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Million Dollar BabyDirected by Clint Eastwood Starring Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman Running Time: 237 Minutes Rated PG-13 Warner Bros. Seen on 01/29/05 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... In the wake of a painful estrangement from his daughter, boxing trainer Frankie Dunn (Eastwood) has been unwilling to let himself get close to anyone for a very long time--then Maggie Fitzgerald (Swank) walks into his gym. In a life of constant struggle, Maggie's gotten herself this far on raw talent, unshakable focus and a tremendous force of will. But more than anything, she wants someone to believe in her. The last thing Frankie needs is that kind of responsibility-- let alone that kind of risk--but won over by Maggie's sheer determination, he begrudgingly agrees to take her on. In turns exasperating and inspiring each other, the two come to discover that they share a common spirit that transcends the pain and loss of their pasts, and they find in each other a sense of family they lost long ago. Yet, they both face a battle that will demand more heart and courage than any they've ever known. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... When this movie opens, the first thing that popped in my head was, "Oh, Morgan Freeman narrating another movie." By the end of the movie though we get a twist to the typical Morgan Freeman narration that will go unmentioned here. Last year, Clint Eastwood released a movie that many saw as pretentious and in some ways over the top as far as drama is concerned. This movie is far from that, however, garnering almost unanimous great reviews from top to bottom. I am pressed for time so not a lot of talking about the story. The synopsis above describes it perfectly. And there are many spoilers that could be spoiled that will go unmentioned here, but in short, the movie's story brings up so many feelings of deep emotion that make it among the best of the year, easily. Where you think the movie will again delve into pretentious territory, it doesn't and it surprises especially during the last 45 minutes of the movie. Regarding the acting. This is the best I have seen Clint Eastwood and I have never been a huge fan of his acting. His nomination is validated here. Hilary Swank proves here that she is not just a one-hit wonder and she does a truly mind-boggling job of forcing the audience to want nothing more than to see this girl succeed in life. Morgan Freeman delivers a stellar performance as well and is also among the best of the year. The cinematography and film editing were great here as well. And even though the score is repetitive, it's also among the best of the year for me personally. Eastwood's direction is what is really something here. His directing here is so much smarter and fresher than it was last year in MR. All in all, easily one of the best movies of the year. If you don't get touched by this story, you have no heart. Grade for Million Dollar Baby: A -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Mean Girls Directed by Mark Waters Starring Lindsay Lohan, Tina Fey, Lacy Chabert, Rachel McAdams, Amy Poehler, Lizzy Caplan Running Time: 96 Minutes Rated PG-13 Paramount Pictures Seen on 01/28/05 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Raised in the African bush country by her zoologist parents, Cady Heron (Lohan) thinks she knows about "survival of the fittest." But the law of the jungle takes on a whole new meaning when the home-schooled 15-year-old enters public high school for the first time and falls prey to the psychological warfare and unwritten social rules that teenage girls face today. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I am such a late comer to this movie! I can't believe how long it's been out and I haven't seen it. Well, I finally rented it after being told by numerous people to do so. And I'm glad I did. Our poor youth. It's sad they are subjected to this type of behavior. LOL! I don't think it's quite THIS bad, but I think that was one thing that made the movie better as well. Here, you really see how serious the game of gossiping and talking behind people's backs can get. Lindsay Lohan does a great job of being the new girl who comes to a new place with no information on how it works. The hilarious parallel of the world of teenagers and the jungle was just too great for words. The rest of the cast was great too. Many of the SNL alumni are here they bring forth great stuff as well. Story-wise, I was in love with the movie up until the point where SPOILERS!! The queen bee gets hit by the bus. END SPOILERS It just felt a little too out there for me personally. The movie rebounds, however, with the last 10 minutes of the movie. I loved Lohan's deliver of her last line...."Just kidding." All in all it was a very enjoyable ride. I do really wish though that the part mentioned above would have been handled better because for that scene, downgrading must take place. Still, a fun ride. What I love most is that with this movie and Saved! it has been proven that teenage comedies can still be hilarious, smart, and a heck of a ride of good fun. And they both release in the same year. Grade for Mean Girls: B+ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
Vera DrakeDirected by Mike Leigh Starring Imelda Staunton, Philip Davis, Peter Wight, Adrian Scarborough, Heather Craney, Jim Broadbent Running Time: 125 Minutes Rated R Fine Line Features Seen on 01/25/05 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Vera Drake is a portrait of a selfless woman who is totally dedicated to her loving working class family. Her days are filled with time spent doting on them even as she also is devoted to caring for her sick neighbor and elderly mother. Vera has a secret side, though. Unbeknownst to family and friends, she visits women and helps them to induce miscarriages for their unwanted pregnancies, a practice that is illegal in 1950s England. While Vera believes she is simply helping women in need of assistance, the dichotomy of her idyllic home life and her illegal activities make for a fascinating study. When her crime is discovered by authorities, Vera's world quickly falls apart, deeply affecting both her and her family. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... It's only fitting I am able to see this movie the day it surprises in two major categories at the Oscars and gets nominated. I love that that happened. First of all, you all know where I am and the family I was brought up in. I was expecting to watch this with my dad only and have his take on it, but my mother (my ultra-right mother) ended up watching it too. She was awe-struck and so was my dad and so was I. The first thirty minutes of the movie are really long and rather boring. After the movie though I got to thinking about how important this was. We aren't introduced to Vera bringing on miscarriages until about thirty minutes into the film and that was important because for thirty minutes before that we had seen her going about her daily life and chores and not even giving a second thought to them. There's part of the impact of the story right there and it's mainly because of Leigh's marvelous script and writing ability. A little more involving the story is that whether you are for or against it, (Leigh never really clarifies on that himself either. And for that I also give him kudos) you do feel immense emotions for this woman who believes that she is only doing what she sees as 'helping young girls out.' And this leads to the talk of the movie. The buzz surrounding this whole film: the performance of Imelda Staunton. She knows what Leigh is doing and she compliments with it so very well and effectively. In one scene of the movie which will go unmentioned (and really in many scenes), there are hardly any words coming out of Staunton's mouth. Instead, the screen is graced with a tormented woman's face blazing with emotions. She knows that what she's done is somehow wrong and somehow she doesn't understand why. This conflict is showed perfectly by Staunton and it truly is one of the strongest performances of the year. Also great was Phil Davis, who really held his own next to Staunton (and alone). Mike Leigh's direction was fresh here as well, not just his writing. In some way, it is as if he actually filmed this in the 50s and waited 50 years to release it. The look and feel of the time period is so accurately real and it is mainly beacuse of the great Leigh. I am very pleased at his two Oscar nominations for this. This whole ensemble was really something and they added to the 50s accuracy as well. However, there were some very slow moving scenes (esp. during the first of the movie) and while it doesn't make the film bad, it does drag the grade down a bit. But it's Leigh's smart mind and Staunton's stellar performance that elevate it to almost A-status. Grade for Vera Drake: B -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
Hotel RwandaDirected by Terry George Starring Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Djimon Hounsou, Nick Nolte, Joaquin Phoenix Running Time: 110 Minutes Rated R Fine Line Features Seen on 01/25/05 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Ten years ago, some of the worst atrocities in the history of mankind took place in the country of Rwanda; and in an era of high-speed communication and round-the-clock news, the events went almost unnoticed by the rest of the world. In only three months, almost 1 million people were brutally murdered. In the face of these unspeakable actions, inspired by his love for his family, an ordinary man summons extraordinary courage to save the lives of over a thousand helpless refugees by granting them shelter in the hotel he manages. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... Truly, I don't know where to start. During the opening of the movie, the screen is black and we hear the leader of a militant group warning the people of Rwanda of an uprising. For about half a minute that's all there is. Not only is this one of the most powerful moments of the year, but in some strage way it is the perfect way to open this drama. Going in, I really had not a lot of information in my mind about the happenings in Rwanda. I remember hearing about it as a kid, but I never heard full depth what happened in the country. All I knew is that people died. I had no idea it was such a great number of people (almost a million) either. It's rather scary that not a lot of people know what happened here. It's one of the biggest reasons why this is a movie that needs to be seen by everybody. That's not the only reason, however. Not only does the script succeed in informing the audience in what happened in the war-torn country, the lead performance here from Don Cheadle as the man who hides refugees in country's biggest hotel is not only stellar, but chilling as well. This is easily one of the best performances of the year and I am sure that it will haunt me for days (as will the whole movie). Also top notch is Sophie Okonedo who plays Cheadle's wife in the movie. In so many scenes, the energy she gives off will leave you breathless. The direction from Terry George is something special as well. Filming this with such a great number of an ensemble was surely not an easy feat. The writing, as mentioned above, was done magnificently as well. I agree with a close friend of mine who said that if you don't cry during this movie, you probably don't have a real heart. That is just how touching this story is. I have to eat my words as well regarding the song "Million Voices." When I heard the 30 second sample clip of the song, I thought it sounded very off and a little offensive (just because you'd expect a more serious sounding song with a movie of this subject matter). But when you hear it at the end of the movie during the end credits, the feeling is totally different. At least it was for me. Hotel Rwanda is easily one of the best movies of the year. With top notch performances, directing, and writing that will leave your eyes full of tears and you're heart full of true feeling, it's hard not to fall in love with it. Grade for Hotel Rwanda: A- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
HeroDirected by Zhang Yimou Starring Jet Li, Ziyi Zhang, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Donnie Yen, Maggie Cheung Running Time: 96 Minutes Rated PG-13 Miramax Seen on 01/21/05 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... In a distant war torn land, a ruthless emperor is rising to power with an iron fist and his massive armies. To control everything, he will stop at nothing. International action star Jet Li is a fearless warrior with no name on a mission of revenge for the massacre of his people. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I thought that after seeing House Of Flying Daggers this past week, it would be a good idea to rent and watch Hero next, seeing as how Yimou directed both films. Though not as great as Daggers, this film had some very great moments and technical achievements as well. The story here involves love, but there is more focus on the history of the Chinese government than anything. It was a very informative movie for me personally. However, there were some moments in the movie where there was so much flip-flopping from present to past that it got a little confusing. Ziyi Zhang was great here although her work in Daggers was more complete and she was the bonafide star of that one. Li did a great job as did the rest of the cast. But again, the highlight of this movie as was with Daggers is Zhang Yimou. The man really has an eye for great directing. I was involved with is directing and filming of action scenes here almost if not just as much as I was when watching Daggers. All in all, the movie succeeds in telling this story though at times it is a bit too choppy. Still, luscious art direction, cinematography, costume design and the overall direction of Yimou makes it better than bad or just average. Grade for Hero: B -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
