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Have you seen a movie lately? Are you interested in telling
others about it? If so, write a Movie Review. Include your name,
the way you would like to have it appear in the review, title
of the movie and the review in either plain Text or Word format.
Make your subject heading, 'Movie Review' and send your review
to boettner@mscd.edu,
anytime.
(We ask that people who submit a reviews be either faculty,
staff or students of Metro.)
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Anger Management a movie about Adam Sandler getting stepped
on and eventually standing up for himself. Sound familiar?
Okay, okay… more specifically… Adam Sandler, who
plays the part of Dave Buznik, is wrongfully accused of causing
some disturbance on a flight and is sentenced to anger management
therapy. Buznik is again caught in some unfortunate circumstances
instigated by one of his therapy mates and again, appears
before the judge who upgrades his punishment to a month of
intensive therapy with Dr. Buddy Rydell (Jack Nicholson), and the zany antics begin. Buddy moves in with Dave
and slowly gets him to realize that he’s a pushover
by subjecting him to some vary unorthodox methods.
Adam Sandler assumes his usual roll as “nice guy”
whose pure and noble intentions only seem to invite everyone
to take advantage of him.
What a lot of crap.
This movie had the potential to challenge that whole cockamamie
formula and it begins to, but no.
That being said, the nut-so doctor played by Jack Nicholson
is a refreshing contrast to Sandler and really makes the movie
worth watching. He’s just crazy enough and he gives
Sandler enough hell to be funny and interesting.
Allow me to modify the original synopsis.
Buddy Rydell (Jack Niccholson) is a doctor who’s attempts
to get a whiny pushover Dave Buznik (Adam Sandler) to come
to terms with the fact that he’s not nice… just
lame. The good doctor ultimately fails though... Too bad.
The ending is rather disappointing but does treat viewers
with some good tight shots of Rudy Juliani.
All in all this movie is a fun forgettable knee slapper that
will provide any average Joe with 90 minutes of entertainment
and will provide any pretentious hipster with 90 minutes of
sarcastic banter about the decline of cinema and the comedic
form. The movie is certainly better than this review.
-by Daniel Alexander
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The director Andrzej Bartkowiak brings a concept story about
a heist that goes in every direction. Staring Jet Li as
a Taiwanese Government agent and Rap artist DMX as a gang
leader by the name of Anthony Fait. When Anthony and his
gang gets hired to rob a major downtown vault filled with
diamonds and other precious stones, his contact isn’t
the only one who wants in on what he stole (particularly,
one of them being a bag of what looks like black diamonds).
Within all the mess, the same enemy kidnaps Anthony’s
daughter. Jet Li (The government agent from Taiwan) is up
against an enemy from his homeland. Jet Li, and DMX find
a way to get his kidnapped daughter back from the same enemy.
So what’s makes the stones so special? That’s
for you people to find out!
Remember True Lies? Or maybe Raider Of The Lost Ark, I found
a little of both in this film. Kelly Hu and Mark Dacascos
play the enemies; Kelly was born and raised on the island
of Hawaii and became Miss Hawaii in 1993. Like True Lies,
Tia Carrere played a villain and she is also born and raised
from Hawaii. I’ve also seen Dacascos in several other
films based in Hawaii, but I’m unsure if he is from
Hawaii or not.
Truly, the action is to speak of. Although the cinematography
seemed rather choppy (put together too quickly), it definitely
kept me at the edge of my seat wanting to know more about
what was coming up. The whole plate of questions seemed
to pop into my head. “Where are the stones?”
“What is he going to do?” “I wonder if
they plan on killing that girl.” While all these questions
came to me, the one thing found interesting was that the
story kept me wondering what was so darn special about those
stones? And it’s not till the grand finale that they
find out what was special about it.
Now the correlation that it had to Raiders of The Lost Ark
was at the end. Remember the part where the guy had turned
inside out and his soul grinded into smithereens as the
very life of him came out of his body and the rest of the
Germany army.
