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Movie Knight
Reviews
CyberWorld (2000)
A treat for every movie fan
It is not necessary to use a lot of words when analyzing a film you really like. This is the case with "CyberWorld," one of the most impressive 3D movies I've seen. "CyberWorld" has some of the best special effects I've seen a movie has used. The animation was incredible to see because it is new and fresh. I didn't know what to expect from a movie that was playing at an IMAX theater; however, upon leaving the movie I was smiling because it was an out of this world experience that I will treasure for many years to come.
Watching "CyberWorld" was like taking a trip down memory lane because I remember watching each of the movies and television shows. I can only say you do not know what you are missing from a true movie experience if you don't try the IMAX experience. The IMAX experience is among the best I've ever seen and nothing has or will come close to the experience I had. To the credit of the animators and director, they made me feel like I was inside the film as part of the cast.
I always look for a plot in every movie I see because I feel that is the crux of everything. While "CyberWorld" lacked story, it made up for it with the effects and the host voiced by Jenna Elfman. I urge everyone to see "CyberWorld" because it appeals to all ages and contains incredible special effects.
"CyberWorld" is a 40 minute adventure nobody should miss.
The Contender (2000)
My vote is to pass this film to the next person to view
"The Contender" is one of those films that every movie fan will fall in love with. From powerful performances to a strong script, "The Contender" has academy award written all over it and deserves to be recognized as one of the best films of the year.
As soon as I saw the first trailer for "The Contender" I thought to myself 'this is a movie that will make you think.' Jeff Bridges headlines a cast in a that includes the immense star power as Joan Allen, Sam Elliott, Christian Slater, William Peterson and Gary Oldman. With the cast assembled in "The Contender" nobody will go home disappointed as they deliver the best performances of their careers.
Though the plot is nothing new, it should be overlooked by the great performances and quality of the script. "The Contender" surrounds the confirmation hearings of a potential vice-presidential nominee. Bridges performance as the president of the United States is one of the best since it is believable and delivered with ease. Except for Michael Douglas in "The American President" and Harrison Ford in "Air Force One," Bridges is the best suited and believable actor to portray the president. Qualities such as the style, charm and charisma are present in each scene. "The Contender" is unlike any movie I've seen this year that has a rich and quality script that is backed by the performances of its cast. It is laced with rich and quality performances.
Joan Allen brings her fire and spunk to the movie as she won't back down from any fight as well as hold true to her convictions. With her role, Allen has shown she has the ability to carry a movie and portray her character with zeal and conviction.
I was so glad Christian Slater back on screen. He has always been an actor viewers can depend on to give 110 percent so when he was cast in this film; I knew it would be extra special. After watching this movie, I can make one guarantee; he doesn't disappoint with the performance he gives as a politician on the rise who will do anything to advance his career.
Gary Oldman turned in his greatest performance in "The Contender" as Shelly Runyon. Every time you see Oldman's name flash across the screen you can almost smell the scent of evil as well as a successful film because he is so convincingly good. Oldman, who usually plays the villain role, plays the spoiler role for Bridges and Allen. Runyon will do anything to keep Allen's character out of the white house; this includes digging into her past. Oldman gives a performance that is so memorable it deserves an oscar nomination.
There are 6 good quality movies that I have seen this year; they include "Frequency," "The Perfect Storm," "The Patriot," "Rules Of Engagement," "Where The Heart Is" and "Pay It Forward." We should make it 7 with "The Contender."
I have one piece of advice for every movie fan; if you have two hours to spare on a Friday or Saturday night, I URGE YOU TO SEE "THE CONTENDER." You will not be disappointed.
...And Justice for All (1979)
Pacino shines
"...And Justice For All" is one of those well-intentioned movies that doesn't achieve the goal it was set out to accomplish. Having said this, the film was a superb example how there are some lawyers truly do care about their clients and not intent on making a lot of money.
I now know why Al Pacino is considered one of the greatest film stars in Hollywood. With roles in "The Godfather," "Scent Of A Woman," "Heat," "Devil's Advocate" and "The Insider," Pacino has proven he is an actor with integrity and presence.
The best thing about "...And Justice For All" was watching Pacino in action because this came out while he was at his peak; furthermore, the incredible part is that he is still at this level. Another aspect I enjoyed immensely was the true and genuine care that Pacino's character had for his clients. It was incredible that lawyer's are human like everyone else.
The only thing I would change about this movie would be to narrow the storylines because it had a few too many to follow. With the number of subplots in this film, it was too difficult to pinpoint the main plot and enjoy the film outright.
Overall, this movie was good and I recommend.
3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)
3000 miles in disgraceland
Kevin Costner, Kurt Russell, Christian Slater and Courtney Cox are far from their destination as they try to reach Graceland. Films such as "3000 Miles To Graceland" make me question the screenwriters ability to come up with an entertaining script. Two hours of non-stop gratuitous action and four high profile actors cannot make up for the lacking elements of "3000 Miles To Graceland." This film fails to reach the potential it had with the original concept.
There is nothing new about "3000 Miles To Graceland" because a similar plot was created to entertain audiences a year earlier called "Reindeer Games." Since I enjoyed "Reindeer Games," I thought I would enjoy this film; however, I was sorely disappointed to learn that this movie was nothing more than four men with a desire to play dress up in Elvis costumes. If I wanted to see Elvis impersonators, I would travel to Memphis during the time of year the Elvisa convention is held.
The biggest problem I found with "3000 Miles To Graceland" was understanding the reason why this film was made. Four men parading around in Elvis costumes is so uninteresting I felt like walking out of the theater and asking for my money back; something I rarely find myself doing. Another problem I had was the lack of focus and commitment showed by the actors. With each passing scene, it became painfully obvious that the actors were more interested in the concept of prancing around in costumes playing cowboys and indians.
Though there was a plot somewhere scattered among this mess; however, I failed to see the connection and relevance of most of the scenes. The scenes seemed to be slapped together and forced for the purpose of making another Elvis film. If I earned a nickel each time I pointed out an irrelevant scene, the bank would go broke and I would be a rich man.
Costner has been one of my favorite actors since I was a kid. "Field Of Dreams marked the first time I saw this tremendous talent at work and I knew he had the ability to draw the audience into the film. Since this release of this film, Costner's career has been a roller coaster. With box office failures such as "Waterworld" and successes such as "Dances With Wolves," he has proven he is only human. So, when the outcome of this film was revealed it came as no shock because Costner was as flat as a one dollar bill. Most of his films have been character-driven, thought-provoking or a movie that brought out emotions. "3000 Miles To Graceland" is Costner's first film that truly disappointed me. As much as it pains me, I can't recommend this film to my friends because. "3000 Miles To Graceland" is a flat, one-dimensional and disorganized film that contains more negatives than positives. I can't believe so many fine actors signed on to participate in this atrocious film.
On the other hand, Russell stars in his worst movie since "Soldier." His character and performance is flat as cardboard and extremely one-dimensional. It hurts to see an actor who has had a successful movie career make a huge mistake choosing to make this movie. I could only wish and hope he can rebound from this movie and get on track once again.
"3000 Miles To Graceland" is far from its destination and drives itself into the ground as it strives to entertain viewers. Even with the firepower of Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell, "3000 Miles To Graceland" could not overcome its over-glorification of Elvis Presley. Two Thumbs way down. "3000 Miles To Graceland" has joined movies such as "All The Pretty Horses," "American Beauty" and "Battlefield Earth" to share the honor being called the worst of the worst.