Reviews

"Zoolander" is a funny movie. There really is nothing more to be said about the film. It was not made to win an Oscar, but if you're in the mood for a good laugh your in luck. Ben Stiller is excellent as Derek Zoolander, and Owen Wilson is an absolute riot as Zoolander's rival, Hansel. The situation is so far fetched that it's simply perfect for the movie. The modeling sequences make the film, E! has nothing on this film. Will Ferrell is the perfect fit as the "evil" fashion designer. Stiller's performance as an ignorant male model is classic. This is one of Stiller's better films. The celebrity appearances are great, thankfully Ms.Garafelo doesn't make an appearance. What other movie has gasoline fights, fashionable Russian assassins (Milla Jovovich), and the 80s hit "Relax"? If this is male modeling....where do I sign up?

"The Score" hits the mark in one huge way, it features three of the finest actors in the business. Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, and Edward Norton each add to the flavor of the film. Brando is exceptional in his role as Max. His on-screen presence hasn't faded over the years. Mr. Brando still controls the flow of the film whenever he is pictured. His simple movements and actions are very entertaining and amusing. Not to be out done, Edward Norton delivers the best performance of the entire cast. His portrayal of both Brian and Jack illustrate the versatility of Mr. Norton. He demonstrates why he is clearly one of the best in his generation. Robert De Niro is the enigma of the film. Mr. De Niro is one of the best actors of all-time, but in this film he seems tired and his performance is hackneyed. De Niro seems to have lost a step in the "tough guy" role. This is not an insult considering it is a genre which Mr. De Niro helped to define continuously throughout his career. In this particular film though it can be seen that he is acting, the lines and actions don't flow like they used to. He still gives a good performance, but this may be the first step in the decline of the "old" Robert De Niro image. "The Score" itself starts out slow and develops to late int he film. Much of the film has been seen before and, aside from the Norton scenes, provides nothing new to the audience. "The Score" is simply a less extravagant "Entrapment". It's twists are easily predictable and offers no real elements of suspense. The one major problem is that the film leaves the viewer hanging and offers no real closure to the story. This is not the way to end a movie featuring this all-star cast. "The Score" is still an entertaining film and provides a not often seen setting (Montreal). 2.5 out of 4 stars.

"Traffic" is one of the most overrated films ever made, and certainly the most overrated film of 2000. The film starts off slow and never gets going. The director chose a unique way to capture the action, however it is little more than "unique" and becomes quite tiresome after the first 30 minutes. "Traffic" parades out a cast of big name stars, many of whose roles would be called little more than a cameo. The acting, with the exception of Don Cheadle, is unimaginative and bland. Even the usual scene-stealing Catherine Zeta-Jones seems flat in her role. Michael Douglas offers nothing to the film and was a poor choice to play the role of the Drug Czar. It is clearly evident why Harrison Ford (who declined) was offered the role over Douglas. Benico Del Torro is the biggest disappointment of the entire film. Del Torro won Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film and The Academy couldn't have been more off, did this guy really out acted Joaquin Phoenix in Gladiator? "Traffic" jumps around from scene to scene and doesn't seem to follow any specific order. The story-line itself is very good, but it is delivered in an unflattering manner. It is a perfect example of a film that simply tries too hard. It becomes evident from the first few minutes that this movie was made just to compete for an Oscar. It has all of the basic elements that would make it a "powerful epic", but their inclusion hurts more than it helps. The drugs within the family aspect is explored in a way that is ridiculous and downright insulting to the viewer. It makes modern parents appear inept and provides a realistic but still common place look at the teenage drug culture that offers nothing new. The director tries to make it seem that he is the first to tackle the drug issue on screen. The simple fact of the matter is that there have been many more films that have done it before and have done it much better than "Traffic". "Traffic" is a boring, poor acted, less entertaining version of "Clear and Present Danger". No wonder Mr. Ford stayed away, he did it right the first time. 1.5 stars out of 4.

The new installment to the "Planet of the Apes" saga is a skillfully made film. It combines a new adaptation to the familiar story of the original. However, it is by no means a remake. The new movie has some very striking similarities, but is a new and different film. This "Planet of the Apes" uses enough of the now famous content, that made the original great, to sell it to the older fans, as well as a new story to win over a younger generation which would not properly understand the social gripping message of the 60's version. This film is clearly Tim Burton's best work. The cast does a very good job, especially considering all of the makeup. Charlton Heston steals the show as Gen. Thade's father, proving once again that no one does a "Planet of the Apes" film like Mr. Heston. Despite the overall excellent nature of this film, it is flawed in one major aspect. This film has no star quality. No offense to Mark Wahlberg, but he is not capable of carrying a summer blockbuster by himself. Mr. Wahlberg is a fine up and coming actor, but he has not yet reached the point in his career (and maybe never will) where he can open a film by himself, let alone a major film such as "Planet of the Apes". Wahlberg tries his best to play the reluctant hero, but the key word is "tries". He lacks the major presence that Charlton Heston provided in the original. Wahlberg is unable to sell himself as an "action star". His lines are not believable, and are quite commonplace. In order for such a film to have been properly done it would have required a big time action star. That star could only have been Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose name was mentioned for the Wahlberg role. His presence in the film would have made a big summer hit into a mega summer blockbuster. Just imagine Arnold delievering the lines "I'll be back..you dirty apes!" If the casting directors have any sense they will make sure that Arnold is back when they make the sequel. Despite all of this it was still a very entertaining film. 3.5 out of 4 stars.

Stiletto Dance was a made for HBO movie. HBO is known for its fine and large collection of self-made movies such as: "Rasputin" and "Hostile Waters". This film, while maybe not Oscar material, is a highly entertaining film none the less. The film centers around the Russian mafia of Buffalo, NY. The boss Anton, played by Shawn Doyle,is the most intriguing and entertaining character. This film was my first experience with Doyle, who delievers a marvelous performance. He gives Anton a powerful and dangerous, yet elegant and wildly entertaining personality. Anton's rants are early and often, and provide some of the most amusing elements of the film. Doyle (Anton) makes the littlest actions seem essential, for without him the film wouldn't be nearly as good. Anton is crazy yet calculated in his actions planning to sell a nuclear device to the Albanians for $100 Million. The film leads up to this after showing various examples of "heavy work". Anton plays the field making deals with rival organizations only to later break any and all ties. "You don't trust Anton?" The film also featured Eric Roberts, as the seasoned undercover veteran. Roberts actually does a good job with the role. Bringing together various factors to create a complex and multi-dimensional character. He is a healthy blend of a dedicated officer combined with a more evil, diabolical side. The film plays host to a wide range of action. It offers a more refreshing plot line than similar films. Overall, you will be entertained and amused by this film. Doyle's performance more than warrents a viewing by itself. 3 out of 4 stars.