Tom Isbell's Film Reviews
As heard on KISS-FM 92.1
Monday mornings at 7:30 a.m.
(The Three-Sentence Versions)
Anger/Management
My second Adam Sandler movie within a year and I'm still alive to talk about
it. Amazing. And not a bad Adam Sandler at that. In fact, next to Ben Stiller
he's probably the best comic victim out there. As far Jack Nicholson, he shows
more skill and flair and character work in this movie than in About Schmidt,
although I know I'm in a small minority on that count. Grade: B
The Core
Preposterous concept, fuzzy science, cliched dialogue, and over-the-top acting
make this one of the dumber movies of 2003. Part Armageddon and Jules
Verne, it even manages to make the former look good. How scary is that? Grade:
D
Old School
A terribly awful movie that is terribly funny, thanks to the antics of Will
Ferrel and the attitude of Vince Vaughn. No high pretensions with this film,
and those expectations are easily met. For that, I give it a great deal of credit.
Grade: B
Phone Booth
It's a testament to Colin Farrrell that he makes this 81-minute movie nearly
worth watching. Throw in some clever filmmaking from director Joel Schumacher
and a creepy off-screen performance from Kiefer Sutherland and you have a movie
that isn't nearly as bad as it could have -- should have -- been. Grade:
B
The Pianist
Although a little too obvious at first, the film soon finds its center and becomes
a highly engaging, informative, and moving portrait of individual survival in
the face of the Holocaust. Adrian Brody does well at doing little -- never an
easy task. Grade: A
Tears of the Sun
Surprise, surprise, this is not a bad film at all, thanks almost entirely to
director Antoine Fuqua. Bruce Willis is appropriately terse, Monica Bellucci
is appropriately sultry, and the landscape (Hawaii posing as Nigeria) is wonderfully
lush and vivid. Grade: B+
The 25th Hour
Is there a more under-appreciated director out there than Spike Lee? Although
this is sometimes tough stuff to watch, this is a terrific movie, made so because
of solid performances from Edward Norton, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Berry
Pepper, and because of the excellent (and, to his credit, nearly invisible)
craftsmanship of director Lee. Grade: A
About a Boy
Hugh Grant doing what he does best: playing a likable cad. Based on Nick Hornby's
book, this is a sly charming story, stylishly told with a fun and engaging soundtrack.
Grade: A-
About Schmidt
So this is considered a ground-breaking role? Jack Nicholson doesn't shave and
stumbles around and I'm supposed to claim it his greatest performance? Not likely.
Not a terrible movie by any means, but I'm not sure it's worthy of all the hype.
Grade: B
Adaptation
Wow. For the 75 minutes I was convinced this was the greatest movie I had seen
in years. And then the ending happens. While I understand intellectually why
it is the way it is, it need not be. The beginning is so smart, so engaging,
so funny -- and Nicholas Cage those same adjectives -- that I was sorry to see
it change so. And terrific performances from Chris Cooper and Meryl Streep as
well. Grade: A-
A.I. - Artificial Intelligence
Steven Spielberg's imitation of Stanley Kubrick, and it's not particularly flattering
to either gentleman. Spielberg seems unclear whether he's directing an adult
E.T. or a child's 2001. In either case, it's not a pretty
picture, despite an intriguing performance by Haley Joel Osment. Grade:
B-
Ali
Somehow on this film's trail to glory, it got bogged down in, well, stuff. Despite
the always-interesting direction of Michael Mann and the fine (albeit distant)
performance of Will Smith, the movies doesn't engage. It sits there, like a
boxing bout that's gone on way too long. It's ultimattely a mercy when the movie
ends, even with the Rich Little-like performance of Jon Voigt as Howard Cosell.
Grade: B-
All the Pretty Horses
A disjointed love story that certainly read better than it plays on film. To
its credit, it manages to evoke the spirit of post-War Mexico and Texas, and
it's certainly beautiful to look at, but the love story isn't as compelling
as it needs to be. It's a movie that doesn't work, but at least it doesn't work
for the right reasons. Grade: B
Almost Famous
A sweet autobiographical coming-of-age film from Cameron Crowe. Although it
feels long toward the end, there's an innocence to the movie (surprisingly enough)
that wins your hearts. (Is Kate Hudson Goldie Hawn's daughter or what?!?) Grade:
A-
Amelie
Charming. Sweet. Romantic. As far as I'm concerned, this is the type of movie
that makes going to the movies worthwhile. After the other films released in
2001, it's nice to see something of true quality. This might become one of my
favorite films of all time. Grade: A+
American Beauty
There aren't enough positive adjectives for this one. A beautiful, haunting
film by first-time film director Sam Mendes. Kevin Spacey is as good as he's
ever been (which is saying something). There's a remarkable scene with a white
plastic bag against a red brick wall that defies explanation. Grade:
A
American Pie
Seems like we see this same story year after year, but at least this film has
some genuine humor and decent surprises. Grade: B
American Pie 2
Possibly the worst film of the year, and that's saying something. Were it not
for Eugene Levy there wouldn't be a genuine laugh in the movie. How many more
of these young-men-losing-their-sexual-innocence stories do we need to see?
Grade: D-
America's Sweethearts
A frustratingly awful film that could have been so much better. Although not
particularly compelling early on (we're supposed to care about the whining John
Cusack?), it really falls apart at the end, when the focus should shift to Julia
Roberts, but for some reason stays with Catherine Zeta Jones. Billy Crystal
gives himself the best lines, but maybe he's the only one of the group who can
pull them off. Grade: C-
Analyze This
Fun premise and well executed (pun intended) by Billy Crystal and Robert DeNiro.
It's worth it just to see DeNiro cry. Grade: B+
Angel Eyes
Although this movie gets mired in melodrama, and sometimes it's too dark (visually)
for its own good, it still works. And why? Because of Jennifer Lopez. She proves
once more that not only can she act but she can carry a film, in this case with
strong support from James Caviezel. Overall, a surprisingly okay film. Who woulda
thunk it? Grade: B
Any Given Sunday
Oliver Stone has out Oliver Stoned himself. A loud, frenetic, fast-paced movie
that might have worked had we gotten to know the characters better. Or maybe
the editing is non-stop because Mr. Stone realizes the characters are cliches
and we've seen this story before. Grade: C+
Anywhere But Here
Anything but effective. This movie might have had a chance had it been structured
better. As it is, it wanders aimlessly, not giving the audience the opportunity
to really care for the characters. Grade: B-
Armageddon
Big! Loud! Slick! Fast! Why?!?! Grade: C-
Atlantis
Since when did Disney get in the business of Saturday morning cartoons? That's
really what this is, heavily inspired by Japanese animation, and full of explosions
and plot twists. But no furry sidekicks, no speaking critters, no songs. What's
the world coming to? The late, great Jim Varney is the best thing in it. Grade:
B
Austin Powers in Goldmember
Although bathroom humor is still the staple of Mike Myers' diet, this movie
at least recognizes the charm of the original and provides nearly non-stop laughs.
The kind of movie where you laugh at something and then feel sheepish about
it the very next moment. Grade: B+
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
Mike Myers seems to think that what made the first Austin Powers so
fun was its scatological humor, and so he's made sure we get plenty of it this
go-around. He's wrong, of course, and this movie suffers as a result. Grade:
D+
Bandits
Who knew Billy Bob was THIS funny? A charming film (surprisingly so), that relies
on Barry Levinson's even-handed direction and low-key performances by Thornton,
Willis and Blanchett. Clever in just the right places without being annoyingly
so. Grade: A-
The Beach
A mess of a movie. It doesn't know if it wants to be Apocalypse Now,
Lord of the Flies, or The Blue Lagoon. And the usually reliable
Leonardo DiCaprio has got it into his head that Acting is Shouting. A pity.