House Of Flying DaggersDirected by Zhang Yimou Starring Ziyi Zhang, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau Running Time: 119 Minutes Rated PG-13 Sony Pictures Classics Seen on 01/15/05 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Near the end of the Tang Dynasty, police deputies Jin (Kaneshiro) and Leo (Lau) tangle with Mei (Ziyi), a dancer suspected of having ties to a revolutionary faction known as the House of Flying Daggers. Enraptured by her, the deputies concoct a plan to save her from capture, and Jin leads her north in what becomes a perilous journey into the unknown. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I honestly had no intention of seeing this movie but the surge of Oscar buzz that it has received lately led me to go and see it. I wasn't a tremendous fan of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (though it's been a while since I've seen it), but this movie had me on the edge of my seat and glued to the screen with it's beautiful shots from start to end. The story is very intriguing and interesting regarding this time of Chinese history. In the middle of the movie though, a love story takes hold and it thankfully doesn't do so in a cheesy or formulaic way. Though toward the end of the movie before the big battle the "do you love him or him?"'s were getting a little too much, it still succeeded in mixing this story or love and duty to the cause in which you believe in. Ziyi Zhang gave a very great and respectable performance. She used facial expressions mostly during the first half of the movie to convey her emotions and she did so very well. I was especially surprised by Takeshi Kaneshiro however. His character is one that is tormented throughout the movie emotionally and he did a great job conveying that. Andy Lau had a great supporting performance as well. The MVP of this movie is hands down the technical aspects of it, mainly the brilliant and award-worthy direction of Zhang Yimou. I am really wanting to see Hero now because here he crafted a movie with such a unique vision that is was a joy to see unfold before my eyes. The art direction, cinematography, costume design, score, and original song ("Lovers") were all also top notch and totally worthy of Oscar buzz. If you want a movie that is packed full of extraordinarily shot scenery and action sequences, go see this one. It's stunning visuals will impress you to no end and the story won't leave you disappointed either. Usually in an action movie the screenplay bogs down the whole movie, but not here. China has done it again. Grade for House Of Flying Daggers: B+ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
The IncrediblesDirected by Brad Bird Starring Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson Running Time: 100 Minutes Rated PG Disney/Pixar Seen on 01/13/05 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... 'The Incredibles' follows the adventures of a family of former superheroes rediscovering the true source of their powers - in one another. Once one of the world's top masked crimefighters, Bob Parr (AKA Mr. Incredible) fought evil and saved lives on a daily basis. But fifteen years later, he and his wife Helen (a famous former superhero in her own right) have been forced to take on civilian identities and retreat to the suburbs. Today they live as mere mortals and lead all-too-ordinary lives with their children... who go out of their way to appear "normal." As a clock-punching insurance man, the only thing Bob fights these days is boredom and a bulging waistline. Itching for action, the sidelined superhero gets his chance when a mysterious communication summons him to a remote island for a topsecret assignment. Now, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance, the family must come together and once again find the fantastic in their family life. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... HA! This year's animated films have been anything from sequels (Shrek 2, which I still haven't seen) to bombs (Shark Tale anyone?). In the middle there was The Polar Express which I regret not seeing. Regardless it hasn't been a stellar year for animated features. Pressure was on Disney/Pixar to bring us another great animated film, and they overall delivered here. The first of the movie shows Mr. Incredible swooping, soaring, and racing to accomplish many feats of heroism. It goes on a little too long but then the movie picks speed up with the used to be superheroes being forced to live normal lives among normal people. Immediately writer Brad Bird does an outstanding job of showing this superhero family as just that...a family. There aren't corny uses of their powers and living secret identities. Instead, you have two kids with powers acting like normal brothers and sisters trying to kick the crap out of each other, but with the twist of them using their powers. Regardless, at the core all throughout the movie there is a sense of family and togetherness, not having superpowers. And because of this the script is very much impressive. Bird balances that line wonderfully. Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter both do a great job with the voice-over of these characters here. I was shocked when I got home to look at who did the voice of my favorite character Edna. It was filmmaker himself Brad Bird, and what a hilarious character and voice-over job was performed with Edna. I really loved every scene she was in. The characters overall you root for. It's typical good guy/bad guy situation, but with the mix of a family of superheroes doing it and really cool action scenes and adventure scenes, it is more than just typical material. The biggest thing for me is that I have seen a movie that has not disappointed me. This one kept me on the edge of my seat and wondering what was gonna happen next. Disney/Pixar does it again with this movie. Even though it isn't quite as great as last year's Finding Nemo, it is still a very enjoyable and overall impressive piece of animated work. Grade for The Incredibles: A- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
BirthDirected by Jonathan Glazer Starring Nicole Kidman, Lauren Bacall, Cameron Bright, Danny Huston, Anne Heche Running Time: 100 Minutes Rated R New Line Cinema Seen on 01/07/05 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Nicole Kidman stars in a metaphysical love story that explores the space between what we know and what we feel. Kidman stars as Anna, a delicate young widow who is on the verge of a new life when a solemn little boy (Bright) appears, claiming to be the reincarnation of her dead husband. As Anna, Kidman achieves a breathtaking emotional transparency to portray an intelligent woman who discovers another side of herself in the face of a bizarre, yet tantalizing possibility. Birth is part romance, part mystery, and part family drama - woven into a whole about love, mortality and the unknown. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... The plot explanation above makes this movie sound like it is one of great importance and meaning. I read this explanation before I saw the movie and I thought to myself, "This really sounds like something I could end up loving" but going into the movie I did have an open mind seeing as how half of this year's movies have been really disappointing. And sadly, this goes on that list as well. The first half of this movie is very intriguing, interesting, and a great thing to watch. The last half of the movie unfolds as a sloppy mess and in the end the movie feels like an unimportant and unimpressive bore. It's a sad thing too because as I said the first half was so strong and seemingly had great promise. Too bad the last half of the movie wrapped up the way it did. Nicole Kidman wasn't bad at all. She brought a very subtle and subdued swing to this role, though I think her performance in Dogville was a little more impressive than this. Combined (and Stepford Wives excluded), it's a great year for Kidman even though she still can't top her amazing 2001 works, which she owned that year. Cameron Bright was good as well, though I think Freddie Highmore still gives the best juvenile performance of the year. I think the best one in the cast though was the great Anne Heche. She really is a talent and she's going places. I really enjoyed her very small performance here. There are a couple other aspects of the film that saved it from being a complete disaster. The cinematography and score were both very strong. In both of these categories, the movie should be in contention. Overall, a film that is ultimately just there. The first half delivered, but the last half fell apart. There were nice performances and a couple of technical aspects were very well done, but other than that this is one that will be pretty forgettable for me. Grade for Birth: C -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
The AviatorDirected by Martin Scorsese Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Besckinsale, Alan Alda, Alec Baldwin Running Time: 169 Minutes Rated PG-13 Miramax Seen on 12/26/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... The Aviator, directed by Martin Scorsese and written by John Logan, tells the story of aviation pioneer Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio), the eccentric billionaire industrialist and Hollywood film mogul, famous for romancing some of the world's most beautiful women. The drama recounts the years of his life from the late 1920s through the 1940s, an epoch when Hughes was directing and producing Hollywood movies and test flying innovative aircrafts he designed and created. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I have been so tired of being disappointed by movies this year. Seeing as how this one was gonna be the most nominated picture of the year, I was hoping that it would be one that didn't disappoint, but I was sorely, sorely let down with these hopes during this picture to the end. Scorsese does his best here but ultimately the movie doesn't live up to the hype on many levels. The cast here is pretty big. Leonardo DiCaprio does a pretty good job, though I think there have been a handful of performances better than his in his respected category. He isn't bad here, but at times it is like he is trying too hard and in the end it is a little too mannered (and people complained about Crowe in ABM?) and just...there. And the accent too just kinda got on my nerves as did how eccentric he was trying to come off as. Blanchett was the best part of the whole movie. She was very good in this role and I could totally see her winning for this. Though I don't think it's the best, a nomination and possible win would be fine by me. Beckinsale, Baldwin, and Alda were eh. None of them are award-worthy at all. Perhaps the biggest problem with the movie is that it lacks emotion and it failed to get me interested in these characters. The script is among the sloppiest of the year. It's choppy and sometimes totally pointless, lacking of any kind of punch, and too repetitive (we get it, we get it, he's obsessive compulsive schitzo). At one point during the movie, I leaned over and commented to my father "I wish I had a pillow." Too bad they couldn't put the story together in a more fashioned way for it's the weakest aspect of the whole thing. When leaving the packed full theater, I heard many mixed reactions. One person asked another, "Did you fall asleep?" and another said that "Marty has done it again." I sorely disagree with that latter comment. Where Gangs Of New York pretty much failed for me two years ago, this one failed even more. To think too that this will be multi-nominated and probably the most nominated of the year, it's just shocking to me for this truly is one of the most disappointing movies of the past few years for me. Grade for The Aviator: C- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
The Phantom Of The OperaDirected by Joel Schumacher Starring Emmy Rossum, Gerard Butler, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson, Minnie Driver Running Time: 143 Minutes Rated PG-13 Warner Bros. Seen on 12/23/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... This romantic musical epic is about a mysterious masked figure, Erik (Butler), who roams the undergrounds of 19th century Paris, centering his activity around (or under) the Opera Populaire, where he tutors a beautiful young soprano, Christine (Rossum), who goes on to upstage the city's most famous opera singer, Carlotta (Driver). The Phantom thinks he's found love, until Christine's childhood boyfriend, Vicomte de Chagny (Wilson) shows up. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... okay, seeing as how busy I am with Christmas and family stuff, I am going to copy and paste my review from a message board I wrote right after I saw this. So this review will be a little less personal and thoughtful, but that about how much a review of this movie deserves. Oy. This was just....a mess. And I love musicals. First of all, MY GOD, CAN WE PLEASE LEARN HOW TO LIP SYNCH!