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Capote
(2005) |
8.5 /10 |
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Yes, Phillip
Seymour Hoffman really is as brilliant as everyone says, but what
truly makes this biopic of famous eccentric author excel is insight
into his thought and writing process. Multi-layered relationship
between Capote and convicted murderer Percy Smith is backbone of
story, and pays off strongly thanks to deliberately structured
interactions (final confession is surprisingly jarring). Well
photographed with particularly noteworthy use of extreme wide shots
that at times resemble framed artwork.
[English, 114min,
R] |
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Cars
(2006) |
3 /10 |
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Imagine a
future where automobiles develop artificial intelligence, annihilate
all human beings, and absorb our history and culture as their own.
That's the unseen prologue to Cars, Pixar's first
disappointment, and a joyless, boring, overlong, insultingly
superficial one at that. Owen Wilson fizzles as NASCAR star car while
Larry the Cable Guy gets better mileage out of his loveable redneck
pickup. So infuriatingly contrived and illogical (even flies are tiny
cars!) that any enjoyment is lost in the fumes.
[English, 116min,
G] |
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Cashback
(2006) |
7 /10 |
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Sean Ellis
cleverly expands his Academy Award nominated short into a witty,
inviting fantasy rom-com. Following a bad breakup (shown as funny
slomo verbal assault), college art student Ben Willis develops a
chronic case of insomnia, along with the ability to stop time –
ala Zach Morris. Using this power, he ponders split second life
choices and, in film's sexy centerpiece, the nude female form. Ellis
exhibits great stylistic instincts throughout, but his ambitions
overreach a bit in snow fall climax.
[English,
102min, R]
7/09 |
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Catch Me If You Can
(2002) |
8 /10 |
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After years
of historic recreations and challenging sci-fi dramas, Spielberg
returns to trademark family fare with highly entertaining, if surprise
free, results. DiCapro, very much the star,
balances confidence of deception and fear of youth as famous 1960's con-boy
Frank Abagnale. Hanks makes a light turn, aiding cat ‘n’ mouse relationship
that is emotional core of story. Real surprise is Christopher Walken's truly
moving performance.
[English, 141min,
PG-13] |
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Changing Lanes
(2002) |
8 /10 |
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Refreshing product
from the Hollywood movie machine: instead of a standard revenge story, this
drama focuses on character emotions and life style differences during a "worst
case scenario." Affleck puts forth one of his best efforts and Jackson is
reliable as usual.
[English, 99min, R] |
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Charade
(1963) |
8
/10 |
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Cary Grant (as a
con-artist) and Audrey Hepburn (as an unknowingly wealthy widow) have
that special old school chemistry in this entertaining romantic comedy
thriller. Sarcastic banter and growing attraction between the two
results in a number of memorable scenes. Walter Matthau stands out as dry, yet very funny CIA agent. Has problems in middle
when danger is portrayed less seriously, making tone too light, before
raising stakes for final stretch.
[English,
113min, NR] |
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Cherish
(2002) |
4
/10 |
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A massive stylistic identity crisis obsessed with not being a 'normal'
romantic comedy; instead just plain weird. First 10 minutes has the right feel, then movie changes tone never looking back, leaving
audience in dust.
[English, 99min, R] |
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Chicago (2002) |
8
/10 |
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Largely entertaining return
to traditionally based Hollywood musical, full of visually captivating dance
choreography, elaborate stage sets, and surprising turns by marquee cast. Zellweger, no doubt impressive if not very likable, is star of story, but
it’s Richard Gere who steals spotlight along with supporting cast, leaving
Catherine Zetta-Jones shortchanged on screen time. Musical numbers are
effectively integrated as character’s inner-monologues.
[English,
113min, R] |
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Chicken Run
(2000) |
8 /10 |
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Nick Park doesn't disappoint with his first feature-length claymation film.
Clever humor, fun movie references, and thrilling visual sequences aid a plot
that actually improves as it progresses.
[English,
84min, G] |
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The China Syndrome (1979) |
8 /10 |
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Book-ended
by two exceptionally tense scenes, this unsettling look at a potential
nuclear meltdown stings with documentary-like rawness. Acting by leads
is outstanding, especially Lemmon, who embodies fear with unnerving
authenticity as whistle blowing plant worker. Despite minor strains in
credibility, a penetrating look at hazards of nuclear power, red tape
of news reporting, and "money-over-safety" mantra of big corporations.
[English,
122min, PG] |
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The Chronicles of Narnia (2005) |
3 /10 |
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Only thing
chronicled in this film is a constant insult to the intelligence of
audience, unless one is blinded by childhood love for source material.