Grade: C-
A Beautiful Mind
A powerful film that works despite its Hollywood-ness. Russell Crowe is terrific
as the mathematician John Nash, and Jennifer Connelly is every bit his equal
as "the wife." Ron Howard does an excellent job of directing well
without reminding us that he's directing well. Grade: A
Bedazzled
Although Brendan Fraser is surprisingly funny, there's little else to recommend
about this lethargic, predictable film. Grade: C+
Being John Malkovich
This is one strange, freaky, bizarre, outlandish, outrageous movie from first-time
screenwriter Charlie Kaufman. John Malkovich has never been so entertaining,
and the whole concept is not to be believed. If only the movie hadn't dragged
in the last act. Grade: A-
Best in Show
From the people who made the classic Waiting for Guffman, another mockumentary
that had me laughing from the very beginning. The only difficulty with the movie
was picking out who was funniest. Catherine O'Hara? Eugene Levy? Christopher
Guest (who also wrote and directed)? My vote goes to Fred Willard, whose appearance
at the end makes this the funniest movie of the year 2000. Grade: A
Billy Elliott
A touching story of a young man in depressed England (aren't all the good foreign
films about young men in depressed England?) whose dad wants him to be a boxer
but he wants to be a ballet dancer. Somewhat predictable, but still one of those
rare films that not only entertains but also inspires. Grade: A-
Black Hawk Down
An engaging and harrowing film that thrusts you in midst of battle. It's like
the negative of Saving Private Ryan; in this case it's the middle of
the film that has the battle, which just keeps going and going and going. The
acting, quite frankly, is ordinary (although, to his credit, Josh Hartnett is
improving and squinting less), but the slick camera work of director Ridley
Scott keeps you on the edge of your seat. Grade: B+
Blair Witch Project
A smart, smart movie. Sure, the acting's nothing special, and yeah, the writing's
pretty ordinary, and it's true, the directing isn't always inspired. But all
in all, it's a film that WORKS, and these days that's no easy feat. Grade:
A
Blood Work
What's Clint Eastwood thinking? This is a loooooong, overdrawn, OVERWRITTEN
melodrama that would have been fine as a '70s TV show, but just doesn't cut
it nowadays. Clint Eastwood delivers all his lines with the same gravelly tone
and inflection (or lack thereof), and it takes his character forever to realize
what we guessed long before. I'd rather give blood than see this film again.
Grade: C-
Blow
An incredibly uninvolving movie "based on the true story" of the cocaine
dealer George Jung. Johnny Depp is surprisingly uninteresting, Ray Liotta is
saddled with old age makeup and an old man walk, and Penelope Cruz does the
best she can. The film, sad to say, lacks style. Grade: C
Blue Crush
Director John (Crazy/Beautiful) Stockwell makes the most of this cliche-driven
script; he's able to get the camera inside the waves themselves like few surfing
movies before. The performances are, for the most part, relaxed and fun, but
the words keep getting in their way. (As the boss says to her employee: "Surf's
up, Ann Marie.") The real star is the world of high-powered surfing, which
this film seems to capture quite realistically. Grade: B-
Bounce
Gwyneth Paltrow anchors this film that deals with loss and love, and she's nearly
enough to make it work. Ben Affleck is not quite as believable as the love interest,
but he tries hard. Maybe too hard. Still, it's an intriguing film that has its
moments. Grade: B
The Bourne Identity
Two problems here: one is that Matt Damon's face doesn't have a sense of history
to it. (Just think how someone like Harrison Ford would do in this role.) Second
is that for a movie that takes place in various fun and exotic locations throughout
Europe, the movie seems awfully dark, and I for gone felt cheated. There's a
nice chase sequence through narrow streets in a narrower car, but that's about
the highlight. Grade: B-
Boys Don't Cry
Not exactly a feel-good movie. It's as powerful and overwhelming as the stark
Nebraska landscape it inhabits. Hillary Swank will well deserve all the accolades
she receives from her portrayal of a guy. Grade: A
Bridget Jones' Diary
Believe it or not, this is the most effective romantic comedy since When
Harry Met Sally. In addition to gaining 25 pounds for the role, Renee Zelwegger
eschews her usual squinting and turns out to be pretty darn funny. Colin Firth
is appropriately understated and Hugh Grant proves once more that no one can
handle this genre as well as he. A charming surprise of a film. Grade:
A
Bring It On
You know you're in trouble when the climactic line is, "You don't understand.
This could ruin my cheeleading career." There must be something positive
I can say about this film, but I can't think of it right now. Grade:
C-
Bringing Out the Dead
If you like the dark technical wizadry of Martin Scorsese's directing, and the
dark urban nightmare of Paul Schrader's writing, and the dark hang-dog acting
of Nicholas Cage, this movie's for you. But my bet is it will be too dark for
most people's taste. Grade: B-
Captain Correlli's Mandolin
I bet this was a good book. Too bad the movie is bogged down by its sentiment
and Nicholas Cage's accent. Grade: B-
Cast Away
It's a tribute to the star quality of Tom Hanks that we're so engrossed in this
movie, and it's just the opposite of Saving Private Ryan, where the beginning
and ending made the movie. Here it's the center, when Tom Hanks is alone on
the island. (Who knew a relationship with a beach ball could be so moving?)
The beginning and ending of the movie make a nice frame but ultimately add little
to the story. Grade: A
Catch Me if You Can
A light, but engagingly effective film. Spielberg proves himself an expert craftsman
without showing all the wires, and Leonardo DiCaprio is just right. In the wrong
hands this could have been the most dismal flop of a movie. Credit the actors
and filmmakers for making this one work. Grade: A
Cats and Dogs
A sorry, lame, dreadful movie, that might have once sounded clever in a pitch
meeting, but plays at a lugubrious pace, with similar results. A dog of a film.
Grade: D
The Cell
Like we need yet another movie about serial killers. The director was going
for Silence of the Lambs; he ended up with a Calvin Klein Obsession ad.
And the acting's about that good as well. Vince Vaughn is far better than this.
Some interesting visuals are the only reason to go. Grade: C+
Center Stage
This could have been worse. Really. Although it lacks the intensity of Fame
and the charm of Dirty Dancing, there are still some okay moments, especially
when these dancer/actors actually dance. Go figure. Grade: C+
Changing Lanes
Intriguing and exhilarating, at least at first. As the script progresses, however,
not even the decent performances of Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Affleck can save
this detour of a film. You think it's going in one direction, and before you
know it, you're going somewhere else. Grade: B-
Charlie's Angels
If you like 90-minute music videos with plenty of action and skin and slow motion
shots of women's hair dancing in the wind, then congratulations: this is your
movie. If you like a modicum of real acting and maybe more than a hint of plot,
you might want to wait before rushing out to see this one. Sorry, Charlie. Grade:
C
Chicago
While the singing, the dancing, the direction, the art direction, the cinematography
are all extremely well done, I must confess I never even came close to getting
engaged in this movie. Technically it's a marvel; on a human level it did absolutely
nothing for me. Grade: B
Chicken Run
A fun, clever, and engaging movie that makes you realize what good writing
is all about, even if it is for claymation chickens. I'm surprised to say it,
but this is the movie of the summer. Grade: A
Chocolat
A charming film that starts out overly precious but ends strong, in part
because of lovely writing, subtle direction, and the performances of Judi Dench
andJuliet Binoche. Not as sensually satisfying as one might expect, but the
film still works. Grade: A-
The Cider House Rules
The first John Irving novel-to-film to truly work, and that it does splendidly.
Nothing gimmicky about the production, andthe acting is first-rate. Tobey Maguire
is wonderfully stoic, and Charlize Theron breaks your heart. A three-hankie
movie. Grade: A
City of Angels
A wannabe Ghost, which it ain't. Clunky screenplay, hokey dialogue,
a tagged-on ending. Meg Ryan as a surgeon? Grade: B-
Civil Action
I hate to say it, but the book is better. One of those movies that stays
on the screen and doesn't make it to the audience. John Travolta does his best,
and Robert Duvall overdoes his best, but the script and direction seem stifling.
Grade: B-
Collateral Damage
Poorly written, poorly acted, poorly directed, and, as if that isn't bad
enough, it creates comic book characters of both terrorists and those who hunt
down terrorists. Grade: D-
The Contender
Joan Allen anchors this hard-hitting political thriller, and Gary Oldman
once more proves he's one of the most interesting (and versatile) actors around.
If you're expecting action you might be disappointed; if you like a good political
story with plenty of intrigue and ideas, this is your film. Grade: A
The Count of Monte Cristo
It could've been worse. Really. As it is, it's not badly acted, it's visually
interesting, there's a good swordfight here and there, and after all, it is
a timeless tale. Grade: B-
Crazy/Beautiful
The biggest surprise of 2001 is that this movie is actually pretty good. Kirsten
Dunst gets the opportunity to play a real character (and she does so convincingly),
Jay Hernandez is entirely appealing in a young, Risky Business-Tom Cruise
sort of way, and Bruce Davison, as the troubled, estranged father, is terrific.