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Everyone here (with the minor exception of Wilson) was absolutely PATHETIC at their lip-synching. AWFUL. Gerard Butler should be shot. No, better yet, the casting director should be shot. SURELY there was someone better to play this role. SURELY. I mean, my God in heaven, he was pathetic, even though he was nice on the eye and brought a totally sexy vibe to the role. His voice is horrendous. It matched the right side of his face. Emmy Rossum was the worst of the lip-synchers, IMO. Even though her acting was pretty good (though NOT nomination worthy), the one great thing about her is her stunning beauty. She is absolutely gorgeous and radiant. Minnie Driver was laughable, and not in the good way. Miranda Richardson did pretty good, but the MVP is easily Patrick Wilson. He overall has the best voice, was best at lip-synching, had the best acting chops, not to mention totally great to look at. He could very well make my shortlist because of how weak that category is. You know the biggest one I blame???? Andrew Lloyd Webber. What a trashy, ridiculous, totally uninvolving and anti-climactic story. God, I didn't care!!! There are a few really great songs. "All I Ask Of You" is the film's best moment and I also liked "Masquerade," "Wishing You Were Here," "Angel Of Music," and "Music Of The Night." But this story is just so blah. Ugh. I realize that operas are supposed to include dialogue which is sung, but Webber's awful songwriting is just atrocious. *cue music* "If we stay here, us he will see / We must flee!!!!!!" *exit music* Technically the movie is stunning though, really. Art Direction, Cinematography, Costume Design, Make-Up, Song (I liked it), and the Sound categories should have this movie in them. Schumacher did a pretty good job too (I know I will be alone there too) WITH WHAT WAS GIVEN HIM. So overall, a completely average film. If not for the wonderful technical aspects, this would be a much lower grade. Grade for The Phantom Of The Opera: C -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- The Door In The Floor Directed by Tod Williams Starring Jeff Bridges, Kim Basinger, Jon Foster, Elle Fanning Running Time: 111 Minutes Rated R Focus Features Seen on 12/21/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Set in the beach community of East Hampton, New York, the film chronicles one pivotal summer in the lives of famous children’s books author Ted Cole (Jeff Bridges) and his beautiful wife Marion (Kim Basinger). Their once-great marriage has been strained by tragedy. The Coles lovingly parent their surviving child, bright 4-year-old Ruth (Elle Fanning), who takes everything in stride as perhaps only a child can. But Marion’s equation of love with loss, coupled with Ted’s infidelities, points towards a much-needed change in the relationship. That may come in the form of Eddie O’Hare (Jon Foster), the young man Ted hires to work as his summer assistant – and, Ted hopes, the catalyst to invigorate the Coles’ bond of marriage. Eddie idolizes Ted, but Ted’s erratic work habits soon leave Eddie to his own devices. Marion becomes an object of desire for Eddie, rekindling in her some surprising emotions as a mother and as a woman. To Eddie’s surprise and delight, his yearning is potently reciprocated. As he becomes passionately entwined with the seemingly fragile yet increasingly bold Marion, Eddie comes to realize that, similarly, Ted’s surface fecklessness hides something deeper within. As the summer draws to a close, Marion and Ted must make difficult decisions about the future of their family. Adapted from John Irving’s best-selling novel "A Widow for One Year." (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I didn't know exactly what to expect from this movie. All I heard is that it's mainly needed to be seen because of the performances. I didn't know a lot about what it was about or who was involved (aside from the two main cast members), so I had no pre-conceived notions about it or anything. The story revolves around this couple who had a severe accident occur with their two younger sons. We aren't aware of what happened until the end of the movie (the movie's best moment), but in the meantime there is a sort of intern called in by the main character. Stuff happens but the middle portion of the movie leading up to the end and the resolution is all just a little too uneven and written poorly. However, the grade gets elevated for Jeff Bridges. This is his movie and he carries it all on his shoulders and makes the weaker aspects of the screenplay become a little more elevated. This is an award-worthy performance and it's sad that this will go unnoticed this year. He will easily make my shortlist come awards time. Kim Basinger does a respectable job, but I was expecting a little more from her here. I think this is a sister of Dakota Fanning playing the child part here. She isn't as good as her sister (I am one that defends Dakota). The first moments of the movie and the end of it are the highlights. Too bad that the rest of the movie didn't live up like those moments. Had the writing been a little more put together and better flowing, this would be a much higher grade here. Grade for The Door In The Floor: B- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
CollateralDirected by Michael Mann Starring Jamie Foxx, Tom Cruise, Jada Pinkett Smith Running Time: 116 Minutes Rated R Dreamworks Seen on 12/19/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Max (Foxx) is a failed comedy writer living in Los Angeles who makes a living as a cab driver. This movie focuses on one very tumultuous day for Max, as he figures out that the fare (Cruise) he's been driving around all day is a contract killer, committing a series of hits. Now, it's up to him to somehow stop the killer from executing the last witness... as well as himself. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... Talk about a surprise. I had no intentions of loving this movie at all when I rented it. I wanted to see it solely because of the surge of buzz Foxx has received for it and for it's growth of overall buzz, including Mann's direction. What I got though was a big surprise and a movie that kept me entertained from start to finish. I think the best way to sum up this movie is saying that it is great on the edge of your seat entertainment that doesn't get corny or cheesy along the way. From start to finish, this movie had me guessing what would happen next and also had me biting my nails with anticipation as well. Most of this is attributed to the wonderfully written screenplay. Even the quieter moments of dialogue between the two main characters are great as well even though at times they move a bit too slow compared to the rest of the movie. Also astounding is the direction of Michael Mann. I really wish he could somehow make it in for this movie because this was a wonderfully directed movie. The cinematography from Dion Bebe was great to see as well and it's arguably the best work in that category of the year. Now the cast. I have never been a huge Cruise fan at all, and I still am not. He was the worst part of the movie easily and was annoyingly boring in the movie as well. Had another actor been playing this role, it would have borderlined on sheer perfection. Now, Jamie Foxx is another story. Forget Ray, THIS is his best performance of the year and even though it has to happen that he be put in supporting here, it's still a shame that category fraud must take place. With these two performances, he is easily one of the best actors of the year. I was also very fond of Jada Pinkett Smith's work here. I was highly impressed with her turn and she will definitely play a part in my supporting actress picks of the year. Overall, Collateral delivers. Just when you think the movie is going to finally fade out and become typical movie fare, the filmmakers pitch another great surprise and on the edge of your seat scene, again, without becoming corny or formulaic about it. This one's a must-see. It's what great entertainment in movies is all about. Grade for Collateral: A- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
KinseyDirected by Bill Condon Starring Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Peter Sarsgaard, Chris O'Donnell, Timothy Hutton Running Time: 118 Minutes Rated R Fox Searchlight Seen on 12/18/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Liam Neeson stars as Kinsey, who in 1948 irrevocably changed American culture and created a media sensation with his book "Sexual Behavior in the Human Male." Asking thousands of people about the most intimate aspects of their lives, Kinsey lifted the weight of doubt and shame from a society in which sex was hidden, and knowledge was dangerous. His work sparked one of the most intense cultural debates of the past century - a debate that rages on today. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... First of all, I am quite surprised that this movie even started playing here in Red Stateville. In the middle of the movie I was shocked that it was here. But I am very glad it was and a big thanks to Dorothea Sargeant for getting me a pass for the screening of the movie. The story is a controversial one but one that is very great to see. Full of many eye-opening scenes and moments, the movie knows how to be edgy. I applaud director and screenwriter Bill Condon for doing this project and doing it in an overall pretty good way. The screenplay is strong, but there are moments in the movie that felt a little too rushed and also some parts were a little too slow. Because of that, a downgrade, but for the most part a pretty good screenplay. Condon's direction is also nice here. Now the cast. In the first half of the movie, I wasn't seeing the big deal about Liam Neeson. But in the last half of the movie, the performance really takes off and you get a new respect for his performance at the first of the movie as well. He would be deserving of an Oscar nomination, though I don't know about the win. Now, Laura Linney is a different story. This was a great performance and perhaps even better than her performance in You Can Count On Me. She has plenty of money scenes in the movie and she is a great actress and quickly becoming one of my faves. Her winning the Oscar here wouldn't bad at all and would be totally deserving. Peter Sarsgaard gave an okay performance but there is still something that annoys the crud out of me with his acting style. Due to how weak Supporting Actor is this year, a nod wouldn't be surprising. Hutton and O'Donnell give okay performances though not award worthy. There is just something about the movie that makes me downgrade to this grade. As I mentioned some of the script seemed too slow paced and some felt too fast paced. A couple of other moments felt rather pointless and excessive. But overall, it's a pretty good movie with Neeson and Linney giving Oscar nod-worthy performances. Condon pushes the envelope and he doesn't make a story like this (husband and sticking-with-him wife) be corny or too formulaic, which is what usually happens. Props to him and the movie as a whole. Grade for Kinsey: B -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Maria Full Of Grace Directed by Joshua Marston Starring Catalina Sandino Moreno Running Time: 101 Minutes Rated R Fine Line Features Seen on 12/09/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... This is the harrowing story of a (not quite) typical mule: Maria Alvarez (Moreno), an intelligent and fiercely independent 17-year-old girl from Colombia who agrees to smuggle a half-kilo of heroin into the United States. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... This will be one of my shortest reviews because I am busy with school, but I did get a chance to break from school and work and watch this movie late last night. I wanted to see it mainly for Moreno's much talked about performance. Moreno is great. Overall it's a very good performance and is a great balance of subtelty and showiness. The last shot is really something. However, it does seem like she is missing that big oomph! scene that gets Oscar nods and wins. The performance isn't awful by any means but I do think there are five more deserving women of nominations before her. Her being nodded wouldn't be awful or anything either. The movie fails to be as great as her performance though. To put it bluntly, it was so boring. Initially it was an interesting premise and looked like it would really go far, but in the end it just fell so flat for me personally. It was well shot but overall, the movie just didn't do it for me. Moreno aside, it was a bit of a snoozer. Sorry this is so short, but the bed is calling me. Grade for Maria Full Of Grace: C -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
CloserDirected by Mike Nichols Starring Jude Law, Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Clive Owen Running Time: 100 Minutes Rated R Columbia Pictures Seen on 12/04/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Set in contemporary London, this is the story of four strangers - their chance meetings, instant attractions and casual betrayals. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... This movie has gone through a lot this week. In the past weeks and months it has been considered a frontrunner for Best Picture and many categories at the Oscars. But the past week the movie has received lackluster and mixed reviews for the most part. Many have started taking it out of consideration for categories and have called it a disappointment. Becuase of this, I was very skeptical going into to viewing this. But all throughout the movie and in the end, I was surprised at how well I actually did like it. The story here is so simple yet so complex. That is heavily apparent with the screenplay all throughout the movie, actually. The story only involves four people with chance encounters, problems, issues, and interactions. It's pretty hard to talk about the story without giving too much to say, but needless to say, it's one of the strongest screenplays of the year with fresh and real dialogue. It never gets too heavy-handed while at the same time it never becomes boring and recycled words. This cast is pretty impossible to beat. This group of four actors and their interactions/chemistry on screen are really something to see. Jude Law is probably overall the weakest of the cast, but that is no bad thing.  He
still delivers a very fresh and great performance even though his character
comes off as annoying and mean through most of the movie. He still plays it
well. Then there's Clive Owen, who really hasn't been very well known
before now. But he will be well known now and is a serious threat to the Oscar
for supporting actor at this point in the race. His scenes are chillingly real
and he plays this character so well. At times he creates fear for the audience
and other times he is just this amazingly lovable guy. His scenes with
especially Roberts are the highlights of his performance. The overall best in
the movie is perhaps Natalie Portman, who plays a character that we
really don't know a lot about as far as her past and such goes. But she plays it
so well and her performance causes the audience to understand her anyway. With
this and Garden State, she has proven herself as a very mature and adult
actress who has broken down the barriers of just being known as a young,
teenage-roly actress. I am not saving the best for last, but I am saving the
biggest surprise of the movie for last and that is one Miss Julia Roberts.