The fighting scenes are outstanding. I can say suave with
a touch of uniqueness. Jet Li almost had me wondering about
the style because so many films with Jujitsu, Kung Fu, and
Karate seem to fall similar. He had something special. Let’s
compare; it was a cross between Steven Segal (because of
the standing still part) and Jackie Chan meeting Charles
Bronson. I thought that was so cool. I will let this mingle
in your head fellow reader and you will know what I mean
when you see it.
-by Jennifer L. Nacino
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Dare Devil is an extremely entertaining movie. It's the real
thing, we have a real sense of life here. The main character
goes through a hardship of loosing his sight as a child, and
at nearly the same time loosing his father. However those
incidents that gave him hardship also gave him superhuman
senses and balance. Like a superhero he learns to use his
newly found strengths out of a tragic event. Here we follow
a boy through his vunerability and trials and watch him become
the Dare Devil. The movie is filmed in a darker light but
somehow you find yourself rooting for the main character,
hoping that he can do it. He's against all odds, being a blind
kid, who just lost his father, and he lives in a bad part
of town, but it makes him who he is. The scenes of superhuman
strength, speed, and cunning are done well. The only real
flaw of the film is that the fighting scences are so close
up you can't tell what's going on until it's over. Definately
a must see, if just for the industrial-like Batman similar
characteristics of the film.
-by Billie Diemand
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Dream Catcher and The Last Flight of Osiris |
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I hope that many people enjoyed this thriller as much as
I know I did. I know that Stephen King is head honcho for
being the king of scare and thrill; I’ve read two
of his books. I must say he truly has a way of making the
Audience consume the understanding of how twisted he can
get. If some of the scenes you see in this film are not
too twisted for you then start with a healthy dose of The
Shinning, or even Tommy Knockers. Overall, his stories draw
attention. The attention of questioning the “impossible?”
and make you fall into the statement of saying, “Oh,
I seen that before, now what?” Dreamcatcher, has left
me thinking about other science fiction stories and tales
about growing up. Yes, both of these concepts are in one
movie.
In short, Morgan Freeman is Colonel Abraham Curtis, who
plays the head of the military CIA. They are mobilizing
a community of people they believe are taken over by alien
life forms. Within the mobilization, four friends who have
gifts of their own are in the same area on a camping trip.
When the military and these four meet up the four friends
find that they aren’t there just by coincidence.
I guess one of the reasons I felt I could compare this film
with a film about growing up was the close friendship the
four guys had. I began to think of movies like Stand By
Me, and Now and Then. When you finally get to see this,
just think of the first Aliens movie and you will absolutely
feel that I had the correct comparison in my mind for Dreamcatcher.
(Think stomach)
The Last Flight of Osiris is an installment of nine
chapters to the Animatrix for the film called The Matrix.
This short film was mentioned during the advertisement of
Dreamcatcher. That is a great way of getting an audience
to the theatre to see this most exciting short. This short
film was seen after Dreamcatcher, and I had seen this film
a week before release. Undoubtedly, computer imaging has
changed for the best. Technology has proven to excide the
power of visual perspective and has given the viewer eye
candy. The part I would love to mention best about this
short is the relationship the Wachowski brothers implemented
in the animation. It was purely a multi-racial courtship
between the head guy who is African American and a female
who is Asian American. The most interesting idea they conquered
here is both a story and an international relationship.
Also on a last note, if many of you recall seeing Final
Fantasy, yes these guys also created The last Flight of
Osiris. This short is much better in story. Keep in mind
that computer graphics have come along way, and it’s
in our own minds that we welcome any kind of new and fresh
idea. After all, Hollywood is certainly running out of ideas.
-by Jennifer L. Nacino
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The first Final Destination brought about a set of teens
experiencing freak of nature accidents and strange occurrences
in death. The second is somewhat similar. This time around
death is back with a vengeance, or to say that he’s
back to tie up loose ends because of one surviving person,
Clear Rivers. Clear, who wishes to stay in a mental ward
is asked for help by one of the survivors of a deadly car
wreck who saw the accident in a premonition. Like the first,
the survivors fight to stay alive and many fall into a “sort
of once in a lifetime chance accident happenings.”