A shockingly effective movie. Grade: A-
Crossroads
Forgive me if I have a moment while writing this. It's just that this movie
speaks to ME. Well, okay, maybe not, but it would if I were young, perky, female,
in shape and in need of a female, road trip, bonding, romance story. The good
news is that Brittney Spears isn't all that bad. She has presence, loads of
confidence, and a rather appealing quality. Now all she needs to do is work
on her range... Grade: B-
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
A stunningly beautiful and evocative martial arts film notable for two reasons:
the amazing fight choreography (and the manner in which the fights were filmed),
and its story of repressed love. How suprising is it that the climactic fight
scene in the tree tops pales in comparison to the subtle interplay between Chow
Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh? Grade: A
Curse of the Jade Scorpion
Despite some good lines, this movie feels dated -- older, even, than the 1940
time period it's supposed to be. Woody Allen is funny (if you like Woody Allen),
and Helen Hunt acts. Grade: B-
Dancer in the Dark
One of the first "movie musicals" in recent memory where the singing
and dancing actually make sense. Bjork and David Morse work well off each other,
but my only problem is the film's length. It could have shed 45 minutes and
only been stronger. Grade: B
Deep Impact
Surprisingly engaging and affecting on multiple layers. Tea Leoni proves she
can hold her own on the big screen. Grade: B+
Die Another Day
A rare James Bond film with two (count 'em) Academy Award winners: Judi Dench
and Halle Berry. The former is the better actress, but the latter provides the
better visuals. Pierce Brosnan is better than ever at 007, but isn't there something
odd about seeing James Bond in a flashback? Being tortured?? With a beard???
Grade: B+
The Dish
A charming glance at the 1969 moon walk, as seen through the eyes of a small
Australian community which has the responsibility of making sure its satellite
dish can broadcast the images to the rest of the world. A nice blend of history,
quirky characters, and a director who trusts the power of good actors listening
to the actual audio tapes from Neil Armstrong and others. Grade: B+
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
Not a half bad movie, and terrific performances from Ellen Burstyn and Maggie
Smith. Despite the fact that it's obviously geared more toward women, the film
is good enough that it should resonate with anyone. Callie Khouri's
structure of going back and forth between past and present does get a little
tiring. Grade: B+
Dr. Doolittle 2
No great film, but it's got some genuine laughs. I mean, how can you not laugh
at funny voices on funny animals? And kudos to Eddie Murphy, who once again
proves he is one of the most consistent funny men in movies today. Grade:
B-
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Stylistically this movie is great fun (the art direction especially), and Jim
Carrey (somehow!) is able to find real humor despite being buried under layers
of makeup and prosthetics. But do we really need this much backstory on a cartoon
character? Grade: B+
Don't Say a Word
Despite its creepy preview, this isn't a terrible movie. The villains are appropriately
villainous, Michael Douglas is appropriately heroic (in a clenched jaw sort
of way), and Brittany Murphy is appropriately crazy. What's not to like about
that? And Jennifer Esposito, in a minor role, is terrific! Grade: B
Double Jeopardy
A guilty pleasure. Nothing too redeeming about this movie, and yes, it's based
on a gross misrepresentation of the law, but Tommy Lee Jones is as engaging
as ever, Ashley Judd has real star power, and the scenery is always beautiful.
A perfect video rental. Grade: B
EdTV
A rare miss from Ron Howard. Matthew McConaughey is uninteresting and unlikable,
Woody Harrelson is over the top, and Jenny Elfman nearly saves the film, but
it's too little, too late. Grade: C+
8 Mile
I hate to be the last to jump on the Eminem bandwagon, but this is a good film,
even if it is somewhat predictable. What makes it work is the uniqueness of
the world in portrays and the honest of the acting to make that world unflinchingly
come to life. Terrific performances all around, and director Curtis Hanson does
an admirable job of telling a story and remaining invisible. Grade:
A
Election
A quirky, unsettling black comedy about life in high school. Reese Witherspoon
is dead-on right as the over-achieving student, but the real star is director/writer
Alexander Payne. Expect more from him. Grade: A-
Elizabeth
A dark, intriguing, interesting look at the early days of Queen Elizabeth.
Cafe Blanchett is mesmerizing. Geoffrey Rush is unrecognizably terrific. If
it weren't for the rather ordinary direction, this could have been a stunning
film. Grade: B+
Enemy at the Gates
Although it's tempting to compare the beginning of this WWII flick to the
opening of Saving Private Ryan, that would be a disservice to Steven
Spielberg. This movie is far too self-conscious, and even though Jude Law and
Ed Harris do well, the film's focus is too confining to allow us entrance. A
disappointment. Grade: B-
Entrapment
Exotic locations, a clever premise, Sean Connery in full dialect, and Catherine
Zeta Jones in skin-tight costumes. What's not to like? Grade: A-
Erin Brockavich
Civil Action with boobs. An effective, if surprising, film from Steven
Soderbergh with Julia Roberts demonstrating her star power to full advantage.
Grade: A-
Evolution
A dull, dopey, dumb, David Duchovny dud of a movie. There may be worse films
out there, but I can't think of them. This nearly out-Godzillas Godzilla.
Grade: D-
Eyes Wide Shut
We waited years and years for this?!? A tedious film which could have been
better if Tom Cruise had more depth as an actor. As it is, his descent into
the underworld of sexual obsession is never quite believable. Not how I'll choose
to remember Stanley Kubrick. Grade: C
The Fast & the Furious
More like The Dull & the Senseless if you ask me. These are stock
characters saying stock lines in stock situations, making it a kind of Movie
Without a Cause. And let's face it, when you've seen one car flip over,
you've seen them all. I won't even comment on the acting (more like posturing
really), which is all furious, but not up to speed. Grade: C-
54
An uninspired, straight-forward telling of the rise and fall of Studio 54.
It's hard to tell which of the many self-destructive behaviors is most loathsome:
the drugs, the casual sex, or the polyester clothing. Grade: C-
Finding Forrester
Sean Connery blusters his way through this dismal screenplay that can't
decide if it wants to be Dead Poets' Society or Good Will Hunting.
Turns out, it's neither. Trust me. Grade: B-
Forces of Nature
A surprisingly effective romantic comedy that is both: romantic and comedic.
Ben Affleck is the next Cary Grant, and Sandra Bullock seems game at playing
a less attractive version of herself. The result: it works. Grade: A-
For Love of the Game
For the love of Pete. It's hard to know what's more pathetic: this movie or
Kevin Costner's desperate attempt to resurrect something he once had. This is
a bad script, made lively not by Costner or Kelly Preston but by the mellifluous
play-by-play of Vin Scully. Grade: C
The Four Feathers
Perhaps the most implausible movie since Meg Ryan played a surgeon in City
of Angels. And how the heck did those British guys survive the attack from
those other guys?!? Kate Hudson doesn't do terribly with her British accent,
but Wes Bently is surprisingly uninteresting. A snooze of a movie. Grade:
C+
Frailty
An effecitvely creepy film debut for Bill Paxton, who acts in this as well,
playing a man convinced God is speaking to him, urging him to rid the world
of demons. Some decent performances, and a couple of nice twists at the end.
Grade: B+
French Kiss
Sure, it's no When Harrry Met Sally or even Sleepless in Seattle,
but this is not a bad movie at all. Meg Ryan is utterly charming (and not nearly
as self-conscious as in recent films), and Kevin Kline proves once again he
is one of the best comic actors out there. Grade: B+
Frequency
Not as moving as Field of Dreams, nor as clever as Sixth Sense,
it has elements of both and does okay, considering its outlandish premise. Grade:
B
Galaxy Quest
A surprisingly, disarmingly funny movie that pokes fun at trekkies, science
fiction, and television. Over-acted in just the right places. Grade: A-
Gangs of New York
No wonder people refer to this film as "sprawling"; the story sprawls
all over the place. I'm still not sure how such talented screenwriters can combine
to make such a misguided script, but they did. Daniel Day Lewis is good enough
to save the film, but he's not present enough. A pity. He and Scorsese seem
an ideal team. Grade: B-
The General's Daughter
As a book I bet this worked. As a film, even the engaging performance of John
Travolta and the scenery-chewing performance of James Woods can't cover up the
plot holes. Grade: C
Gladiator
A manly man's man of a movie. Director Ridley Scott ensures we don't get bored
for a second with non-stop violence and aerial fly-overs of Rome (circa 180
A.D.). Its star, Russell Crowe, is just that: a star. He gives the movie its
heart and makes it worth watching. Grade: B+
Go
Reminiscent of Pulp Fiction, only with slightly less violence. Engaging
story-telling, good overall acting (William Fichtner especially), but do we
need more films about drug deals gone bad and casual sex? Grade: B-
Gone in 60 Seconds
Nicholas Cage does his best, but this is a movie dedicated to automobiles, not
such trivial things as plot, plausibility, characterization, or dialogue. The
result? The memory of this movie is gone in 60 seconds. Grade: B-
Gods and Monsters
Rather a dull script. And who would have ever guessed that Brendan Fraser and
Ian McKellan would act in the same film? Worth it for the latter's performance.