I am not a huge fan of her and have never liked her that much in the past, but
she blew me away with this performance. I didn't know she had this subtle of a
performance in her. In her facial expressions alone she emotes so much and I
would totally and completely support an Oscar nomination for her performance
here. For me to like this performance and say she is award-worthy is saying A
LOT.Then there's the man called Mike Nichols. There is something about this guy. His actors gush over him so much and after you see a wide range of his movies, you see that it is all very well deserved even though we might not know him or work with him personally. He is more than a director. He is a real innovator and pioneer, and he is probably the most gifted director in Hollywood. His direction here was smart, fresh, yet simple. I loved the contrast of his simple direction to the complex script. He should be a real threat to the Oscar race. I also liked how there was no score to the movie. That sounds odd, but it worked and so did the inclusion of the great song "The Blower's Daughter" from Damien Rice. There were a few scenes in the movie that seemed a little long but in the end, this movie delivers. It is the biggest movie of the year that lives up to it's overall hype. All four actors give stellar performances (Owen, Portman, and Roberts a little more than Law), Nichols creates a very real and compelling look at these four lives (and he also should be credited for the performances. He knows how to get great performances out of actors), and the screenplay adapted by Patrick Marber and his play is one of the simplest yet most complex looks at relationships, dialogue, and sex created in quite a while. Even though the reviews have been mixed, this is an actor's movie and people love Mike Nichols. It will last until Oscar time and it will fair well there. "Hello, Stanger" was the most quotable line from the film and after seeing this I think "Hello, Oscar" would be appropriate to state as well. Grade for Closer: A- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
Being JuliaDirected by István Szabó Starring Annette Bening, Jeremy Irons, Catherine Charlton, Michael Gambden, Bruce Greenwood, Shaun Evans Running Time: 105 Minutes Rated R Sony Pictures Classics Seen on 12/03/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Concerned that her fading youth and beauty will being to affect her career, estranged from her only son and pretending to be ignorant of her husband's (Irons) philandering, Julia (Bening) is adrift in the world, searching for some way in which to regain the spark of passion. She seems to find that renewed fervor when she meets Tom (Evans), a young American admirer who also happens to be her son's best friend. Tom sweeps Julia off her feet, and the aging celebrity embarks on an illicit affair which, if discovered, would create a social scandal that could ruin her already-waning career and destroy her rocky marriage. But Julia soon discovers that her exciting new passion is but the latest facet of her life to be based upon a lie, when she learns her ardent young paramour is more interested in what she can do for his career than in her, and that his real affection is actually devoted to an ambitious young starlet. This revelation leads Julia to plot an elaborate revenge to satisfy her wounded pride and get back some of the dignity that has been gradually eroded by the various compromises she has been forced to make. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... This is one of those movies that you see just for a performance. At least that was the case for me personally. I'm surprised this movie is even playing here due to the fact that we miss out on some smaller films sometimes.  Going
into this one, I thought I would probably have the same reaction I did to Monster
last year. I thought that I would think the movie is totally average and love
the main performance. Then I thought the movie and the performance would suck.
But neither were true and I was genuinely surprised by both the movie overall
and Bening's hyped performance.First thing to talk about is of course Annette Bening. Talk about a tour-de-force performance. I was shocked at how much I was impressed by her in this film. From start to end, in every scene she is in, she lights up the screen and totally brings on the perfect mix of comedy and drama queen-ness. She is perfect in this role and it is hard to believe anyone else playing this character. She is sheer perfection here. It will be a very well deserved Oscar nod and possible win. Even though some might see it as over the top and camp, I respectfully disagree. The rest of the cast is very great as well. But it's all about Bening here. Tremendous work. And that last shot...wow. There are a few moments in the script that feel a tad bit off but in the long run it's a very well written movie. It kept my interest from start to finish. And the scene that depicts the scene from "Nowadays" (the play within the movie) is a riot. And the reveals in the story too did not feel forced, rushed, or predictable either. That's another bonus for the script. The direction by István Szabó is good as well. I also loved the score and the costumes were great as well. I hate to play the comparing game, but all in all this reminds me of last years Girl With A Pearl Earring. I wasn't expecting a lot and what I saw was very strong and the lead performance especially knocked my socks off. Overall, the movie works on pretty much every level. The story, direction, acting, and the amazing Bening make this one of the biggest surprises of the year. Grade for Being Julia: A- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
SidewaysDirected by Alexander Payne Starring Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh Running Time: 123 Minutes Rated R Fox Searchlight Seen on 12/02/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Miles Faymond (Giamatti), a divorced middle school teacher and failed novelist, and his altar-bound friend Jack (Church) take a wine-tasting trip in California, pondering questions about their directions in life. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I went into seeing this movie expecting a lot. How could a person not?? This is arguably the best reviewed movie of the year thus far. I believe there are only a few bad reviews of the movie overall, and after mine there will be another one. I loved Payne's About Schmidt from two years ago and was genuinely surprised by it. I was surprised by this one too, only not in a good way. The first thing to talk about is what is good about the movie. Even though the cast as a whole did a pretty good job given the material they are given, even the acting was a disappointment for me a little bit. I actually thought the best one in the movie was Madsen who turned in a very subtle and great performance with her few scenes. Church was good and has one really big Oscar scene in particular and this is a performance they like to nominate (and they will)but at times he borderlined annoying with his "man!'s" and his bed-hopping behavior. Giamatti gave an astounding turn in last year's American Splendor and he was good here as well. The problem for me was the script. Payne fails to create a real voice for this movie and it ultimately just becomes a drawn out movie with a great twenty minute finale. Some of it was predictable (like the nude scene), while some of it was so boring that I actually got exhausted watching it trying to get involved in the story and invest in the characters. In the long run, I just didn't care about these people. The main character is a whiny baby and his best friend creates bad situations for himself because of his habit of sleeping around. The scenes between Madsen and Giamatti were the best though and there weren't enough of them in the movie. Even though Payne's and Taylor's writing material here was a total letdown, Payne's direction rose above the movie more than anything else, even the acting. His shots of the car trips alone were very well done and he did a respectable job with his overall direction. Other things annoyed me too, like that overbearing and annoying score. All in all, this movie was kinda a mess to me. Though the performances by the cast are okay enough, the material they are given brings down their performance and at times they don't rise above it. Payne and Taylor both failed to deliver here story-wise, and it's a shame too, seeing as how good Schmidt was two years ago. I know I use the word a lot in reviews and in my overall movie experiences, but I call 'em like I see 'em. This is one overrated, overhyped and overall boring movie. **EDIT: The grade doesn't match the review. I saw this a second time and it impressed so much more. Grade for Sideways: A- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
Before SunsetDirected by Richard Linklater Starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy Running Time: 80 Minutes Rated PG Warner Independent Pictures Seen on 11/30/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Nine years after he first met and hung out with her for a single night (in the film Before Sunrise), American author Jesse (Hawke) once again meets up with Celine (Delpy) in Paris while there on a book tour. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I'll be honest, this is a movie that I wasn't really planning on seeing at all. But lately people have really been talking about how good it is and how great Delpy's performance is in the movie. And honestly, I thought it was a new movie and had no idea it was released this summer and already out on DVD. So I decided to rent it and I am oh so glad I did. It surprised me very much and I wasn't expecting it. This review shouldn't be too long, since nothing really happens in the movie aside from two people talking for an hour and a half. But that is what I loved so much about this one. Nothing much happens at all, but what does happen has a surprisingly profound effect on you. It did for this viewer anyway. It's a sequel to the movie Before SUnrise and the two one-night standers meet up again after 9 years of not seeing each other. I am not going to give any dialogue away, but the way the dialogue between the two progresses and matures is really something to see. I love the concept too of just having the two of them walking through France's city streets just talking. It is only an hour and twenty minutes long and even though it seems as though it would get old and boring, it just goes to show how you can lose track of time when catching up with a friend or past lover. The screenplay here is really great. It would be completely deserving of an Oscar nod. Ethan Hawke surprised me as well. Even though at times he is a little annoying, he does an overall pretty good job with this character and moments of dialogue. Julie Delpy lives up to the hype surrounding her performance. I was genuinely surprised by this performance and am now a proud occupant of the Julie Delpy train of supporters regarding this performance. Her moment in the car with Hawke warrants a nomination alone. I hope she can pull off an Oscar nod, but I don't think she will, sadly. But what a performance. Highly impressed with it. The scenery in the movie is great as well and overall this is just a great movie. It will probably end up being this year's The Station Agent for me. It looks on the surface to have a formula sure for failure for me personally, but in the end it's so hard to pin-point why it's so good and it's a surprise that it's so well done. The real dialogue and acting here makes this one of the year's best. REAL can sum up this movie. See this one if you can. Grade for Before Sunset: A- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
Finding NeverlandDirected by Marc Forster Starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Freddie Highmore Running Time: 106 Minutes Rated PG Miramax Films Seen on 11/27/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Set in London in 1904, the film follows J.M. Barrie's (Depp) creative journey to bring Peter Pan to life, from his first inspiration for the story up until the play's premiere at the Duke of York's Theatre - a night that will change not only Barrie's own life, but the lives of everyone close to him. David Magee's screenplay is based on the play "The Man Who Was Peter Pan," written by Allen Knee. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I have been anticipating this one for weeks. It just has the perfect components to make it a classic. Depp, Winslet, a heartwarming story. And even though it is probably one of the best I have seen of the year, I would be lying if I said that the movie didn't disappoint me in the long run. First, the great parts of the movie. I think the highlight here is the amazing score composed by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek. Scores to movies coming out in the near future have an uphill battle in defeating this score, for it truly is remarkable. Also great in the movie was the film editing and the great direction from Marc Forster. It shows a lot that he follows up the controversial Monster's Ball with something this family-friendly. Johnny Depp truly surprised me. In the past few weeks I have heard mixed reactions regarding this performance but in the end, I thought he did a very good job portraying this struggling author. And Kate Winslet (shown right). 
