funny film. Great cast, acting, directing, you name it. There was absolutely no flaws in this movie and it progressed beautifully, not missing a beat. Lauren Ambrose swept me away with her great acting, although I do believe she'd be better working on Broadway, and Nicholas Brendon, who played the lovable nice guy Starcat, was unintentionally funny at times which made his character the most interesting to watch. If not for the low budget distributors, this movie definitely would've been a hit at the box office. Instead it will forever be a cult classic at the look(like the passion to Cowboys in Western films) at the 60s beach era. Job well done.
King Cobra (1999)
Entertaining and that's it
I was looking forward to seeing another "Anaconda" and what I got was instead was a laugh out of it. This movie was probably the worst horror movie I have ever seen. Reason I say this, is not because it was poorly directed or made, but because of Pat Morita's entrance into the movie. Not only did he come in after a great hour of the movie, but he came in with his jokes and his knowledge on snakes. Honestly, I don't think the movie needed a snake guy to help out, I'm pretty sure the Doctor, which was played by Scott Hillenbrand (the director, also), would know what was poisonous and what was not. I think any movie, regardless of the genre, wants to make someone their leading man in the credits like this movie did with Morita, they should atleast put him in more than 30 minutes of the movie. Nonetheless, this movie was still entertaining, not scary, but entertaining. You even get a good laugh at the end that makes you feel like you actually didn't waste the 93 minutes of watching the movie.
Resident Evil (2002)
A third of what "Dawn of the Dead" was
Yes, of course this movie provided some exciting terror and great horror but comparing this to THE BEST silent zombie horror film "Dawn of the Dead" it just doesn't match up. Like most movies in the new age (2000s), most of the horror films are just put on the market for a minimal amount of scares and less than a 2 hour picture. This movie, in my eyes, was good, but easily could've been better with more airtime. One of the few good things about this movie though that saves it from being busts like "Thirteen Ghosts" and "The Haunting" is that it definitely took the bad label off video game movies which movies such as "Double Dragon" and "Tomb Raider" failed to master. The casting for Resident Evil is probably one of the main flaws of the movie. It including "The Fast and the Furious" star Michelle Rodriguez, who's character failed to entertain as a tough girl who's puns are more sickening than laughable. Also in the casting was Milla Jokovich, who had starred in Joan of Arc, before; I absolutely think that this actor has no skill whatsoever so i guess a role in this movie kinda fit her style. Regardless of the fact, she was good as a superhero but honestly, these two girls shouldn't of been on the top of the food chain. All and all, the movie is good up until the ending, which drags on a bit too far leaving the viewer unsatisfied slightly and leading into a 'should be' sequel. Judging by how they did at the box office, they should have a sequel, but what I can't understand is why it is ranekd so poorly at the box office. This movie although not the best zombie movie, should've mastered the box office without a doubt.
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Great movie that shows the realities of war
The best director and best producer teamed together to make *the* greatest war movie of all time. Finally, a movie that shows the war-hungry American public that it is not so easy to say 'o lets bomb this country and that'- this movie was 110% true to detail. It displayed how savage the Somalians were, and in every aspect they were- I remember seeing CNN and all the mutilation of the bodies. It will make you cry and make you think. This is the first war movie that deals with the recent past and is a good one indeed. I see this movie taking home some Oscars in March.
I, Claudius (1976)
Worth the while
This no doubtedly is the best miniseries ever made for television. Yes, it was 11 hours plus long, but it is certainly worth it. From episode to episode, you feel closer and closer attached to each of the characters and their feelings and passion for power and lust. Never before have I seen such a well-orchestrated soap opera as this, displaying the history of the 1st century- going through the Julian Dynasty. Heck, if it wasn't for the intense nudity of the series, I would recommend this to every classroom across the globe.
The characters of I, Claudius are unforgetable. Brian Blessed (Gladiator) as Augustus did a wonderful job and you'll really admire his efforts as the portrayal of Rome's first emperor. Another notable performance is from John Hurt as Caligula, who lit up the screen with his psycho fantasies, and unpredictable hatred towards others. Lastly, the glory and all the credit goes to Derek Jacobi (Gladiator), who turned a risky and grueling role into a soft symphony, despite the mental retardation inflicted on the character of Claudius. I bet no actor would've done a better job than Jacobi, so hats off to him. Overall, this movie is about 99% accurate to the real thing so you cannot get any better than that folks.