Grade: C+
Godzilla
God awful. 'Nuff said. Grade: D-
The Good Girl
So let me get this straight: I'm supposed to jump on the Jennifer Aniston bandwagon
because of this performance? I mean, it's okay, but it's Tim Blake
Nelson who's the most engaging. And although the script is interesting it, like
the community in which it's set, never really comes to life. Grade:
C+
Gosford Park
The only problem with this film is it doesn't know if it wants to be Nashville
or The Player. As a result, by the time the murder happens (90 minutes
into the film), I was content with the satire and character study. But the murder
(and ensuing investigation) changed everything, and made me wish it either happened
earlier or not at all. Still, the directing is fluid and fun, and the performances
wonderfully subtle. Grade: B+
The Green Mile
A powerful, moving adaptation of the Stephen King novel, directed by Frank Darabont.
Tom Hanks and David Morse are especially good, although all the characters are
well drawn and well acted. Special honors go to Michael Duncan. This is good
filmmaking, plain and simple. Grade: A
Hannibal
A slick, gross, and forgettable sequel to Silence of the Lambs. Julianne
Moore does well playing Jody Foster, Anthony Hopkins is in fine fava bean form,
and Ridley Scott's direction moves seamlessly from one scene to another. But
the movie lacks the compelling psychology of the first. Pretty to look at, pretty
to hold, but the movie's not gripping; in fact it feels old. Grade: B
Happy, Texas
A disarmingly sweet and funny movie starring the always-dependable Steve Zahn
and William H. Macy. It's a pity this didn't stay in the theatres longer. It's
good and deserving of a wider audience. Grade: A-
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on Harry and company. After all, how could they
possibly manage to capture the same fun and novelty of the first (of seven!)
of these movies? Nonetheless, this movie shows more cracks than the young actors'
voices. Grade: B
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
A faithful adaptation of the book, and Chris Columbus delivers in providing
visual images that don't let us down as we compare the film to the book. Although
the cast does fine (including, it seems, every major British actor ever),
it's Chris Columbus who delivers the visual goods. Not a bad autumnal treat,
and destined to make gobs of money. Grade: A
Heartbreakers
A flat, rarely funny film that tries far too hard and showcases the limited
range of Jennifer Love Hewitt. Gene Hackman has the best moments, but Sigourney
Weaver is particularly (and surprisingly) unfunny. Too bad. Grade: C-
Hearts in Atlantis
Finally! A movie that is actually about something. After a summer of
drek, what a wonderful experience to be in a movie theatre and actually be moved.
What a concept! Scott Hicks' direction is wonderfuly simple, and the performances
(especially David Morse and Anthony Hopkins) are terrifically evocative. Grade:
A-
He Got Game
Spike Lee's provocative look at college basketball recruiting. The Aaron Copeland
underscoring is a brilliant choice and makes you look at urban basketball in
a completely different way. Grade: B
High Crimes
I know I shouldn't admit this, but I loved this movie. It's a good old-fashioned
thriller with fun chemistry between the ever-great Morgan Freeman and the ever-pretty
good Ashley Judd. Sure, I know it has plot holes, and yes, the "surprise"
ending isn't all that much of a surprise, but still.... For what it is, it works.
Grade: B+
High Fidelity
If you like dark movies with John Cusack talking to the camera a lot, then this
is your film. Strong performances from a supporting cast (e.g., Jack Black)
are the real highlight. Grade: B
Hope Floats
A poor man's Terms of Endearment. It has more musical montages than
Godzilla has helicopters. Unearned sentiment. Grade: B-
The Horse Whisperer
Robert Redford's sweeping film, with beautiful shots of Montana, horses, and
Redford himself, the latter in soft focus. Better than the book. Grade: A-
The Hours
While not a terrible adaptation of a wonderful book, most everyone (director,
actors, etc.) is working a little too hard to make art, whereas the book does
it effortlessly. The one exception is Meryl Streep, who is at the top of her
game. Nicole Kidman does well also. Grade: B+
Ice Age
A fun, if forgettable, animated romp through prehistoric times. The lead voices
do well, the animation is fun, the story is clever and unique. It's the cinematic
equivalent of Chinese food: one of those movies you can't remember as soon as
you leave the theatre. Grade: A-
The Ice Storm
A terribly powerful (and terribly depressing) film about the well-to-do
in the Connecticut suburbs of the 1970s. Joan Allen and Kevin Kline find a world-weariness
that makes you ache in sympathy. Grade: A-
In the Bedroom
This film works not in spite of his rawness and lack of slickness, but because
of it. As refreshing as it is to see such a straight-forward story without the
usual bells and whistles of Hollywood, it's always impressive to see Sissy Spacek
handle the role of her career with such dignity and strength and fire. The usually
funny Tom Wilkenson (Shakespeare in Love, The Fully Monty, The Patriot)
plays serious this time, and does it well. Grade: A
The Insider
An entertaining, informative and visually interesting film from director Michael
Mann about the tobacco industry vs. 60 Minutes. Russell Crowe is mesmerizing
and Al Pacino is uncharacteristically understated (and that's a good thing).
Christopher Plummer is uncanny as Mike Wallace. I could watch this one over
and over. Grade: A
Insomnia
Finally. A movie to restore my faith in film. Christopher Nolan's follow-up
to Memento is well written, beautifully told, and stunningly acted,
with Al Pacino (an American treasure if ever there was one) getting top honors.
And it's such a pleasure to see a location (in this case, Alaska) that actually
acts and doesn't serve as mere window-dressing. Grade: A
I Spy
This has not been Eddie Murphy's year, which is a shame. A bigger shame is this
movie, which never quite gels as it should. The two leads are fine, and supporting
actor Bill Mondy is good, but the direction lacks pace and focus. Grade:
C-
Joy Ride
Is there a more interesting actor these days than Steve Zahn? Paul Walker is
typically bland, but Zahn (and this fun script) make this a thrill ride of a
film in the great tradition of Hitchcock and early Spielberg. Fun. Grade:
A
Jurassic Park III
The actors may claim this is "not just another sequel," but it sure
looks that way to me. Yeah, okay, so we've got some new dinosaurs to look at,
and there are a couple of nice tricks (the birdhouse, in particular), but overall
it's the same old, same old. Why not just combine the next sequel with the next
Rush Hour? Then we'll see who's boss. Grade: C+
Kate and Leopold
It's hard to say why this movie doesn't work. It could be the whole time travel
nonsense, which is explained in a kind of cinematic gibberish pseudo-scientific
way. It could be the script, which has at its core a clever idea but doesn't
know where to go with it. Or it could be Meg Ryan, who seems to be trapped in
a funhouse mirror, doing an imitation of an imitation of an imitation of an
imitation of her earlier self. Grade: C+
The Kid
Bruce Willis should keep acting with kids. This is a wonderful movie, and Bruce
Willis (as in The Sixth Sense) is terrific. The kid (Spencer Breslin)
is pretty funny too. Grade: A
Kiss of the Dragon
Jet Li. Martial arts. Boom. As if you don't know what to expect from this movie.
It teases you with its stylish beginning, but goes nowhere fast from there.
Grade: C
A Knight's Tale
Okay, like there's this knight, except he's not really a knight, but like, he's
posing as a knight so he can joust and and woo fair damsels, but what's cool
is that, okay, even though this movie takes place in medieval times, the soundtrack
is like from now, I mean, is that cool or what, cause who's to say that Queen
didn't record songs back then? Grade: C+
K-PAX
Cuckoo's Nest meets Close Encounters meets Awakenings.
There are some awful cliches in here ("You're getting too close to your
patient, Dr."), and I can't help but feel that we've seen Kevin Spacey
do this role before, but Jeff Bridges provides the real depth to this film and
is always interesting to watch. Grade: B+
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
This is every male teenager's dream movie: Angelina Jolie with pouty lips, a
padded bra, and skimpy clothing. The fact that the story has about as much substance
as, well, a video game seems inconsequential. Still, it would be nice if there
existed some logic from time to time. And what happened to Jolie's talents as
an actress? Here she plays one note throughout, but we'll blame that on one
of the dozen or so screenwriters. Grade: C+
Legally Blonde
Nothing earth-shattering here, but this refreshingly fun movie achieves exactly
what it sets out to achieve. Reese Witherspoon is perfect as the sorority girl
turned law student, and she is aided by a supporting cast that is largely unfamiliar.
(Producers of America's Sweethearts, take note.) Great fun, but then
again, what do you expect from the director of Titsiana Booberini? Grade:
A-
The Legend of Bagger Vance
A yawn of a movie that rarely hits the fairway and ends up in sand traps and
water hazards much of the time. (A golf metaphor for a golf movie. Get it?)