I think this year proves that she is the next Meryl Streep. No doubt in
my mind. This woman is packed full of so much talent and she chooses roles so
carefully. To see this and the contrasting performance she gave earlier this
year in Eternal Sunshine..., it's clear how amazingly versatile and
diverse she can be. I hope her name is called twice come Oscar nomination
morning. Freddie Highmore was pretty impressive as well. I wouldn't
complain at all if a nomination came his way, for his last scene in the movie
alone.So, what did I not like about the movie? It's not that I HATED some portions, but some parts of the movie did feel a bit off, like a scene in the beginning of the movie where Depp is dancing with his dog and he is trying to get Winslet's kids to imagine a bear. The scene is too long and I think should have relied on the audience to use their imagination themselves. And Julie Christie did a good job in the movie, but her character was poorly written toward the end of the movie and there was a rushing of character development. And even though it is a great family film and overall not a bad one, the overly sugary and syrupy parts were enormous. That's not a bad or a great thing, just an observation worth mentioning. Overall, this is a great movie and one that a family should go see together, but for me the movie was a little bit disappointing. If a little more time was devoted to fixing some loose ends in the script, it would overall be a much better movie and arguably a current day masterpiece. As it stands though, it's a movie that delivers wonderful performances, offers great technical achievement, and packs a very big emotional punch that will surely leave you wiping your eyes at the end of the movie. Just too bad the script couldn't quite be that amazing. This isn't an awful or even an average movie by any means, but my heart does wish that it would have been a little bit better. Grade for Finding Neverland: A- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
Fahrenheit 9/11Directed by Michael Moore Running Time: 118 Minutes Rated R Lion's Gate Seen on 11/23/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Michael Moore's latest documentary traces why the U.S. has become a target for hatred and terrorism. It will also depict alleged dealings between two generations of the Bush and bin Laden clans that led to George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden becoming mortal enemies. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... When this movie opened earlier this year I just didn't want to see it. I am not a big fan of Michael Moore at all. I think he gives political people a bad name. He is extremist and it is just a turn off to me (and a lot of people). So I was hesitant in seeing it in the theater but finally rented it this week on DVD. I am not a giant documentary person. I don't see a lot of them but when I see them, I like them a lot (BTW, just caught Aileen: Life & Death Of A Serial Killer...highly recommended). And I haven't seen any of Moore's other documentaries. Going into this I was honestly expecting to HATE it and discount everything that was going to be brought forth. I was surprised. Very surprised. The first thirty minutes of the movie were hard for me to get into. I was still in the 'this guy is full of crap' mindset, but about thirty minutes in, the situations and facts being presented to me really starting striking a chord both intelectually and emotionally. The scenes from Iraq and it's people, the unbelievably broken Lila Lipschomb, and conflicting reports of the administration all sank in the most. It's hard to delve deeper in what was presented here because you just have to see it and it's also a bit harder to review a documentary. This film is not perfect by any means and that is why a perfect grade is not given. Moore still came across as an extremist and know it all and the pushing of his agenda was so very blatant at times (esp. the first thirty minutes of the movie), but I also think he wanted to inform the public. And that's what the public needs: to be more and better informed. Still ain't a big fan of him, but I gotta give props. Thank you Michael Moore for informing me and making me think twice about very important issues and situations. After seeing this, my mindset has made a complete 180 regarding these issues. Moore succeeded with this viewer. I want to ask my mom tomorrow if she would enlist me in the army. Then have her watch Lila Lipschomb's footage here. Then ask her again. Grade for Fahrenheit 9/11: B+ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Ray Directed by Taylor Hackford Starring Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Sharon Warren, Richard Schiff Running Time: 153 Minutes Rated PG-13 Universal Seen on 11/23/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Ray is the musical biographical drama of American legend Ray Charles (Foxx). Born in a poor town in Georgia, Ray Charles went blind at the age of seven shortly after witnessing his younger brother's accidental death. Inspired by a fiercely independent mother who insisted he make his own way in the world, Charles found his calling and his gift behind a piano keyboard. Touring across the Southern musical circuit, the soulful singer gained a reputation and then exploded with worldwide fame when he pioneered incorporating gospel, country, jazz and orchestral influences into his inimitable style. As he revolutionized the way people appreciated music, he simultaneously fought segregation in the very clubs that launched him and championed artists' rights within the corporate music business. Ray provides an portrait of Charles' musical genius as he overcomes drug addiction while transforming into one of this country's most beloved performers. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I just haven't had time to see this before now, though I have wanted to. Going into this movie, I was expecting to be disappointed because of all the great things I have heard about it. Usually, I am wrong with my expectations of a movie, but for the most part regarding this movie I wasn't wrong. First to talk about what is good to great about the film. First of all, Jamie Foxx (shown right) was amazing. The Oscar buzz being generated about this performance is very deserved. I really enjoyed this performance and can't believe that this is the same actor who used to be on the TV show In Living Color. He has proven himself as an actor with this one. Great performance. A lot of focus is placed on Kerry Washington and Regina King for this movie as far as the supporting acting goes. Focus is espcially focused on King. Though I thought she was very strong, I actually thought she was the weakest of the supporting players. I think the real attention needs to be focused on Sharon Warren. This is the best performance of the movie next to Foxx. I was highly impressed with her work here. So many great scenes for her. She shone in each of them. The whole story involving Ray Charles was very interesting. It was a very informative look at one of the innovators in the music business. I bet the soundtrack to this movie is killer. I was suprised too to be reminded of all that Charles wrote and performed. And of course Foxx was great too in not just portraying this man, but this ENTERTAINER. Some of the musical moments in this movie are so energetic. But in the long run, it felt like the movie was missing something for me. I think one of the problems is the length of the movie. It was too long. And I hate it when some movies that last more than two hours end so abruptly and suddenly when it they have been going on for so long. That happened here as well. There was also a lack of flow with the movie. Some parts felt so choppy and the swingning back and forth between scenes felt odd. And I hate it when there is an overuse of the fading out at the ending of scenes. If not for the performances and the music in the movie, Ray would not be as good as it is. Particularly if Foxx would not have been at the heart of the movie. And more attention needs be given to Warren instead of King and Washington, though all three were great. This biography of a great musician fell short. Seeing his story was very informative and at times very entertaining, but in the end, it is a bit of a disappointment overall. Grade for Ray: B- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
Saved!Directed by Brian Dannelly Starring Jena Malone, Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin, Eva Amurri, Chad Faust, Patrick Fugit, Martin Donovan, Mary-Louise Parker Running Time: 98 Minutes Rated PG-13 United Artists Seen on 11/19/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... "Good girl" Mary (Jena Malone) and her popular, influential best friend, Hilary Faye (Mandy Moore), are starting their senior year at the top of the social structure at American Christian High School. But when Mary finds out she’s pregnant, Hilary Faye and her devoted "disciples" turn against Mary and the school labels her an outcast. It's as an outsider, however, that Mary finds true friends – other students the school doesn't quite know what to do with. In this sweetly subversive comedy, a group of strangers band together to navigate the treacherous halls of high school and make it to graduation, ultimately learning more about themselves and finding out what it truly means to be Saved!. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I distinctly remember over a year ago when Christian people heard that good girl Mandy Moore would be in a movie playing a girl whose best friend in high school is having a baby (for shame!). They were outraged and wondered what happened to this once influential and positive role model. Then to top it all off, it was a 'slap in the face' to God and Christianity according to most Christians. And of course it wasn't available to be seen here in Oklahoma City when it opened. I distinctly remember it was only at one theater and it was far away from where I lived. Sad, isn't it? Little did most Christian people know, this movie was made to prove a point. A point that needed to be made. The story is a simple one, and initially it looks to be a predictable and same-old teen comedy. But it rises above that and becomes a very important and insightful look at Christianity, equality, God's love, forgiveness, all the biggies. It really helps that I have been around a lot of people comparable to most of the characters in this movie, and it was such an eye-opener and relief to see an attempt like this made to the subject area. I can also relate to the ones in the movie who rebelled and who were sent to the "Mercy House." It all looked like a day in the life of me. And the filmmakers nailed every aspect of it. Though at times the obsessiveness and compulsiveness of some of the characters (mainly Moore's character) got a bit extreme at times, there are people out there like that sadly. At times the movie was a little too choppy and a couple of parts were too rushed, but in the long run, those are minor quibbles. The movie has such an important message to say. As one of the characters in the movie says, "Not everyone can be 100% this every minute of their life." Followed by the movies best line making it worthy of an Oscar nomination alone for screenplay, "All these different people in the world, how can we all be the same?" Those two quotes really sum up the message of the movie. I can't say enough how these characters and situations here were nailed head on. These filmmakers deserve a rousing applause. I was also quite surprised at how good the cast was. A lot of these are unknowns and some aren't. I think the standout here is Mandy Moore. She completely nails this character so chillingly and I know that I myself would be happy if award consideration came her way (though I seriously doubt it will). Equally good was Jena Malone in the starring role. These two will be getting awards contention from myself come the end of the year. Parker (oh how I love you), Fugit, Donovan, and Amurri (perhaps the most surprising) were great as well. It's pretty sad that this movie didn't play wide here (though it's no surprise it didn't and I think it's humorous that that censorship goes along with what this movie is trying to get across and proves that it's realistic), as I think this is one of the biggest places in the country that needs to see this. If I could, I would tie down everyone here and force them to watch it (esp. the older generation and the younger who have been taught by the older views) and maybe, just maybe, it could make a difference and open some minds and hearts to difference and equality. "Are you down with the G-O-D?" If you are or aren't, this one's a must-see. Truly one of the best of the year. Grade for Saved!: A- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- A Home At The End Of The World Directed by Michael Mayer Starring Colin Farell, Robin Wright Penn, Dallas Roberts, Sissy Spacek Running Time: 190 Minutes Rated R Warner Independent Pictures Seen on 11/12/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... This is the story of two best friends who grew up together in suburban Cleveland in the 1960s and 1970s who reunited in New York City's East Village in the early 1980s as the core of a romantic triangle. Bobby (Farrell) is a dark, heterosexual hipster who moves in with Jonathan (Roberts), his gay best friend, only to discover that he soon falls in love with Clare (Penn), Jonathan's eccentric and sexy roommate. As Bobby and Clare's relationship develops, it spoils Jonathan's plans to be the father of her baby, which creates tension in his friendship with Bobby. As the story develops, the trio forms a sort of family, moving to the upstate New York home of Jonathan's mother, Alice (Spacek), who has had her own relationship problems with Jonathan's father, Ned. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... This movie, on the surface, looks to be amazing. You could predict with this cast that it would be fantastic and beyond great, but nothing could be further from the truth. This is one of the most disappointing and underdeveloped movies I have ever seen and wish more time and thought would have gone into making it. The only saving grace of this movie was the acting. Spacek and especially Penn give Oscar-contending performances. Though neither one will make it into the Oscar race in the longrun, I still think these two should be given SOME thought, though if they don't score nods, I won't complain for I'm sure that the compeition is getting greater and better as Oscar season rolls on. Farell did a respectable job too. He has great potential, still. Roberts gives the least impressive performance, but it wasn't too awful. It's the writing that knocks this down to a ridiculously contrived, predictable, and stupid movie. The movie starts out with these two main characters are children and teenagers, then it quickly moves to their adulthood. It then goes on to a little later in their lives again. The time span here is huge and there is so much going on with the stories, that it only fitting into two hours makes it feel like everything is rushed and underdeveloped. However, the biggest problem is the handling of the gay material in the movie. SPOILER WARNING: I hated how they made it seem like these two main characters were gay JUST BECAUSE they experimented with each other as kids. And then how Roberts' character gets AIDS. I wish I could see one movie with gay characters where they are so stereotypical and don't have AIDS. I don't mean it rudely or weirdly, but make a gay character with more depth than that. Not ever gay man is destined to get AIDS. This part of the script is totally and completely full of itself and just bad.END SPOILERS I really enjoyed Michael Cunningham's book The Hours (and the adaptation by David Hare), and I do hear the book of this movie is really good, but ultimately Cunningham adapts HIS OWN story to be a mess that left me feeling really disappointing and kind of offended as well. Save the acting from especially Spacek and Penn, this would be a complete failure, but because of those two the grade is brought up a little bit. Overall, in one word: disappointing. Grade for A Home At The End Of The World: D+ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