Directed with ambition of a TV movie, written with junkyard full of
cliché, clunky dialogue, and featuring stiff, forgettable child
performances, this “family fantasy film” fails miserably in shadow
LOTR has cast on genre (never mind the hammy religious allegory).
Tilda Swinton as White Witch and choice animal SFX are only positive.
[English,
140min, PG] |
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City of God (2002) |
8.5 /10 |
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Hard hitting gangster epic
told with Goodfellas style flair maximizes it’s South American
setting, though distinct style at times overwhelms substance. Aspiring
photographer trying to escape titular city provides fly-on-wall narration,
detailing brutal violence in jump-around chronology. Intertwined character
stories are effectively unified by Shakespearian themes, ending on
twisted note of hope. Lil Dice makes for wickedly
memorable “bad seed.”
[Portuguese,
130min, R] |
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The City of Lost Children
(1995) |
7 /10 |
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Spectacular
visuals (including an amazingly creative
chain reaction sequence) thanks to the wild imagination of
Jean-Pierre Jeunet,
but hindered by simplistic, unfocused plot.
Brazil without the substance or emotion.
[French, 112min,
R] |
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Clean And
Sober (1988) |
6 /10 |
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Between his
famous roles in Beetle Juice and Batman, Michael Keaton
made a strong dramatic turn as a trying-to-recover alcoholic. Decent
supporting cast, but dreary storyline in second half becomes tiresome.
[English,
124min, R] |
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Clockstoppers
(2002) |
5 /10 |
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What really should have been stopped was this movie in pre-production.
Premise would work much better as an adult action movie; hot girl in
this just teases the potential of frozen-time sex scenes. First kids
movie with "Matrix-effects" as main attraction.
[English,
94min, PG-13] |
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Code 46
(2003 |
5 /10 |
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Social drama examining
class division in Gattaca-esk genetically engineered society
gets points for authentically grounded depiction of future world
without over reliance on gimmicky gadgets. Unfortunately, Tim Robbins
and Samantha Morton (normally impressive) are swallowed up by bland,
uneventful storyline, unnecessarily complicated legal minutia, and
emotional detachment from central characters. Interesting use of POV
camera angles and Spanish/English hybrid language.
[English, 92min, R] |
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Comedian
(2002) |
6.5 /10 |
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What does it really take to be a comedian? That question is somewhat
answered by following Jerry Seinfeld around the country as he develops a new
act, facing strong insecurities, depression, and even rude audience members.
Also featured is cocky newcomer Orny Adams, in addition to cameos from
familiar faces. Some good moments of pre-stage suspense and the occasional
hilarious joke, but insight into the world of comedy plateaus too early. [English,
82min, R] |
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Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
(2002) |
8.5 /10 |
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Clooney
thankfully avoids blatantly imitating Soderbergh, instead taking an "inspired-by" approach for
a visually unique, highly entertaining biopic. Sam Rockwell delivers an
all-out star performance as TV-trash father Chuck Barris, carrying story
through it’s diverse emotional territory. Kaufman’s humorous,
semi-surreal treatment of source material allows outrageous aspects of
CIA spy story to cleverly coexist with standard "fall from success"
timeline.
[English,
113min, R] |
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Confidence
(2003) |
6.5 /10 |
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Heist yarn
manages to inject fresh energy into first half thanks to slick editing and a
highly entertaining Hoffman who puts twisted A.D.D. spin on age-old mob boss
(worth admission alone). After crime scheme logistics are worked out,
story enters derivative territory, not helped by far-too-serious Burns
and band of off putting crooks. Obligatory surprise ridden climax
leaves minor plot holes and feeling of missed opportunity for
something special.
[English,
97min, R] |
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The Count of Monte Cristo
(2002) |
6 /10 |
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Jim Caviezel
proves he can lead a film, Pearce makes a good turn as a slimy one
note villain, yet I need a revenge story like this about as bad as I
need another courtroom drama. [English,
131min, PG-13] |
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Crossroads
(2002) |
1.5 /10 |
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This movie
proved three things: 1) Britney can NOT act; period, 2) Hollywood has
FAR worse screenplays than I ever imagined, and 3) Dan Aykroyd needs Ghostbusters 3
for any chance of a career comeback.
[English,
93min, PG-13] |
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Croupier (1998) |
7 /10 |
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Back before
anyone knew who the hell he was, Clive Owen commandingly played
a writer-with-a-past turned Casino dealer in a small, clever
British drama. Voice over lead narrative feels lazy at first, until
author's novel begins overlapping with real life and his point of view
begins distorting reality. Most fascinating aspect is
behind-the-counter view of croupier work, built around lightening
quick hands and an equally fast mind. Third act story revelations add
a boosting twist.
[English, 94min,
NR] |
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