Will Smith is the only actor able to rise above the mediocre writing, and even
Michael Ballhaus' scrumptious cinematography can't save this dogleg of a movie.
Grade: B-
Life as a House
A sentimental jumble. As good as Kevin Kline is in this film, the script works
against him, and against everybody. Beautifully shot but completely uninvolving.
Grade: C
Life is Beautiful
An emotional fable that packs a wallop. Roberto Benigni is the unique force
that propels this movie forward. Definitely worth seeing. Grade: A
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
A terrific movie that manages to effectively transport the non-fantasy people
(like myself) into a world of hobbits, elves, and the so-called Cracks of Doom.
Ian McKellen shines among the actors, many of whom are quite good. The direction
is straight-forward but effective, and the world created is wonderfully unique.
Most important, it's even got me of all people looking forward to the sequels.
That's high praise. Grade: A
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Although the spectacle is good and the action scenes impressive, any LOTR
movie that focuses more on Gollum than on Frodo has got some kind of problem.
And if all the characters are able to die and come back to life, what's at stake?
A disappointment. Grade: B
Lost & Found
A perfectly terrible and unfunny romantic comedy. We're really supposed to believe
that Sophie Marceau falls for David Spade?Puh-leaze. Grade: F
Magnolia
Part Nashville, part Boogie Nights, part biblical plague.
Paul Thomas Anderson's directing is better than his writing, which wants to
be more profound than it is. The performances are consistently good, the camera
work is skillful, but the script itself tries to cover too many big issues simultaneously.
Grade: B+
Man on the Moon
An enigmatic movie about an enigmatic man. The good news is that Jim Carrey
doesn't speak from his rear end. The bad news is that Jim Carrey doesn't speak
from his rear end. Oddly sentimental at the end. Grade: B-
The Man Who Wasn't There
It's unusual to see a movie where the cinematography stands out - especially
black and white cinematography - but that's the true star of this film. Billy
Bob Thornton is good (as usual) but the story doesn't flow like the more successful
Coen brothers films. Grade: B
The Matrix
Keanu Reeves as a Christ figure?? I don't think so. Wall-to-wall violence and
a script that thinks it's more meaningful than it is. Interesting only for the
3-D pan action freeze frame effects. Grade: D
Me, Myself & Irene
Jim Carrey teams up with the Farrelly brothers once again (Dumb and Dumber),
but the results aren't nearly as successful. Although the movie has its share
of laughs (what Jim Carrey movie doesn't?), the plot is too paper-thin, even
for this genre, and the ultimate result is a disappointment. The best jokes
are when Carrey imitates co-star Renee Zellwegger. Now that's funny. Grade:
B-
Meet the Parents
One of the best pure comedies out there, and one that doesn't have to rely on
scatological jokes for its humor. Although the love story is between Ben Stiller
and Teri Polo, it's the chemistry between Stiller and Robert De Niro that makes
this film work. Grade: A
Memento
Not since Betrayal can I remember a film that goes from end to beginning,
and here it does so to good effect. The only problem - and it is a problem
- is that many of the scenes are so short that the movie begins to feel tedious
after a while, and there's an ambiguity to the film that works against, not
for, it. It is clever, I will say that. Grade: B
The Mexican
There may be lamer movies out there, but I can't think of them. Brad Pitt is
flat out not funny, the direction is entirely too heavy-handed, and the screenplay
itself reads like a made-for-TV movie from the '70s. As for the chemistry between
Julia Roberts and Mr. Pitt, the subject is nearly irrelevant, since they spend
so much time apart, which, actually, is for the better. Grade: C-
Mickey Blue Eyes
Mediocre acting, directing, writing. If it weren't for the premise (which is
fun), this movie would have absolutely nothing going for it. And by the way,
haven't we seen Hugh Grant do this role before? Grade: C
Minority Report
Although a little blue for my taste (literally, not figuratively), Tom Cruise
does well enough and Steven Spielberg's direction is interesting enough to make
this an engaging (if not groundbreaking) summer movie. Colin Farrell does especially
well as the foil to Mr. Cruise, but couldn't 20 minutes have been cut somewhere
from this film? Grade: B
Miss Congeniality
Despite a threadbare plot line and a lack of chemistry between the two stars,
Sandra Bullock almost pulls this movie off. She is genuinely funny! And Michael
Caine as her personal trainer chews scenery. If only this were a better script...
Grade: B-
Mission: Impossible 2
Not just a movie, a Tom Cruise love-fest! Director John Woo is the cinematic
action king, and Tom Cruise has never looked so good. If you can get past the
implausibilities and don't mind two hours of slow motion (primarily of Mr. Cruise's
stylishly long hair slapping his forehead), this is the film for you. Grade:
A-
Monsoon Wedding
Put this high atop my list of favorite films of the year. Bollywood at its best,
in this extremely well-acted and wonderfully colorful film of love and romance.
Gorgeous, subtle performances against a striking background of contemporary
India. Beautiful. Grade: A
Monster's Ball
Not exactly the feel-good movie of the year, but a film definitely worth seeing,
primarily because of the strong performances. The story is unrelentingly harsh,
and there are a few moments where plot points are skipped over, but it's a testament
to Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton that the movie still works. Grade:
A-
Monsters, Inc.
A clever, breezy film from the good folks at Pixar. Billy Crystal is especially
funny as the sidekick and the dialogue is funny without resorting to bathroom
humor (aka Shrek). Nonetheless, with the exception of the finely detailed
hair on the main monster's back, I'm still not completely sold on this digital
animation. I miss the lush backgrounds from Snow White. Grade: A
Moulin Rouge
A visual feast. Writer/director Baz Luhrmann, from whom we have come to expect
the unexpected, delivers again, in the form of a dazzling, musical, stylistically
singular romp through 1900 Paris. I guarantee no other musical ever again will
contain both The Hills are Alive and Elton John's Your Song
in the same script. Ewan McGregor and Nichole Kidman both do well, but the acting
triumphs are Jim Broadbent and Richard Roxburgh. I only wish the film didn't
drag in places. Still... Grade: A-
Mulan
Eddie Murphy as the voice of a hand-sized dragon? How can you not like this
film? Engaging, and not as overly cute as recent Disney efforts. Grade: B+
The Mummy
Charming. Clever. Engaging. Adjectives not only for Brendan Fraser, the star
of this action-packed comic book of a film, but for the film itself. Great fun.
Grade: A-
The Mummy Returns
Writer/director Stephen Sommers seems to have forgotten what made his first
Mummy so successful: namely the charm of Brendan Fraser, his flirtatious
relationship with Rachel Weisz, and the predicaments in which they kept finding
themselves. What the first Mummy had in charm and cleverness, this one
tries to replace with action and special effects. The result is a hollow and
humorless film that will, unfortunately, make a lot of money. A shame. Grade:
C
The Muse
A sadly misguided effort from Albert Brooks, who plays a screenwriter who has
lost his edge. Yeah, that sounds about right. Grade: C
Music from the Heart
There's a good story in here somewhere, but the disjointed storytelling of this
particular film doesn't make it clear. This could have -- should have -- been
more powerful. As good as Meryl Streep is, she can't save this poorly written,
often melodramatic movie. Grade: B-
The Musketeer
Somewhere along the way Justin Chambers decided to play his good looks instead
of bothering to act, which is a pity for this film since, well, he is the lead
character. Even the fight choreography is unsatisfying, filmed in such shadow
and darkness as it is. The big question is: How did Tim Roth end up in this
stinker of a movie? Grade: D
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
What a fun surprise this is. A clever script and a terrific leading performance
(both courtesy Nia Vardalos) make this the charming film that it is. Wonderful
supporting performances, especially from Andrea Martin. Grade: A-
Mystery, Alaska
What do you get when you roll Mighty Ducks, Slapstick and Hoosiers
into one? Not this movie, although it has elements of each. Grade: B
The Negotiator
Been there. Done that. A mediocre script that wastes the talents of Kevin Spacey.
Best to rent some snowy night when the video you really want is already gone.