I hadn’t seen the first Final Destination and I found
it quite intriguing that the story was thought about without
over emphasizing the necessity of real acting. I got an
idea of the possibility that as people you never know how
safe we are, how secure things are around us, and the question
of the higher being at work. The film is directed by David
Ellis and has also done Armageddon 1998. The subject matter
that he brings to film is what caught my attention. It’s
the kind of stories that ask the “what if” question.
Questions that I particularly ask is, “Is that possible
and it is, so what if? In Final
Destination 2, I see many questions coming to me in this
form. I believe situations that occur and place us in death
can be questioned in how it happens, but not why. The characters
of the film go through such parole and mental pain that
everything they do gets to a point of feeling like nothing
around them is safe and it makes them go into a fret of
panic. One important factor that the story brings is the
relation of the first final Destination. It was not implicated
until half way through the film that Clear Rivers was seen,
hence audiences related her to the first. Then when the
characters began to talk about how they managed to dodge
death in a so-called coincidences, they discovered amoungst
them that they all knew somebody from the incident of the
first Final Destination. The filmed runs about an hour and
a half and has tons of blood, gore, drugs, and language,
for mature audiences only.
-by Jennifer L. Nacino
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Martin Scorsese works his unique ability to tell a one of
a kind story in "The Gangs of New York." With its
colorful and well acted cast, Leonardo Di Caprio, Daniel Day-Lewis,
and Cameron Diaz, the film weaves a sharp view of a violent
world that was almost forgotten. It seems Scorsese's vision,
what some might claim as outlandish in "Gangs,"
takes on a vibrant life of its own, showing the audience a
history almost forgotten and an aura of a young city.
-by Ian Paul
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Psychologist finds that 70% of
all people are high stressed and have depression.
Another 15-20% have unknown symptom of stress or depression.
This movie touched on the 15-20% of people who have a bad
case of multiply personalities. With a packed theatre
and some good candy I had a chance to understand that symptom
from a varied perspective, in the eyes and mind of the victim.
The story takes place in an office where the viewer sees
a close up of a hand moving a pencil on paper. Questions
are being asked to someone in the background and instantly
the viewer senses that there is a therapy session going
on. It cuts to a family changing a tire, and then
to how and who did that to the tire, then to who is connected
to the person who did that to the tire, and finally to that
person is another connection. Like the Movie Memento,
viewers see a snippet of something like that, something
leading into another. Finally they all meet in a hotel
only to find that they all have something in common, they
all have something in common with where they were going,
and they all are being murdered one by one. The connection
has to do with the symptom of multiple personalities.
How are they connected and what’s with the Memento
crap Huh? Huh? I know you want to know. I’m
not saying.
At the start of the film viewers are compelled. We
understand that there is a case that’s being analyzed.
Viewers think that it all makes sense, a bunch of people
being killed by a run away convict. Sure, that’s
what this story is about. Wrong again folks! This
is not it.
This Film thrills and excites. Viewers are enthralled
by its enigma and mystery. There is a part of the
film that had me thinking about David Lynch and the fourth
series of Twin Peaks.
The director John Mangold almost lost me, but in a few short
takes the audience and myself were in a state of disbelief,
to the extent of saying “Oh now I get it!
Finding the joy and pain in psychology may not be so bad.
When you think of friends that you have that are in the
field of psychology. Say, “Oh, you have your
hands full, I’m sorry” And when they say, “What
do you mean?” Just say, “Go see that movie
Identity, you’ll see what I mean. Until then,
ponder the factual saying, “When
one ceases from conflict, whether because he has won, because
he has lost, or because he cares no more for the game, the
virtue passes out of him.” -Charles Horton
Cooley, Life and the Student
-by Jennifer Nacino
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When Hollywood came out and started movies they also started
trailers and the trailers were suppose to tease the viewer
into seeing the movie, well this was the teaser that was
told the second I saw the film.
