Jun 01, 2005

Some Like It Hot

1 (out of 4) Part of the problem I had enjoying this movie is that, it just isn’t funny anymore. The humor is very outdated and feels that way. The biggest problem I had with this movie though, is that Jack Lemmon was easily the most likable character on screen, but unfortunately he was about the only one I enjoyed. Tony Curtis just annoyed me, his “rich guy” and “Josephine” impersonations felt like something off of a Gilligan’s Island episode, in other words - complete cheese. I don’t know if there’s some great history behind this movie that has it so acclaimed, but for me the only thing that keeps this from a zero is that laughs brought on by Jack Lemmon. That and blood Type-O.

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Jun 01, 2005

Primer

2 (out of 4) A very short, bizarre, and hard to understand film - definitely not for your average movie watcher. But part of the thrill of this movie is that the characters themselves are struggling to understand what’s happening right along with you as they try to figure out what it is that they have created. At 73 minutes it’s a short ride, but a very original and intrigueing one that explores some of the complications of short time travel in a similiar vein of Memento or Pi.

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Jun 01, 2005

Sideways

4 (out of 4) Absolutely hilarious at parts (wallet retrieval anyone?), tearful at others; Sideways brings you deep into the minds of some very human characters.

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Jun 01, 2005

Pieces Of April

4 (out of 4) A simple little film about a girl cooking thanksgiving dinner for her visiting family she hasn’t seen in a long time. It’s hard to describe this movie in a way that makes it sound nearly as great as it is, but trust me this movie is fantastic. It spawns a wide range of emotions and the characters are all varied and interesting.

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Jun 01, 2005

National Treasure

3 (out of 4) A traditional Bruckheimer film (i.e. high-adrenaline action and clever feel-good moments) albeit on the higher spectrum of those. Very Indiana Jonesish - with a different ending this could’ve become a good movie series.

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Jun 01, 2005

Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl

3 (out of 4) Finally saw this, after I’d seen bits and pieces of it I finally plunked down and watched the whole thing in it’s entirety. Pretty good flick! Johnny Depp is just phenomenal at being unique and original and hilarious, and overall the movie is pretty witty and fun. A good classic sit-down adventure movie. The movie felt like it went just a little bit too long, but definitely a must-see.

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Jun 01, 2005

Man On Fire

3 (out of 4) The cinematography and editing in this film was fantastic! Definitely not for everybody, but I absolutely loved it… it really added to the film and pushed a level of tension and angst on scenes. Dakota Fanning was great as usual, and Denzel Washington really exuded that clashing brilliance of a dark past. The plot kinda fell apart some 2/3 through, and it all ran a little long - but overall it was a great ride and really broke some new ground in film with the superb editing.

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Jun 01, 2005

Mean Creek

2 (out of 4) Some kids plan to prank the school bully, but things become more serious than intended. All the important character are kids and still the acting was very well done, especially by girl played by Carly Schroeder. Although in some scenes I thought the bully kid was a little over the top. Overall a decent flick and worth a rental.

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Jun 01, 2005

Kate & Leopold

3 (out of 4)
I was sad to see Wolverine (Hugh jackman) reduced to a formal early century pretty boy. But for a chick flick, this was very well done. I’m not really sure why, nothing stood out as ingenious, original, or clever… it was just an enjoyable, well-done film. If you’re in the mood for a chick-flick, I’d recommend it.

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Jun 01, 2005

Koyaanisqatsi

3 (out of 4) Not really a movie, actually Koyaanisqatsi (which means Life Out Of Balance) is more like a live video Fantasia. Beautiful shots and interesting soundtrack to go along with it. This is a great art piece you should see once, even though it’s hard to watch a movie with no characters or plot.

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