Grade: C
Notting Hill
The second romantic comedy of the year for Julia Roberts, which asks the eternal
question: can a major American Hollywood star find love and happiness with a
British bookseller? (In its own way, shades of Roman Holiday.) The
supporting cast is fun, but the movie would have been helped with a little chemistry
between Hugh Grant and Ms. Roberts. Grade: B+
Nurse Betty
My problem with this uneven film is not so much its ineffectiveness (which is
great), nor Renee Zellweger's squinting (which is considerable) but the fact
that it's billed as a "spry, touching film.... purely funny." Excuse
me?? There's a scalping that takes place on film!! Not my idea of either spry
or touching. Grade: C
The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps
Hard to believe, but this movie is actually boring. Eddie Murphy does
well playing the various members of his family (after all, that was the best
part of the first Nutty Professor), but the story itself is a formulaic
yawn and even the Klumps themselves don't have the good lines they had in the
first. Grade: C+
O
Believe it or not this could have been worse. The direction (Tim Blake Nelson)
isn't half bad, and the performances are fine (well, okay, Josh Hartnett pretty
much does the same thing throughout, but still...), and the script remains true
to its Othello source, in a South Carolina prep school, star-basketball-player
sort of way. The problem is it's just so unrelentingly dismal and predictable.
Grade: B-
O Brother, Where art Thou?
A fun odyssean romp through 1930s Mississippi from the Coen brothers. The story
is overly episodic, and though each scene is charming and clever in its own
right, the movie does seem to wander at times. Hilarious performances from the
three leads (George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson), and the soundtrack
(and Clooney's hair) nearly make up for the story's clear lack of purpose. Grade:
B+
Ocean's Eleven
Maybe the coolest movie of all time, with a who's who of a cast. The problem
is the movie spends so much time being cool and the actors are all so ... cool,
that sometimes it feels as though nothing is really at stake. Would it have
killed at least one of the actors to raise his voice now and then? Of course,
the sight of George Clooney is enough for some to not even care if the actors
speak or not. Grade: B
October Sky
Although old-fashioned in its structure and storytelling, this is an effecting,
engaging film nonetheless. Chris Cooper is perfect as the stern father. Grade:
A-
One Night at McCool's
A premise that's not half bad, but the sloppy script and reliance on telling
as opposed to showing bogs the film down considerably. Surprisingly,
Paul Reiser delivers the truest - and funniest - performance. Grade: C+
Orange County
A surprisingly charming and well-directed film that is full of engaging performances,
if not the most ground-breaking script. It's a relief to see that sons and daughters
of the Hollywood famous can themselves be talented. Grade: B+
The Original Kings of Comedy
I haven't laughed this hard at a movie EVER. These are four talented comedians,
and Spike Lee directs the proceedings in such a way to give the film real drive.
Maybe not for everyone because of its profanity. Grade: A
The Others
Although there is a terrific twist at the end, there is a hollow quality to
this movie. Maybe it's the whispered performance of Nicole Kidman; maybe it's
the sterile echoes from the haunted mansion. In any case, there aren't many
scares in this film, but it has its own charm anyway. Grade: B
Out of Sight
A stylish, sexy cop-and-robber film from the director of Sex, Lies and Videotape.
George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez seem made for each other. Grade: A-
The Panic Room
More like the tepid room. What starts promisingly enough quickly becomes uninvolving
and manipulated. Jodie Foster is too pinched, Forest Whitaker too sentimental,
the other villains too over-the-top. And would someone tell David Fincher there
are other filters out there besides green? Grade: B
The Patriot
There's nothing terribly original about this Revoluationary War epic, but it
still works much of the time, even if it does feel unnecessarily bloody. Favorite
line: "May I sit here?" "It's a free country. Or at least it
will be." Now that's witty dialogue. Grade: B
Pay It Forward
It's been a while since I've heard people actually sobbing in a movie theatre,
but this film delivers that kind of punch. A surprisingly powerful and effective
movie, despite certain "Oscar moments" that feel over-acted. Grade:
B+
Pearl Harbor
If you like your movies bloated, cliched, and not based in fact, this one's
for you. Sure, the war scenes are beautiful to look at, and yes, it's fun to
see romance amid the parachutes, but the love story is predictable, the dialogue
is straight from the comics ("In the next six weeks either he or you will
be dead"), and Jon Voigt as FDR has so many layers of prosthetic makeup
he looks like he's auditioning for the next Planet of the Apes. This
movie is all about slick, and not in a good way. Grade: C+
A Perfect Murder
Loosely based on Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder, and from the director
of The Fugitive, but not nearly as successful as either. Michael Douglas
and Gwyneth Paltrow are all dressed up with nowhere to go. Grade: B-
The Perfect Storm
This could have been -should have been - so much better. Instead it's
a Hollywoodized version of a powerful book. George Clooney does okay, but his
co-stars don't fare so well, and there are more cliche lines than all the other
summer movies put together. Do we really have to hear a character say, "I've
got a bad feeling about this."? Grade: B
Planet of the Apes
Tim Burton's (dark) take on the '68 classic. While interesting enough, it's
not as engaging as it could be, owing perhaps to Mark Wahlberg's continual glowering
throughout. Tim Roth makes for one mean monkey. Grade: B
Primary Colors
Not counting the 1993 documentary The War Room, this is the best film
about the political process since The Candidate. An intelligent movie
with terrific performances. Grade: A
Proof of Life
Let's see. Meg Ryan plays the role of a married woman who gets involved with
Russell Crowe while on a remote location. Hmmmm. Why does this sound familiar?
Mr. Crowe underacts, David Caruso overacts, and Meg Ryan forgets to act. Other
than that, it's a pretty interesting movie. Grade: C+
Psycho
A shot-by-shot remake of the classic Hitchcock, this time with Vince Vaughn
and Anne Heche. He is interesting, she is not, and in this context the script
feels dated. Grade: C-
Punch Drunk Love
I never thought I would say it, but Adam Sandler can actually act. Wow. I'm
still stunned. Quirky with a capital QU, this is the most successful of Paul
Thomas Anderson's films, and that's saying something. Anchored by a solid Mr.
Sandler and an engaging Emily Watson, it is the most unconventional and surprising
love story one could hope to see. Grade: A
Random Hearts
A truly bad movie that I wanted so desperately to like. It's hard to believe
that Kristin Scott Thomas and Harrison Ford couldn't raise this film to a higher
level. Grade: C-
Rat Race
If your expectations are good and low (as they should be for most films released
in 2001), then you'll be pleased that there are actually a couple of good belly
laughs in this movie. Jon Lovitz provides the truest humor in the film, followed
closely by an animated cow. Grade: C
Red Dragon
Although it's fun to once again see Anthony Hopkins chew some major scenery,
and while I appreciate that this film doesn't resort to the gore of Hannibal,
and even though I found the acting top-notch, the movie still lacks the punch
of Silence of the Lambs. Grade: B
Reindeer Games
The question I have for Ben Affleck, Cherlize Theron, and Gary Sinise is this:
What were you thinking?!? This is not a well-written script, and although the
concept of Mr. Affleck as an ex-con and Ms. Theron as a brunette is intriguing,
it's not nearly enough to hold this lame film together. Grade: B-
Remember the Titans
Disney's version of racism and integration. Denzel Washington is forced to carry
this movie by himself, and he nearly does, but even he can't overcome the film's
weaknesses in writing. To its credit, the football scenes have a certain energy
to them, and the supporting cast, while not terrific, does well enough. Grade:
B-
Return to Me
Maybe the lamest, most sentimental first 20 minutes of a movie ever!
But if you can get past that, you'll enjoy this simple, touching, and very pleasing
romantic comedy. I cried like a schoolgirl, and you can quote me. Grade:
B+
Return to Paradise
An affecting - and effective - film both emotionally and intellectually. Anne
Heche and Vince Vaughn are terrific together. Grade: A-
Riding in Cars with Boys
A film that lacks both the compassion and the humor to make it really work.
Steve Zahn is wonderfully funny and hangdog, Drew Barrymore is merely okay,
and Adam Garcia is terribly stiff and unempathetic. The result is an uneven
movie that leaves you shrugging your shoulders. Grade: C+
The Road to El Dorado
I can't believe I'm saying this, but this latest DreamWorks animated film isn't
formulaic enough. Where are the funny sidekicks? Where are the talking animals?
There's a cute little armadillo, but it doesn't even speak, let alone have its
own Elton John solo. And although the animation is first-rate, no cartoon is
as animated as the real Kevin Kline himself. Grade: B-
Road to Perdition
Here's a concept for you: a quality summer film! Who woulda thought it possible?