Charlie Carbone played by (Jerry O’Connell) was only
12yrs old when he was drowning and was saved by Louis Booker
(Anthony Anderson). They became friends since and life has
thrown them in the mix. Until Charlie’s step father
who is head of the mafia gets fed-up with him and his friend
Louis. He gives them a simple job in Australia that goes
terribly wrong and involves a kangaroo.
I couldn’t help, but wonder if they were trying to
target the children in the audience or the adult audience.
One of the interesting things they managed to depict is
the friendship of the characters. Children wouldn’t
understand some of the dialogue that they had in this film.
I’m almost positive that Louis Booker had gotten laughs
out of almost everyone in the audience. When there were
clumsy, clunky, funny situations these are the parts that
the kids mostly enjoyed. The whole audience enjoyed this
film. My guess is that mainly the fact that it’s something
that the family would enjoy. That’s why I went with
my neighbor and her kids.
Along with the film, at the end there is also what I call
“Kangaroo outtakes.” This is where the kangaroo
does some of his own comical stuff and even does something
from the Austin Powers, the Spy that shagged me. (Not that
I even seen it, but I know where it’s from). I always
think that films that have outtakes at the end show the
audience the other side of the filming aspect to seem light
hearted and fun added into the production of filming.
In any case the film had fluked out on the trailers and
commercials, but given the story and the comical idea placed
in the film it turns out for the younger generation of people.
If you have children to see it with, go bring them. If not,
it’s definitely something to rent (on sale!) or purchase
as a gift for someone with children.
-by Jennifer L. Nacino
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In this sequel to Shanghai Noon, Chon Wang (Jackie Chan)
and Roy O’Bannon (Owen Wilson) get together for another
adventure. This time Chon’s sister Lin played by Fann
Wong has witnessed their fathers murder and is out to get
revenge and to retrieve the imperial seal. With the help
of her brother Chon and his friend Roy, they cross the seas
to London to help Chon’s sister. They meet up with
adventure, fun, and learn a lesson on friendship.
The film directed by David Millar and written screenplay
by Miles Millar and Al Gough, the action placed Jackie’s
character in yes, looking like it was all natural. His character
seemed to be more so the kind of guy that doesn’t want
any trouble, yet when he is bothered by the bad guy he manages
to jump into action and display the funny side that everyone
loves him for. Jackie Chan is also the Executive producer
for the film and his brother help out also, but I’m
not sure of what his first name is.
The Genre of this film is action, comedy, and sequel and
is rated PG-13 for the action violence and sexual content.
In my opinion the film is certainly great for the comedy,
but the beginning is much better then the last one. I also
love the fact that there are always outtakes at the end
of the film. Most of the film’s that Jackie Chan has
done all have some kind of outtake. In Shanghai Noon and
in Shanghai Knights Jackie makes it fun for everyone by
incorporating the whole cast.
-by Jennifer L. Nacino
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Do any of you recall watching war films that showed the
main character as being mean, rouged, and tough? Mention
that to many other people and I’m pretty sure you
would get the same answer. Tears of the Sun can be mentioned
as one of the many films that rammed right though that thought
of rough and tough. It’s my idea of a great there
after thought with a hint of compassion.
Lt. A.K Waters (Bruce Willis) and eight of the Navy Seals
finest go into the jungles of Nigeria to recover Dr. Lena
Kendricks (Monica Bellucci) along with the two nuns and
a priest. She is a valuable asset to Africa, but because
of the crisis in Africa and because she is an American she
has to return. Waters and his men are convinced by Kendricks
to take the refugees also. While they are evacuating, Waters
leaves the refugees behind and decides to turn back to assist
the victims in need. And in choosing to do so he has the
future of Cambodia within the group of following refugees
and an African rebellion Militia closing in fast.