Gladiator? Fall of the Roman Empire? Spartacus? Caligula?
None of these movies match up to this miniseries- which is not afraid to tell the facts of the first five emperors; Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. Don't even think about passing this one on- this is a must see and who cares if it takes 11 hours of your time- it's just like any other TV show on a DVD pack, but better.
Thir13en Ghosts (2001)
A Big Disappointment
Thirteen Ghosts was one of the worst horror movies i have ever seen. It had very little scary moments- and failed to entertain me when it was given the opportunity. It was a ripoff of other horror films- most specificially 'House on Haunted Hill.' The cast was horrible- having Tony Shalhoub as the main character definitely did not make this movie any more enjoyable- same goes with Lilliard, who maintains his role as the most annoying actor to date (Wait until Scooby Doo comes out...). Only a strong performance from F Murray Abraham was the highlight of the movie- and along with the most unique 13 ghosts you'll ever see. I highly recommend this movie for people who enjoy thrills and chills- despite in this film, there is hardly any.
The Pledge (2001)
A Great, high-paced thriller
This was one of the best dramas i have ever seen in a while. This one for some great reason, stuck in my mind for a while afterwards- a feat not a lot of movies have done to me, especially dramas. A great directing act by Sean Penn and great acting from Jack Nicholson makes this movie even more exciting.
I have never once after a movie had my heart broken and feeling for a character like Jack Nicholson in the movie. It is definitely worth a nomination at the Oscars, because I really got into his shoes from watching him. It was on the high level of a greek tragedy- and proves to many that Oedipus Rex, a play made thousands years ago, still has the affect on movies we watch today.
Out of 4 stars, i give it a 4. Finally a movie that doesn't make you leave with a smile.
Caligola (1979)
What's with the poor rating?
This is actually a pretty good film. Perhaps the intense nudity and graphic-ness was not likeable but the movie was very closely tied to the facts and history of Caligula himself. You don't see many movies that actually stick with the facts instead of making it 'Hollywood.' I reccommend this to people who "know" about Caligula in advance so that they know what their seeing instead of going into the film not having a clue what its about. I don't think they could've made the movie any better that relates to Caligula- he was a psychopath and it showed in this movie.
Tons of great scenes, and it showed what the "real" Rome was like. Brutal and harsh and misgiving.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Best Musicial Romance Ever
I've seen many musicials (most of them consisting of love) from all over the globe: indian, russian, american, and so forth. This movie about Paris' famous Moulin Rouge is the best movie i have ever seen for musicial romance ever. It tells the story of a dying woman who is at her prime- and a poor man looking for a life, for love. He finds her and falls in love and the story goes on from there.
One thing good about this movie is that i felt like i was involved in the movie- like i was in a open theater, close to the actors and actresses. It gave me that feeling of love and lust that most romance movies fail to obtain with the audience. Certainly this movie was a bit underrated and with its low box office sum- i do not see a sequel coming in works sad to say. But if you ever feel the need to watch a romance movie- which all of us someday after seeing all the categories of movies; horror, suspense, thriller, comedy, action, war, and classics- we will know that the one that relates to us the most is romance.
Superb acting by Ewan McGregor and a near perfect performance by Nicole Kidman. Great songs and a great love story which has the usual man in the middle causing havoc. Out of ten stars i give it a nine, mainly because it does not contain the nonstop beat of excitement. Still it is a great movie and i recommend to all to see this movie, sooner or later.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
What a waste of money
Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie could of been much more than just a fantasy eye-beauty fiesta which included trips to all of the globe- from land, ice, and air (if you count Lara's flying in the air with the cords). Only a few action scenes give you the feel of the movie and get you excited. Besides that- if there is a sequel- there's no way it could be worse than this.