But Sam Mendes, Paul Newman, and Tom Hanks are as good as it gets. The direction
is powerful and subtle, the look of the film (by esteemed D.P. Conrad Hall)
is impeccable, the writing is fine, and the acting is first-rate. Grade:
A-
The Rookie
A surprisingly moving film, starring the under-rated Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths,
and, most importantly, baseball. As hokey as this movie is, it still grabs you
at the end. Grade: A-
Rounders
The poker equivalent of a pair of 6s, with a jack and an ace thrown in to give
hints at what this movie about backroom gambling could have been. Grade:
B-
The Royal Tenenbaums
Call me bourgeois, but this is a film so in love with its quirkiness it forgets
to tell a story. Although Wes Anderson does innovative things with his camera
and editing, if this is the future of film I want no part in it. And why on
earth would you want to stifle the likes of Bill Murray, Ben Stiller, and Owen
Wilson?!? Only Gene Hackman has a sense of the movie's style. Grade: C-
Runaway Bride
From the people who brought you Pretty Woman. Richard Gere is still
as charming as ever, but Julia Roberts feels more studied than in her early
days. Question: Is this how Hollywood really envisions small-town America? If
so, they need to get out more. Grade: B-
Run Lola Run
The best German film since Das Boot. An intriguing premise, made all
the more powerful by the slick direction and pounding underscore. Grade:
A
Rush Hour II
A perfectly heinous movie that deserves not one good word. Jackie Chan fights
well but his acting leaves something to be desired, and Chris Tucker is as annoying
as a cross between Joan Rivers and Carrot Top. You know you're in trouble when
the only laughs occur during the out-takes during credits. Grade: D (for
deadly)
Rushmore
Quirky, but let's be honest: the story drags. Bill Murray is fun, but not fun
enough to make this thing work. Grade: C-
Save the Last Dance
A surprisingly sweet and sometimes effective film that examines race, loss,
and love. Julia Stiles has a wonderful presence (although she doesn't show much
range), Terry Kinney has one powerful scene, but Sean Patrick Thomas is the
real reason to see this movie. He's a star in the making. Grade: B
Saving Grace
If it weren't for the somewhat contrived ending, this would be the movie of
the year. Backed by endearing performances and a clever script, this is a fun,
funny, and lovely film. Until the ending, which is, well, disappointing. Chalk
up an Oscar nomination for Brenda Blethyn now. Grade: B+
Saving Private Ryan
An important, emotionally overpowering film. The beginning and ending battle
scenes are truly unforgettable. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks should do this
more often. Grade: A
Scary Movie
Some genuine laughs here in parodying recent horror films, but it panders to
the lowest common denominator to get them. And I mean, the lowest common
denominator. The Wayans brothers provide the truest comedy, and who knew that
Carmen Electra can kinda, sorta act? Grade: B-
Scooby-Doo
The good news is that this could have been a lot worse. (Matthew Lillard as
Shaggy is so engaging and perfect for the role that he covers up a good deal
of the film's imperfections.) The bad news is that if they had just spent a
little more time and money on how this film looked, it could have been
really fun. Grade: C
The Score
Too slow. Too dark. Too whispered. Some good performances, but no score. Grade:
C+
Serendipity
This could be an easy film to dismiss (after all, some of the plot devices do
feel just a tad contrived), but there's something too genuine about the situation
that pulls you in. Besides, John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale are both likable
(a quality Cusack doesn't always possess), Jeremy Piven gives a wonderful performance
in what is normally a two-dimensional role, and Molly Shannon and Eugene Levy
are drop-dead funny. That's more than enough reasons to see this charming romantic
comedy. Grade: A-
Shakespeare in Love
A terrific film that manages to combine cleverness, romance and true humor.
One of those rare movies that demands to be seen again. Gwyneth Paltrow shines;
Geoffrey Rush and Judi Dench are nothing less than brilliant. Grade: A
Shanghai Noon
A surprisingly fun film, with Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson teaming up as unlikely
partners. Maybe not the movie that will bring the Western back to the forefront,
but at least it's got a genuine sense of humor. Grade: B+
Shrek
What's not to love about Eddie Murphy as a talking donkey? I mean, really! Sure,
I wish there were fewer jokes on flatulence, and sometimes I missed the lushness
of a Disney animation, but that doesn't diminish the originality and cleverness
of this film. Grade: A
Signs
Despite a tendency to bend toward the cliche, this movie is nonetheless effective,
partly because Mel Gibson gives his most mature performance ever, but mainly
because M. Night Shyamalan's direction (and writing) is appropriately eerie,
and a couple of the images are genuinely haunting -- I mean the kind of haunting
that doesn't go away after you leave the theatre. Not a bad testament to any
movie. Grade: A-
Simon Burch
A lame, uninspired, hopelessly sentimental adaptation of a terrific book. Even
Jim Carrey phones in his performance. Grade: C-
Six Days, Seven Nights
Harrison Ford and Anne Heche stranded on a desert island. He is mostly shirtless;
she is always bra-less. Obstacles include David Schwimmer and pirates. Get the
picture? Grade: B-
The Sixth Sense
A smart psychological thriller with terrific performances, solid directing,
and most importantly, a script that has everything figured out. Guaranteed goose
bumps at the end. What a wonderful surprise of a movie. Grade: A
Small Time Crooks
One wants to like this movie more than one can, but there's something unsettling
about an older Woody Allen doing his younger schtick, and not pulling it off.
A disappointment. Grade: C
Smoke Signals
A charming, quirky film about two young Native Americans. Part buddy film, part
coming-of-age, part road trip. Grade: B
Snatch
Although not always complete, this quixotic diamond caper is fun and refreshing.
Director Guy Ritchie deserves the credit for creating a fun ensemble; even Brad
Pitt shows what made him so attractive an actor all those years ago with Thelma
& Louise. Grade: B
Solaris
You know, for the first five minutes I thought this was going to be the greatest
movie of the year. Then it turned out to be the dullest. I'm all for homages
to 2001 and everything, but come on! Can't we have a little more plot
and a few more interesting visuals? Grade: B
Someone Like You
A romantic comedy that isn't especially romantic and certainly isn't comic.
Other than that, it's fine. Tony Goldwyn directs with too heavy a hand and so
this light comedy is anything but. Ashley Judd and Hugh Jackman probably do
well, but who can tell? Grade: B-
Space Cowboys
If you can get past the first third of the movie, this is actually somewhat
enjoyable. It's good to see four good actors of age working again (and together!),
and the training sequence is downright funny (Donald Sutherland especially so).
The final third is fraught with cliches and plot holes, but it nonetheless provides
genuine tension. Grade: B
The Spanish Prisoner
An intelligent movie in the film noir style from writer/director David Mamet.
More twists and turns than a Six Flags roller coaster. Grade: B+
Spider-Man
Now remind me, why are people seeing this movie? Is it because of the direction?
Not hardly. The story? Definitely not. The acting? I seriously doubt it. But
there must be some reason people are flocking to this thing. I, however, couldn't
tell you those reasons if you paid me. Grade: C-
Spy Game
It's nice to see Robert Redford in a movie directed by someone else (in this
case Tony Scott) because there's not nearly the amount of soft focus and backlighting
and we get to actually see and enjoy this handsome actor's face. And it's a
good face, aging nicely. The acting isn't bad either, and he proves how little
you need to do as a film actor to give an effective performance. Brad Pitt ain't
bad either. Grade: B+
Star Wars, Episode One: The Phantom Menace
To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln: For people who like this sort of thing, this
is the sort of thing they will like. Except for the pod race, it's rather slow-paced,
and the actors all seem so happy to be in a Star Wars movie that they
forget to act. Grade: B-
Star Wars, Episode Two: Attack of the Clones
Yawn. Let me know when we're done with these clonish Star Wars rip-offs
that are merely operatic, science fiction soap operas, with soap opera acting
to match. Sure, Yoda fights with a light saber, but come on, people! For that
we're going to say this is an enjoyable movie?!? Grade: C-
Stepmom
A sentimental tear-jerker with somewhat disingenuous intentions. Is it possible
that Julia Roberts gets better as it goes along, possibly because of Susan Sarandon's
influence? Grade: B
The Straight Story
A disappointing movie that could have (should have) been so much more.
The structure is entirely too linear - conflict, resolution, conflict, resolution,
conflict, resolution - and the supporting actors work entirely too hard. Richard
Farnsworth does his best, but it's not enough to save this flawed film. Grade:
C
Summer Catch
A sentimental baseball flick that strikes out. Freddie Prince, Jr. lacks the
depth to carry this film, and his love interest (Jessica Biehl) is no better.
The script is predictable, the direction ordinary, and only the performances
of the supporting cast make this worth watching. Grade: C-
The Sum of All Fears
It's either a good sign to Ben Afflect or a bad sign to these filmmakers, but
Mr. Affleck as Jack Ryan is purely inconsequential. What is disturbing is how
unengaging this film is, and remarkably slow-paced. The Oval Office scenes are
done better on The West Wing, and the hospital scenes better on E.R.
If this film is about an errant bomb, this film makes it seem like a dud. Grade:
C
Sweet Home Alabama
Reese Witherspoon does her cute, charming best, but the script is a mess.