Vanity FairDirected by Mira Nair Starring Reese Witherspoon, Eileen Atkins, Jim Broadbent Running Time: 134 Minutes Rated PG-13 Focus Features Seen on 09/03/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... The new film version of the classic novel by William Makepeace Thackeray centers on Rebecca (Reese Witherspoon) Sharp. Born into the lower class, Becky can rely only on her wit, guile, and sexuality as she makes her way up through London society circa 1820. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I wasn’t expecting this movie to be playing here quite yet. Usually it takes 2-3 weeks for it to get here when a movie opens in limited release. I guess it helped too that Witherspoon’s name was attached. Many have been predicting for weeks that this movie would bomb. Most going to the theater might just be expecting a funny/comedic ‘bend & snap’ type performance from Witherspoon and they won’t get it here. That’s not an awful thing and I’ll address that in a minute. Technically it is really a gorgeous film. The art direction, cinematography, and especially costume design are all top notch and are nomination worthy at the Oscars. I also thought the direction of Mira Nair was something very special and a highlight of the film. The cast in the movie was pretty good. Eileen Atkins totally steals the show here. This was a hilarious performance. The best of the film. Now, about Reese. I am a huge fan of her and think she’s a very talented and versatile actress. She usually does more comedy than drama so this was a little different for her (also an accent). She didn’t do an AWFUL job and it wasn’t a bad performance or anything. But it did feel like it was ‘just there,’ if that makes sense. I also partly blame the screenplay for (what I felt) limiting her abilities a bit. There were some parts of the film where her presence felt odd (like the dancing scene) and then some scenes she was stellar in (the scene toward the end). Overall, an okay performance. Nothing outstanding and nothing awful. The weakest part of the film is the screenplay and it knocks the overall grade down considerably. The first hour of the movie flows very well and had me very interested, but after that the movie started in a downward spiral that lasted until the end of the movie. The story about class ranks and moving up in the world in England was interesting, though it has been done before, and much more effectively. The story is at times hard to follow. There are too many characters and too little character development. And the biggest complaint is that it is just too long. It clocks in at 2:20 and with about 15 minutes left, I wanted the movie to end but it was at the same time being too rushed. The story didn’t flow well toward the end. Overall, it felt like there was too much going on in the story and the parts that should have had more time spent on them didn’t and more pointless scenes were given the longer duration of screentime. I know it’s not really right to do, but while watching this movie, I was thinking of perhaps (what I think is) the best period piece put on film: Sense & Sensibility. I was thinking of how that one was much more successful in it’s portrayal of class ranks and culture of old day England. It was just as long as this was, but it was more carefully thought out and created. Again, it’s not really fair to do that, but it’s what my brain was doing during most of the movie. So, overall, Vanity Fair is visually stunning and the cast overall did well (despite some reserves with Witherspoon), but the story’s choppiness, rushness, and uninvolvement knock the grade down considerably. With more thought and planning into the screenplay, this one would really be a keeper. Otherwise, simply an average period piece flick. Score for Vanity Fair: C+ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Kill Bill, Vol. 2 Directed by Quentin Tarantino Starring Uma Thurman, David Carrdine, Darryl Hannah Running Time: 134 Minutes Rated R for violence, language and brief drug use Miramax Films Seen on 09/03/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Continuing the story-line which unfolded in Kill Bill, Vol. 1, this is a revenge tale of an expert assassin, called The Bride (Uma Thurman), who sets out on a quest to wreak vengeance upon her former employer, Bill (David Carradine), and other members of their assassin circle, for shooting her at her wedding--along with everyone else in attendance--and leaving her for dead. When this chapter in the story begins, The Bride will have already encountered some of her targets, as she continues battling her way up the chain of command, knowing it will ultimately lead her to her main goal: her chance to 'kill Bill.' (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I wasn’t crazy about Vol. 1 and I am not really that amazed by this one either, but the second volume of Quentin Tarantino’s epic is a little better than the original. First of all, I did not have as much trouble with the violence. I explained it in the Vol. 1 review, but I couldn’t stomach some of the excessive violence in that one. Here, there is less focus on violence and more on story. There are a lot of parts in the film though that are too long and drawn out. Overall, I think this one was written better, particularly the ending and the resolution of the story, but still some scenes dragged on so bad I was sighing deep breaths for the story to move along. For that, the score is knocked down. Again, the cinematography and film editing of this two-parter are just breathtaking. I was impressed even more this time around with those two areas. Speaking of being more impressed…Uma Thurman. I thought she was fine in the first one, even though the performance was a little overrated IMO. But here, she was even more impressive and she had so many scenes with just jaw-dropping emotion and acting ability. Job well done from Thurman. David Carradine also did an exceptional job. Then of course there is Tarantino. His directing was just as good here and just as twisted (which isn’t a bad thing). And there are some scenes here that just had me completely floored and on the edge of my seat. If you have seen it, YOU KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. This review is a little shorter because I did see this on DVD but overall it left me with an ‘average’ feel again. I did like this installment a little better than Vol. 1 and thought that Thurman was even more great here than in the first but the story was so dang boring at times and slow. For that, the grade is knocked down b/c of it. Score for Kill Bill, Vol. 2: C+ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-  DogvilleDirected by Lars Von Trier Starring Nicole Kidman, Paul Bettany, Patricia Clarkson, Lauren Bacall Running Time: 177 Minutes Rated R for violence and sexual content Lions Gate Films Seen on 08/27/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... The beautiful fugitive, Grace (Nicole Kidman), arrives in the isolated township of Dogville on the run from a team of gangsters. With some encouragement from Tom (Paul Bettany), the self-appointed town spokesman, the little community agrees to hide her and in return, Grace agrees to work for them. However, when a search sets in, the people of Dogville demand a better deal in exchange for the risk of harboring poor Grace and she learns the hard way that in this town, goodness is relative. But Grace has a secret and it is a dangerous one--so Dogville may regret it ever began to bare its sharpened teeth. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I was really nervous about seeing this one when renting the DVD last week. The story just sounded too odd for me and I was also nervous in seeing if Nicole Kidman was gonna restore my faith in her acting abilities or turn me off even more. Also there is Lars Von Trier. I had never seen one of his movies, but what I had heard of him didn’t have me excited or anything. Also worth mentioning is that I was excited about this movie last year when it was originally supposed to release but because of the change of release date and the fact that of course it was not playing here when it did release just kinda put my excitement on the back burner First, the cast. This was one strong ensemble. It is lead off by Nicole Kidman, who restore my faith in her talent of acting with this performance. Whereas in her past two big roles (The Hours and Cold Mountain) she came off as overdoing it and Oscar-baiting, here she turns in a very subtle, non-forced, and realistic performance of a runaway woman trying to find shelter in a little Colorado town. She is nomination worthy here. Wonderful performance. Paul Bettany gives a great performance as well as the man who believes in her and will seemingly stop at nothing to have the two believe in her. Other great performances come from Patricia Clarkson and great narration from John Hurt. Next topic is Lars Von Trier himself. Overall, he did a very respectable job with his project. This is a story about so many subjects that will leave you cheering one minute and dropping your jaw in surprise and sorrow the next. The biggest problem with the movie is that it was a little too long. It clocks in at a little over 3 hours long and some scenes did feel too long and drawn out, knocking the overall grade down because of it. But the ending of the story will leave you breathless. At least it did me. This really was a shocking and twisted ending that I just did not see coming. It is an altogether written script about the fickleness and c that is the human race. Direction-wise, Von Trier was nearly flawless. An absolutely stunning directing job without the use of many technical means. There are hardly any sets/props used in the movie. It is set on a soundstage and it looks very reminiscient of the great play Our Town. The art direction nonetheless is remarkable as is the cinematography. The lighting design is especially note-worthy. Overall, I was surprised at how I felt about the movie after watching it. I was a little disappointed that it was a little too long and overdrawn, but for the most part I was more surprised at liking it and appreciating it as much as I did. The anti-American tag that Von Trier and the movie have received is a little strange. True, I felt that at times it was a specific jab to American culture and Von Trier himself has publicly stated that it is a specific jab at it but there is also a sense that this could happen to any culture, anytime, anywhere. At the core, it’s a chilling look at society, culture, and the human race. Glad I invested my time in this one. Score for Dogville: B -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
Garden StateDirected by Zach Braff Starring Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Ian Holm Running Time: 109 Minutes Rated R for language, drug use, and a scene of sexuality Fox Searchlight Seen on 08/21/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... When Andrew Largeman (Braff) returns to his hometown in New Jersey for the first time in 10 years to attend his mother's funeral, he is reconnected with the world he left behind, and meets a girl, Samantha (Portman), who may change his life forever. Having recently stopped taking the powerful antidepressants he had been prescribed for years, Largeman's journey of self-discovery prompted by his return causes him to have a more healthy rediscovery of himself, which includes confronting his psychologist father (Holm) and helping Samantha through her own psychological issues. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... Hearing this movie compared to last year’s Lost In Translation, I gotta admit it worried me. I found that movie to be vastly overrated last year and I have been looking forward to this one for months when I first saw the brilliant trailer before Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. This movie had a very similar effect on me but also a very different one. The first twenty minutes of the movie are a little hard to get into and in that aspect it reminded me of LiT, but the movie really takes off after that and I became so involved with these characters and their situations. That is where it is different for me than what LiT was. That movie never really took off for me. I shouldn’t have rambled on about the comparisons to this and LiT. That’s not really fair. Though they are similar, they are two different movies all their own. I just compared because some critics do as well.  The heart
of this movie is of course the star, director, and writer Zach Braff.