Good job for Angelina Jolie finally getting a superhero and a nice leading role. But frankly, i'd rather picked Pearl Harbor to be the sponsor of movie popcorn- because Pearl Harbor is much better than Tomb Raider. But what do you expect from a video game turned movie.
If you really like this movie, i suggest watching another horrible video game movie- Double Dragon.
Out of ten stars- average *****
Pearl Harbor (2001)
The greatest movie of the century!
A huge blockbuster and high octane action movie! Everybody will get hooked and stay hooked until the bitter end. Its very exciting and perhaps the greatest movie of this short century and finally a movie that is a good blockbuster and not oscar crap like Gladiator. A CLASSIC MOVIE- Affleck did a memorable performance, as did Harnett, and Beckinsale. MAn, this is the best!
OUT OF 4 Stars ****
The Mummy Returns (2001)
An outstanding sequel to a forgotten film
'The Mummy'- a hit film in 1999, definitely needed a sequel to actually show meaning of the movie. It did and the sequel was fantastic. The Rock's potrayal of the Scorpion King was great and other characters as Imothep returned to brighten the Egyptian sky and paint it yellow once again. The story is intelligently stylish and the movie is as more campier and funnier as the first. More action, more plot, and definitely more meaning. A great and wonderful movie. If I was Hollywood or Director Sommers- I would add a third installment.
One word- Wow!
Out of four stars- I give it a four (reason is because most sequels always stink, but this one amazingly didn't after all the anticipating flames).
Shout goes out to Fraser for a great job and Rachael Weiz (who turns out to be more beautiful than anybody had ever imagined).
The Watcher (2000)
A must see thriller!
The Watcher is a great mystery and thriller which kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Keanu Reeves is brilliant is his turn as a villian- and so is Spader as the detective and Tomei as the innocent therapist. This movie is very exciting and hip and in style- a movie which all 21th century films should now become like. This movie did not hold any 90s crap in the past with horror flicks like I Know What You Did Last Summer or Scream- it holds its own plot and sticks with it. The music downplays the eerie feeling of a strangler and serial killer- it has it all. But the only problem is the short running time of 96 minutes- it easily could've been longer and better- but this movie was for a 'now' basis anyway.
Out of four stars- I give it a 3.
Traffic (2000)
Classic movie
This movie was robbed of the oscar for Best Picture and really is the best movie since Schindler's List. It tells the story of drugs- and three stories linking together slowly as the film moves along. Benicio Del Toro does a great job as a Mexican cop, Michael Douglas as the Drug Czar of the United States, and a surprisingly good job by Michael Douglas' beau in real life Catherine-Zeta Jones. Wonderfully scripted and filmed- the movie is bound to be remembered as the nineties Godfather.
Out of four stars- Four stars
The Mummy (1999)
Very Original New Era Action Adventure Movie!
This movie takes the place of Indiana Jones- which its 10 year absence is sorely missed. To replace that sense of wonder and adventure, the Mummy exceeds all expectations and is wonderfully filmed with great CGI special effects and computer graphics. The movie shows the great Egypt full of mystique and myth. A very funny and campy movie however- but it still never loses any ground on the fun factor. There is some parts in the film in which you can dose off, but otherwise it is a good film to watch and it will stick you to the screen. Brendan Fraser is a good action hero- but I would've preferred other actors like Nicholas Brendon or Matthew Perry to fill in the role because frankly, Fraser looks goofy and silly during his cameos and action sequences- maybe the producers and directors wanted it that way. Out of four stars- I give it a 2 1/2
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
A great heartwarming film like no other
I am a big Oscar 'Best Picture' buff and I was seeking out to see all the winners. When I saw this movie at the video stores- I laughed and wondered how can a movie like that win best picture? I reluctantly got it and watched it last out of the two others- Midnight Cowboy and Amadeus. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest was better than the first two I have seen and better than tons of films. I was suprised at how funny a movie like this could be but it was. Tons of different people/personalities- all together for this special film. Jack Nicholson played his role great and so did many others (my personal favorite was Chief)- and this movie makes the viewers laugh, cry, cheer, excited, and most of all, interested. The best of the best of comedic dramas is in this movie.
Out of four stars- I give it a 3 3/4