The "other" (played by Patrick Dempsey) in this romantic comedy is
flawless, meaning we have no idea who to root for. I'm sure the filmmakers thought
this was a great idea, and it is novel, but it leaves us with no compass with
which to make our way through the hearts of these characters. Grade:
B-
Swordfish
The most implausible film since Lara Croft Tomb Raider, which came out
at the same time. (Maybe something's in the water out there in L.A.) John Travolta
plays cool, Hugh Jackman plays confused, and Halle Berry bares her breasts.
Anything else you want to know? Grade: C
The Tailor of Panama
A confusing disappointment, where Pierce Brosnan tries to outwit Geoffrey Rush,
Geoffrey Rush tries to outwit Pierce Brosnan, the screenwriters try to outwit
the John LeCarre novel, and Jamie Lee Curtis wears as little clothing as possible.
The scenery -- one of the first films shot in Panama -- is nice. Grade: C-
The Talented Mr. Ripley
A creepy psychological thriller of obsession and deception starring a creepy
Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow. Director Anthony Minghella has crafted a creepy
film that is reminiscent of Hitchcock, but lags in its final act where Hitchcock
never would. Did I mention it was creepy? Grade: B+
Tarzan
One of the more enjoyable of the recent Disney efforts. The Phil Collins score
integrates perfectly, and for once there is a limit on the number of "adorable
sidekicks." Finally! Grade: A-
There's Something About Mary
Dumber than Dumb and Dumber and a whole lot grosser. Where's Jim Carrey
when you need him? Grade: C
Thirteen Days
Q: What's worse than Kevin Costner with gills? A: Kevin Costner with a Boston
accent. This is a movie that tries to be about Kenny O'Donnell (Special Assistant
to JFK) during the Cuban Missile Crisis, but let's face it: the movie is about
the crisis, and that means Kennedy himself. Bruce Greenwood does well in the
role of the 35th President, but the film as a whole feels nearly as long as
its title implies. Grade: B-
The Thomas Crown Affair
A guilty pleasure. John Die Hard McTiernan has crafted a slick, visually
stunning romantic whodunit. Pierce Brosnon could not be any smoother, and the
Nina Simone underscoring provides the movie's pulse. I know I shouldn't have
liked this as much as I did, but.... Grade: A-
Three Kings
An arresting, disturbing and unique look at the Gulf War and what it did to
everyone involved. The most unusual war picture in a generation, and maybe the
most satisfying. George Clooney proves once again he's got the stuff to be a
film star. Grade: A
3000 Miles to Graceland
If it weren't for the gratuitous violence and swearing, this would be an okay
movie. As it is, its body count is higher than Saving Private Ryan, and
it makes the dialogue of Goodfells look tame. A pity, because the plot
is halfway interesting and Kurt Russell is fun to watch as he reprises his Elvis.
Even Kevin Costner is not offensively bad. Grade: B
Time Machine
What the...??? You mean we really need to travel 800,000 years in the future?
Wouldn't 400,000 have done? Or even 100,000? All to see Jeremy Irons as a walking
amphibian. Tsk, tsk. This could have been an interesting movie. Grade: B-
Traffic
Director Steven Soderbergh has created a cinematic triptych on the war against
drugs. Strong performances abound, especially from Benicio Del Toro, but it's
the distinctive directing choices that steal the show. A powerful, moving film.
Grade: A
Training Day
Denzel Washington's gritty performance raises this film well above an ordinary
cop-gone-bad kind of story. Ethan Hawke isn't bad himself, but it's Mr. Washington
who takes the acting honors. Grade: A-
The Transporter
Short on plot, long on action. Some decent special effects, but this is like
action-adventure porn.Grade: C+
True Crime
Clint Eastwood whispers his way through his long, dreary film, which isn't sure
what it's supposed to be. The scenes with James Woods are fun, but feel oddly
out of place. And do we really need to see Clint without a shirt? Grade:
B-
The Truman Show
A clever script that doesn't go nearly far enough. Jim Carrey gets serious (well,
kind of). Grade: A-
28 Days
You gotta hand it to Sandra Bullock; she's not afraid to make herself unsympathetic,
which she does for the first half of this movie. Although she's not the pure
"star" that Julia Roberts is, she can handle comedy a whole lot better,
which she does to good effect throughout this not-so-terrible romantic comedy.
Grade: B+
U-571
Oh no! Not the old "the submarine's going deeper than ever before"
moment! A wonderfully mediocre movie with more submarine film cliches than all
the old ones put together. My favorite was the line, "We've got a one-way
ticket to topside." You almost wonder how Matthew McConaughey and Harvey
Keitel can keep a straight face. Grade: B
Unfaithful
Leave it to Adrian Lyne to make adultery look slick and stylish. If you're expecting
a real story with honest-to-goodness cause-and-effect, this isn't it. Grade:
B-
Vanilla Sky
Boy meets girl. Previous girl gets jealous, tries to kill herself and boy. Boy
gets disfigured and has to act behind a mask. Boy gets interviewed by Kurt Russell,
who does his best imitation of Jeff Bridges in K-Pax. Movie gets mystical
and confusing. Despite it all, Penelope Cruz manages to turn in an effective
performance. Grade: B-
Vertical Limit
If you're a man and you like snow, mountain climbing, and incredibly ludicrous
plot devices, this is your movie. Everyone else: be warned. Some good climbing
sequences, but the plot is thinner than the altitude. Save your breath. Grade:
C-
Waking Ned Devine
An astute and heart-warming film that works because it's honest and the filmmakers
understand people -- a rare combination in this day and age. Grade: A-
The Wedding Planner
Since when did movies think they could stop being belieavable? This is an outlandish
plot idea, even for a screwball comedy, and the direction doesn't help. Even
Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey give less-than-stellar performances.
This is an average movie, plain and simple. Grade: C
We Were Soldiers
A truly awful movie. It's so cliched, it manages to trivialize the Vietnam experience.
Mel Gibson once again plays the most noble of all human beings (he has no faults
at all!), and that's part of the problem. This movie might have worked had his
character been more believeable. Grade: D
What Dreams May Come
A visual dream; a structural nightmare. Though it does contain some of the most
striking (and unique) visual imagery in the history of film, it is bogged down
with a humdrum script and Robin Williams, who is trying way too hard. Grade:
C+
What Lies Beneath
It's been a while since I've actually screamed in a movie theatre, but this
film made it happen. Some actual scares, which is a credit to the movie considering
there are some gaping plot holes. Harrison Ford does especially well. Grade:
B
What Women Want
Not this movie. Mel Gibson tries way too hard to be something he already is:
charming, likable and sexy. But his obvious efforts undercut his innate qualities
and therefore this movie. The fact that there's no chemistry between Gibson
and Helen Hunt doesn't help matters. A pity: this is a great premise for a film.
Grade: C-
Windtalkers
A perfectly awful film that is steeped in cliche, over-acting (especially on
the part of the normally reliable Nicholas Cage), and, most insultingly, has
an interesting story to ttell (that of the Navajo codetalkers during WWII),
but insists on telling it (once again) from the white man's perspective. You
would think Hollywood would know better by now. Or maybe not. Not even John
Woo's over-the-top battle sequences save this pathetic film. Grade:
D
Wonder Boys
Am I the only person in America who thinks this movie is over-rated? Michael
Douglas limps and doesn't shave and because of that we're supposed to remember
him at Oscar time?!? If Tobey Maguire were any more understated he would be
a house plant, and although Frances McDormand is interesting, she's not the
least bit believable as a college chancellor. Am I the only person in America
who thinks that Curtis Hanson is over-rated? Grade: B
XXX
I hate to jump on the Vin Diesel bandwagon so late, but the guy really does
have a certain charm, and, for those who are in a search of a newer, badder,
hipper James Bond, this guy is it. The movie is full of cliches -- of course
-- but some of the action sequences are terrific, most notably Vin Diesel out-racing
an avalanche on a snowboard. Grade: B
You Can Count on Me
A wonderfully poignant, beautifully acted film about family, written and directed
by Kenneth Lonergan. Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo give tremendous performances
as siblings who can't quite communicate what they feel for each other. One of
the few films to actually capture a sense of small-town America. Grade: A
You've Got Mail
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan together again, but not with their usual success. The
script pushes when it should pull, and vice-versa. Greg Kinnear does well with
what little he's given. Grade: B
Zoolander
This film might have worked if it were two hours shorter. And funnier. And it
let us care about the characters. As it is, it feels like a Saturday Night
Live sketch gone bad (and long). Ben Stiller is funny enough, and the move
picks up when he and Owen Wilson get to share the screen, but by then we just
don't care whether they succeed in their endeavors or not. Grade: C+