First of all, my exposure of him has been limited. I have tried to watch the TV
comedy Scrubs in the past and it hasn’t held my interest, so I am not
too familiar with his work. Here, he impressed me very much. I was really
nervous right before the movie started because I was afraid I was hyping it too
much and I don’t know why but I felt that if anything would disappoint, it
would be Braff. I couldn’t have been more wrong.It is hard to say where Braff excels best. If I had to pick it would probably be his wonderful directing job. The movie was filmed so well and Braff’s directing vision was highly impressive. His writing skills aren’t too shabby either. As I said above, the first twenty minutes were hard to get into, but after that the movie picks up and I suspect that the movie’s first twenty minutes would impress me more around second viewing. If not for the slowness of the first twenty minutes, this would be upgraded by far, but overall the writing is still something special. Yes, the quirkiness of some of the screenplay and moments of the movie were a bit much, but it didn’t bother me all that much. There isn’t a tremendous amount of structure with the screenplay but I think that is where it succeeds most. The LOL moments during the movie are priceless. This is a comedy at heart, but there are also some very touching and tear-inducing moments that are very special as well. But the comedy here is just wow. Braff’s acting is very good as well and it was where I was fearing to be most disappointed. Not at all. He did a very good job playing a drug prescribed younger adult dealing with coming to terms with life and himself. Peter Sarsgaard gave a pretty good performance but there is something about his acting style that annoys me a little bit but I can’t put my finger on what it is. Ian Holm and Jean Smart are also great in their limited roles. The highlight of this whole movie though is the great Natalie Portman (shown right). This performance will undoubtedly last until the end of the year as one of my favorites. It’s an electrifying, exciting, and wonderful turn. There are times when she had me laughing so very hard and then there were times when she would be making me feel sorrow inside. After her limited role in Cold Mountain last year, this, and surely her upcoming performance in Closer, I think it is very apparent that she is loaded with talent. Wonderful performance. Overall, I was very impressed with this one. I left the theater with a big, huge smile on my face and throughout the movie I was laughing out loud while also being touched by very dramatic and touching moments as well. Zach Braff knows what he is doing. I only wish that this was released a little later in the year so it could have a better chance of lasting until Oscar time. It will surely last until my personal awards time. Great movie here and it is highly recommended. Score for Garden State: A- -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- The Manchurian Candidate Directed by Jonathan Demme Starring Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber, Running Time: 130 Minutes Rated R for violence and language Columbia Pictures Seen on 07/31/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Captain Bennett Marco (Washington) and Sgt. Raymond Shaw (Schreiber) served together during the Persian Gulf War (the first one), and were part of a platoon of U.S. soldiers who were kidnapped by the enemy, and brainwashed to become pawns once they return home. Now, ten years later, Raymond Shaw is climbing the political ladder, as his mother's (Streep) new husband is a powerful senator helping a presidential candidate. Marco, however, is not dealing with the adjustment after the war as well, and eventually remembers being brainwashed. Knowing that it's just a matter of time before Shaw is called to service by his handler, Marco contacts Shaw to try to get through to him before something terrible happens... (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I thought it was pretty bad. Thank God I saw the original last night and then saw this today. This was just almost unbearable. Halfway through the movie I was just shaking my head so much. The adaptation of this was just awful. I know that bonus points should be given for them trying to make it a little bit original and different, but I thought it ultimately fell flat on it's face. Schreiber was good, but nothing special. Washington, eh. Not a big fan of him anyway and this one didn't change my mind. Streep, I love her and she wasn't BAD here, but she has done MUCH better. If she's not nominated, I won't complain. There's Oscar season left and many more movies to come and I am sure that there will be a handful of better performances than her's in her respected category. Lansbury brought so much to the role and here Streep brought so much less. No comparison between the two. Writing was awful, directing was blah, acting was disappointing. Definitely the worst I have seen this year. POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD!!! The biggest reason I didn't think this movie worked was because they were trying so hard to make this movie so different and original and just trying to dismiss that it is a remake and there wasn't an original. I hated the changes made, like Shaw being the Congressman and VP nominee instead of his father. That in turn changed how it was not Shaw who was going to be the assassin and it switched to Denzel, Sinatra's character in the original. Also, it was in turn the lady Washington was with doing what Sinatra did in the original. It just fell so flat for me. The screenplay was just so poor. Where the original created suspense and kept me on the edge of my seat, this one was full of itself in trying to do the same thing...just in a different and more 'innovative' way. Acting-wise, I think Denzel is getting too much praise, but again, I am not a big Denzel fan. Looking back on it, Schreiber was the best of the MAIN cast but that's not saying a lot. Meryl gets worse as time goes by. She did have a couple of good scenes like the scene with her son at the end (which was awful compared to the original). Oh, I forgot to talk about Wright. Even though it was only like 3 minutes of screentime, I did think his performance was the best of the film. His scene at the beginning was great. Overall, compared to the original, this movie blows. In fact, it gets an F-grade. But on it's own, not comparing it to the original the few good performances elevates the grade to a D+ for me. Score for The Manchurian Candidate: D+ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
Spider-Man 2Directed by Sam Raimi Starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina, Rosemary Harris, James Franco Running Time: 127 Minutes Rated PG-13 for stylized action violence Columbia Pictures Seen on 07/01/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man returns in the sequel to the record-breaking blockbuster movie debut for Marvel Comics' flagship character. Tobey Maguire returns as Peter Parker, the nerd-turned-hero, to face new threats to New York City and the people he loves, while battling his sanity in being the masked marvel. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... Going in to see this movie expectations were very high. It is being hailed as better than the original and many are saying it's the best comic book adaptation of all time, especially after this sequel. The movie delivers so many edge-of-your-seat moments and overall it is a little bit better than the original. But I don't think it's the brilliance that a lot of people feel it is. It wasn't a perfect movie and for one main reason, the writing. The acting wasn't awful here. In fact, overall it was acted quite well. Tobey Maguire IS Spider-Man and I could not imagine another actor playing this role this well. Kirsten Dunst and James Franco did a good job as well. Alfred Molina was probably the biggest surprise from the movie. I was quite impressed by his portrayal of this evil villain. He emoted evil very well with his facial expressions alone. Also great and probably the best from the movie was the great Rosemary Harris. Ya gotta love Aunt May. And Harris plays her so wonderfully. Sam Raimi did a respectable job directing the movie and I love how you can tell he is just having so much fun directing this movie. He never lost vision of this being a kick-@$$ comic book adaptation. And technically, the movie is highly impressive. Many people first pin-point the visual effects. They were great and much better than they were in the first movie. It took a lot more in the visual FX dept. for Dr. Octopus and overall the action sequences here than in the first one. And the sound FX and editing and cinematography was great as well, but I honestly think the strongest aspect of the whole film was the score. I can't believe the brilliance of Danny Elfman has not received an Oscar for his brilliant scoring of films. He's one of the best in Hollywood and here, he was once again on top of his game. But this is not an all-out glowing review. I did have a problem with this movie and it lied in the screenplay. **possible minor spoilers ahead**Though I did think the situation of Peter battling with sticking with being Spider-Man or not was well-handled, I thought the dialogue between Harry and Peter was lame. Harry slapping Peter like a girl was completely hilarious and I was LOL when it happened and no one else in the theater was, but he stinking SLAPPED HIM LIKE A GIRL. It was hilarious. The tension between Peter and Harry never felt real for me. It did at the end of course, but not before that. Ditto the dialogue between Peter and Mary Jane. Oh my goodness, "Kiss me....I want to know something." And the last line spoken by Mary Jane was also pretty lame. Aunt May's speech in the middle of the movie was great though. Ditto the scene between Uncle Ben and Peter. I am not dogging the movie as a whole at all. These were some of the best action sequences I have seen and technically it was stellar as well. The acting wasn't bad either, it was just that some parts of the dialogue and story felt either corny or pointless (eating the cake with the girl). For that, I downgrade. I do think this was a better installment than the first one, but I don't get all of the perfect rated reviews. And again, it's that screenplay. If it had been written and/or delivered better than this grade would be higher. As is, however, it barely misses out on a A- grade. Score for Spider-Man 2: B+ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless MindDirected by Michel Gondry Starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Tom Wilkinson, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood Running Time: 108 Minutes Rated R for language, some drug use, and sexual content Focus Features Seen on 03/20/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... This is the story of a guy, Joel (Carrey), who discovers that his long-time girlfriend, Clementine (Winslet), has undergone a psychiatrist's (Wilkinson) experimental procedure in which all of her memory of Joel is removed, after the couple has tried for years to get their relationship working fluidly. Frustrated by the idea of still being in love with a woman who doesn't remember their time together, Joel agrees to undergo the procedure as well, to erase his memories of Clementine. The film, which takes place mostly within Joel's mind, follows his memories of Clementine backwards in time as each recent memory is replaced, and the procedure then goes on to the previous one, which is likewise seen, and then erased. Once the process starts, however, Joel realizes he doesn't really want to forget Clementine, so he starts smuggling her away into parts of his memory where she doesn't belong... which alters other things about his memories as well. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I was so nervous about seeing this, I really was. I was looking forward to it, but was still nervous about it. I have yet to see Being John Malcovich, but when I saw Adaptation in the theaters I was really disappointed. I ended up liking the movie (though not loving it), but upon initial viewing, I didn't like it at all and saw it as overrated. So going into this, I was nervous about seeing another Charlie Kaufman writing creation. My coming out of this movie was nothing like when I came out of Adaptation. With this movie, I was very impressed. First off, the screenplay. Kaufman really is a genius. Whether you love or hate his films, he makes you think and with this movie more than Adaptation, I was more entertained and much more involved. This story felt much more together and in the end, I cared for the characters and what was happening to them so much more.  It