Not only is this film deciphering the characters emotions
the scenery is just amazing. Every shot, from beginning
to end captured my attention and I’m positive that
there has been real thought that went into editing and cinematography.
I’m not going to say this movie is the best, but like
the characters from Cradle 2 the Grave, this film was shot
in Hawaii. Tourism may go up that way, but I can’t
be sure. I want to believe that more men out there are as
dedicated, this film’s plot surely pushes it, especially
during this time that our country may go to war.
-by Jennifer L. Nacino
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Who Framed Rodger Rabbit: DVD Review |
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If everyone is up for a brand new hit edition of a Classic,
Who Framed Rodger Rabbit is a toy for all who enjoy
the concept idea from Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis.
Extras galore! And not to mention any of the juicy details
about the DVD, but the kids will also enjoy the special edition.
Now if there were a scenario that
describes the major set up of the DVD I would tell you that
no scenario could compare to the interactive play that it
offers. The case offers a push button release of a neat DVD
and a cover that embodies the look of leather. In every DVD
there are offers also. This DVD has coupons that only your
kids would appreciate. One of which is a coupon for free tokens
at Chucky Cheese. When you look at the DVD’s, both of
them have a film reel look. It really fits the whole feel
of when the movie is taking place. I can remember just watching
it for the first time and getting that whole feel of 1947
and the days of trolley cars and hard body Fords and Cadillac’s.
Some of the most interesting options
are offered as soon as you get to the opening screen with
the menu options. There are six different choices to pick
from and in the Acme Warehouse the options get so interactive
and the choices are so predictable. This is also where the
Toon Town gameis found. It’s very comprehensive
in design and is very simple to control. The set up is very
clean and isn’t rough with options, just one push of
a button and your there.
One thing that I hoped that would
have been a great idea is the movie set up option. I think
that if the creator could have placed the wide screen option
in on the first disk and maybe offered the game on the second
disk. This may get the viewer to change the disk and they
will find out what’s on the other disk. Other then the
movie screen options I truly don’t have a problem with
the whole look and creativity that went behind putting it
together. I would suggest this for the Rodger Rabbit enthusiast
and for those who love the making of this film. The making
of this film is something that many visual artists can appreciate.
It’s packed with clips, photos, and readable options
that are offered in the film when chosen. The clips aren’t
long at all and it keeps your attention for the information
on how they made the film. I am a huge fan of animation and
the visual concepts that go behind making a film. The potential
is unlimited and vast.
-by Jennifer L. Nacino
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Something told me that the makers of this film was going
to go after the audience that had seen 70’s version
of This movie called Ben (I think it’s called that).
I’m sure that some of you remember it, but I’ll
try to tell you more about it here. Ben was a story about
a boy that had a rat as a pet the boy called him Ben. Something
sad happened to either the boy or the rat. Michael Jackson
did the song done for the film when he was much younger.
The song was called Ben. Now, you all know that there was
actually a film behind the song. Anyway, The way the creators
used the song in this film is much far from what the 70’s
version Ben was about.
Willard is about a young professional man named Willard
played by Crispin Glover who lives with his mother and works
at his deceased father’s company. When his mother
asks him to rid the basement of rats, his lonesome world
begins to take a turn for the worst. Problems come from
his work, his mother, and the rats.
I want to say that this movie is dark, but I have found
it to make me feel sympathy for the character Willard. Almost
felt that the rats were right, but Willard is also wrong.
I found the cinematic views to be catchy. I think if the
cinematographer had taken a step back to see what the theme
was on for that one scene then he would have came up with
something that would be rather too much. I don’t believe
that I would have done it any different. I see that the
cinematographer examining the area well in advance of shooting
it. Toilet scenes, popping heads in air vents, and taking
notice of chewed holes in walls are handled differently
then in other thrilling and scary movies like this.
This movie is rated “R” for it’s language,
and often sketchy patterns of behavior. I say this because
I know that the Ben film from the 70’s is nothing
like this one.
-by Jennifer L. Nacino
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