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Reviews
Taxi (2004)
Flat
While a fan of Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon (from his select good SNL skits), I was hesitant to see this given the Hollywood style trailers and previews. I didn't trust my gut and spent $8.50 on this in the theater. I wish I could give a good synopsis of this, but all I remember are terrifically filmed scenes with little to no plot nor character development. This is one of the few times I truly blame the writers as QL and JF are solid actors, and even Jennifer Esposito was terrible (or at least her character was). I mean, this is the brilliant actor in Crash and this film certainly did. The only redeeming value, for the boys, was watching Gisele flaunt her way around. The only redeeming (but snarky) value, for the girls, was watching Gisele manage to stumble through whatever lines she had. Oh what beauty does to the brain!
Saw (2004)
Brilliant Story but Hampered by Bad Acting
Watching Saw is like a blind date. Within the first 5 minutes you kinda know what your getting yourself into. The positive: This is one creepy, suspenseful, scary film. The negatives: Cary Elwes and Leigh Whannell are terrible in this film. Cary Elwes is a good actor but just not here. Leigh Whannell is simply horrific. On to the film!
Saw opens with Adam (Leigh Whannell) and Dr. Gordon (Cary Elwes) handcuffed, by the ankle, in a locked, dirty, room ... Lying between them is a rotting corpse and a guy. Each discover they've been kidnapped by the mysterious Jigsaw killer, who has left a message for each of them. Adam is told to simply survive. Dr. Gordon is told that if he does not kill Adam in a specified amount of time, his wife and kids will die. Each are given clues by Jigsaw in order to accomplish their individual "goals" ....
We soon learn that Jigsaw has done this before ... forcing a woman to kill another man to take off an apparatus that would rip her face apart ... forcing a man to climb through razor wire ... forcing a man to burn himself to death. Jigsaw is able to make people kill each other (or themselves) in order to survive. Detectives Tapp and Sing (Danny Glover and Ken Leung) are hot on his trail.
The plot has good twists and turns and the props / production value is high. There are a couple of missteps with the editing, but all in all good. Just wish they would have recast the leads.
The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)
Touching!
Outed by his feisty but supportive coworkers at work, Andy (Steve Carell) is goaded by new friend David (Paul Rudd) to start dating and lose his virginity. Living in a world of collectible toys in their perfectly sealed boxes, Andy's given up. His coworkers try different approaches, forcing Andy to meet girls outside his comfort zone, from horny insatiable Beth to crazy Nicky. Finally, Andy meets Trish (Catherine Keener), an awkward single mother who is attracted to Andy's preference for slowing down the physical side of their courtship. Eventually, however Andy's lack of desire forces both of them to make difficult decisions about their relationship. The performances are solid and the plot, though a little tired at times, comes off as sweet and refreshing. Small note: the scene with Carell and the wax is real, no special effects. Ouch!
The Constant Gardener (2005)
Brilliant!
THE CONSTANT GARDENER follows mundane, green-thumbed, low level diplomat Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes) from his move from Britain to Kenya. During a lecture in Britain, he encounters brash yet vulnerable Tessa (Rachel Weisz) who soon, after a suggestive intense yet short relationship, asks to accompany him to Kenya. Tessa is found dead, murdered during a surprise jaunt, her companion and suggested lover suspect and missing. In a dizzying set of flashbacks, we soon discover that Tessa had another life altogether, hidden from the day-to-day of Justin. Not only is she a do-gooder by day but Tessa is investigating the inner workings of a global conspiracy that affects the highest reaches of the British government and she's willing to sacrifice anything to uncover the details.
The CONSTANT GARDENER succeeds because of it's methodical pacing, terrific acting, and an ability to help the characters while conveying a message of greed and deception. At times the movie seems to have come to a stop and luckily it's just a break between acts. Fiennes does a terrific job as the stiff upper lip Britainer. Weiscz is equally enchanting.
The only weakness is the editing, which is a bit too spastic.
Groove (2000)
Not so funny but really fun
This wasn't the movie I thought it was going to be. Looking back, I thought this was going to be a 24 Hour Pary People type of movie, but instead it traces all the emotions and craziness of many different characters as they all get together for one San Francisco night rave. This is a totally different rave scene than most people would imagine as it's the "run from the cops" type of party rather than the typical Ibiza dance / rave / event.
While not all the characters or acting are strong, the film keeps a solid momentum from beginning to end, portraying the "modern" circa 2000 dance scene in San Francisco.
I only wish they had a scene with the rave kid sitting on the subway with the disco ball!
Fubar (2002)
Canadian + Midwest Humor
This movie took a couple viewings before the funny set in, but once it did, I laughed out loud and spilt a couple of drafts. Totally Midwestern humor (thanks for ruining the election) and Canadian humor. My Canadian friends hate this movie with a passion but had to admit that it really was a good characterization of the Canadian lifestyle.
The plot is standard but by the end of the film we realize how interesting these two guys are, even though their in a predicament because of a minor tragedy involving one of the guys.
The quality of the film is a bit grainy, but I suppose it's supposed to be that way?
Definitely a good movie but it's not a date movie. Definitely one to see with the guys.