is really hard to go into detail about the strongest points of the script,
because it would be giving things away. I love the intertwining of present with
the past memories in Joel's mind. It's a very thrilling ride. Without giving too
much away, just know that the script is very well written and totally
enthralling.The acting is also very strong in the movie. I didn't have a problem at all with the casting of Adaptation. It was wonderfully casted and so was this movie. The smaller roles in the movie were very well performed and surprisingly central to the story, when you would think that they would be. Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst, and Tom Wilkinson all do very well. The only minor player I had a problem with was Elijah Wood. I hope he enjoyed LOTR because I don't think he'll ever get anything like that again. He was perfect for that role but here, even though his character is written that way, he is gratingly annoying. The main players. Jim Carrey really is one of the most underappreciated actors IMO. Even with seemingly average sounding funny movies like Dumb & Dumber and Liar, Liar, he takes off this those and makes them enjoyable. When he is more subtle and quiet though, like he is in this movie, he really shines his brightest. Great performance by him. Then there's the amazingly versatile Kate Winslet (shown left). In this movie, I was reminded how talented she is. I would never picture her doing a role and movie like this, but she does it, and she does it so well. She was the standout of the movie for me. The woman is not even 30 yet, and she is showing early signs (IMO) of becoming the next Meryl Streep with the way she carefully chooses roles and the way she completely becomes and gets lost in her characters. A truly talented actresses who is long overdue an Oscar. The two main players work so well off of each other. Great chemistry. I hope that both Carrey and Winslet are remembered for next year's Oscars. The direction of Michele Gondry was quite astonishing as well. I think he really saw what Kauffman was trying to get across and he did a very commendable job with the material that was given to him. Wonderful directing job that will surely put his name on the map. Also to technically talk about is the great film editing. The looping in and out of reality/memory was simply astonishing in this film and I can hardly see anything else coming out this year remotely touching the editing work in this movie. Wonderful stuff. So, overall, I was quite impressed. At times the story was a tad confusing and at other times it was a little slow, but the way you are sucked into rooting for these two to end up together is amazing. This is a great romantic comedy that will have you guessing and will keep you highly entertained. The acting, directing, and writing are all superb. [insert corny pun about not wanting the movie erased from my memory here] Score for Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind: A -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 
The Passion Of The ChristDirected by Mel Gibson Starring Jim Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Rosalinda Celentano, Maia Morgenstern Running Time: 127 Minutes Rated R for sequences of graphic violence Newmarket Films Seen on 03/11/04 Review by Shawn Elmore The Plot... This film tells the story of the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus (Caviezel), on the day of his crucifixion in Jerusalem. This film's script is based upon several sources, including the diaries of St. Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) as collected in the book, "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ", "The Mystical City of God" by St. Mary of Agreda, and the New Testament books of John, Luke, Mark and Matthew. (Plot explanation courtesy of movies.yahoo.com) My Review... I was planning on seeing this movie in a few weeks, but my friend called me last night and said that she needed to see it for extra credit in a class. So, I said I would go. I gotta admit, I was so nervous about seeing this movie. Mainly because the hype is so huge. And also because of the violence. I have seen a lot of movies with violence, but I had heard that this movie takes the cake as far as 'graphic' is concerned. But alas, I went. I'm gonna start with what I did not like about the movie. I myself am a Christian and I have also been anticipating this movie for months, before getting nervous about it in the past few weeks. Anyway, I say that because a lot of people are complaining about the violence in the movie and saying it's not necessary for us to see. I agree and I disagree. I totally respect Mel Gibson for making this accurately horrifying depiction of Jesus' death, because I think a lot of previous movies about Jesus' death have toned down the violence a little too much. I think it was worse than what those previous movies depicted and again, I respect Gibson for taking this task and for the most part succeeding with it. In the Christian faith, the wounds that Jesus received were ours. He did it for us. And seeing that like this makes that really sink in. I do think that a few scenes of this violence were a little TOO graphic. When Jesus is getting whipped and beaten on the back, Gibson focuses on the back for numerous shots and shows the flesh being ripped from his back. When Jesus is speared in the side, I understood the symbolism, but I don't think it was necessary for us to see the blood squirting out like it was raining blood. Another scene involved a man to the right of Jesus after laughing at him getting pecked on the head and eyes by a black raven. Again, the blood was excessive and I didn't see the point. I also wished that Gibson would have focused more on the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. I felt the ending was a little rushed after the crucifixion had started feeling a little overlong. I loved the flashbacks to Jesus' ministry such as the Last Supper, stopping the stoning of Mary Magdaline, and also a very touching scene between Jesus and his mother.  Speaking
of that as well, the best scene of the movie for me was a scene where Mary is
watching Jesus bear the cross and he falls. She then remembers a time when Jesus
fell as a child. She ran to him then and the edting in the scene was amazing
because she started running to him in the present as well and when she reaches
him, Jesus says, "See mother, I make all things new." A truly touching
scene that had me in tears.Mel Gibson's directing truly was a great accomplishment. He did a great job in showing this story. At the beginning of the movie I was a little nervous because Gibson using slow motion was getting annoying and I was hoping it wouldn't be like that the whole way through the movie. It wasn't that bad after that, but overall a great directing job. And technically, this movie is stellar, nothing short of a masterpiece. Especially when you consider the budget the movie was made with. Art Direction, Cinematography, Costumes, Film Editing, Make-Up, Score, and Sound Editing are all deserving of award contention, but sadly the movie will not last the test of time that long, I don't think. Technically it is thrilling. And the acting was quite possibly the strongest aspect of the film. Starting at the top of the tier is Maia Morgenstern, who played Mary, Jesus' mother. The woman just needs an Oscar nomination...NOW. She was breathtaking, chilling, spine-tingling. We can see her pain and anguish so clearly and the actress' work should not go unrewarded. Stellar performance. Also great was Jim Caviezel. He really became Jesus and again, that acting through the eyes was amazing here as well. He too did a stellar job. Also great was the spooky and frightful performance of Rosalindo Celentano. That woman will stare an evil hole through the audience. Her performance is so scary and at the same time, moving. Also great were Monica Bellucci, Claudia Gerini, and the actor playing the man who helped Jesus carry the cross. I love it when an actor/actress can act without a lot of dialogue and that is exactly what happened in this movie. All of these actors did it so amazingly. They also nailed the accents and language. Great performances all around. So, overall, I was impressed with the movie technically and acting-wise. I wish the story would have focused more on the resurrection, but then I understand that Jesus' passion was dying for us and Gibson felt that needed to be focused on the most. Also I am mixed about the violence. But this nonsense about anti-semiticism. It's sad that these accusations were even brought up. NOTHING about this movie is anti-semitic. At the heart of the movie is Mel Gibson. And I completely respect and admire him for having the balls to tackle this project, and for the most part, he did so amazingly. The images might be disturbing, but they completely haunt you when the credits roll and beyond. Score for The Passion Of The Christ: B+ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- The Aviator (C-) Before Sunset (A-) Being Julia (A-) Birth (C) Closer (A-) Collateral (A-) Dawn Of The Dead (D) De-Lovely (C-) Dogville (B) The Door In The Floor (B-) Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (A) Fahrenheit 9/11 (B+) Finding Neverland (A-) Garden State (A-) Hero (B) A Home At The End Of The World (D+) Hotel Rwanda (A) House Of Flying Daggers (B+) The Incredibles (A-) Kill Bill, Vol. 2 (C+) Kinsey (B+) The Manchurian Candidate (D+) Maria Full Of Grace (C) The Passion Of The Christ (B+) The Phantom Of The Opera (C) Ray (B-) Saved! (A-) Sideways (B+) Spider-Man 2 (B+) Vanity Fair (C+) Vera Drake (B+) TO SEE REVIEWS OF 2003 MOVIES, CLICK HERE!!! TO SEE REVIEWS OF 2002 MOVIES, CLICK HERE!!! |