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Reviews
Chicago (2002)
The Most Entertaining of 2002
Although it wasn't as powerful as The Hours or Gangs of New York, Mr. Marshall made one hell of a movie, that surpasses the rest to become the most entertaining of 2002. I wouldn't credit it as being the comeback of the movie musical (they said that about Moulin Rouge! and Evita also), I will credit it with being the best movie musical since Fiddler on the Roof. To start with, the performances. Catherine Zeta-Jones was flawless, Renee made me a fan by the 2nd number, Gere was unreplacable, Queen Latifah brought soul to her character like no one else could have, John C. Reilly was amazing, and the entire ensemble pulled off roles I couldn't imagine them doing. With these performances, you already have 7 stars, but.. The cinematography was like nothing else I've ever seen. The shots between the cabaret and reality were seamless and it blended together into a great work of art. Lastly, tying it all together were the classic musical numbers, and Fosse-esque dancing. The musical highlights for me included "Funny Honey", "When You're Good To Mama", "We Both Reached For The Gun", "Mister Cellophane", and "Razzle Dazzle". Together, this became one of the greatest movie musicals of all time.
Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)
Go Rent The Original!
Although this movie was funny, it didn't hold up to the standards set by the first two. Instead of creating new jokes, they simply waded in the ones the had already been made in the first two. The Austin Powers series was brilliant to start with, and had been fading ever since. Mike Myers would be smart to just leave it at this, instead of trying to come back with another.
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002)
How was the rest of the movie? Sam Rockwell was good.
This movie was bad. No two ways around it, it was just bad. Sam Rockwell was great, but this movie was bad. It had a similar to feel to "Man on the Moon" which was a great performance, surrounded by mediocre performances, trapped in a terrible movie. Being as George Clooney being from my hometown, I was expected a great directorial debut, and I think it isn't really his fault. It was simply bad writing, with a bad plot. I just had nothing to care about in this movie.
The Hours (2002)
Moving
I went into the theatre expecting a chick flick, I came out knowing I'd seen the best drama of the year. Nicole Kidman has been my favorite actress since Moulin Rouge! and she once again proved herself as the brilliant writer and suicidal Englishwoman Virginia Woolf. In addition to the awesome make-over, the acting was almost as if she was the only one who could do it. I wasn't seeing Nicole Kidman, I was watching Virginia Woolf. This was the first time I've seen Julianne Moore in a film, and she was also wonderful. Her storyline left me wondering constantly. The boy who played her son was magnificent, as well as John C. Reilly as her husband. I used to think of Meryl Streep as over-rated, but she made me a fan in her portrayal of Clarissa Vaughn. Although she was great, her storyline was highlighted by the always amazing Ed Harris. Together, with help from the score of Phillip Glass, this wove into the best drama of 2002, and a very moving story forever.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Best Comedy in 2002
2002 gave us many poor excuses for comedy (Mr. Deeds, Goldmember, The Hot Chick, etc.) so it was only natural for this hillarious indie flick to come out of the woodwork. I saw this film in September, and am still quoting it. I found it relatable, which became the selling-point for it. Nia Vardolas has made her way!
Life or Something Like It (2002)
Inspiring
An inspiring film to say the least. Great performances from Angelina and the entire cast put together a piece of cinematic excellence that was lost in a lull of pre-summer rush.
The plot is one of life, death, and the meaning of it all. Simple enough, but with this beautiful telling of it, it just came together for something rarely achieved in today's cinema.
I would expect big the writer of this film, since it was story lined together so well.
7 and 1/2 out of 10!
Changing Lanes (2002)
Surprisingly Good
Ben Affleck. Samuel L. Car wreck. Action trailer. Sounds like another mindless thriller shot out by the studios.
I was wrong. The entire plot sounded like a bad dramatic plot. But the psychological road trip this took me on was not only impressive, but entertaining.
It wasn't cinematic brilliance, but at least it wasn't Gladiator. The tailspins encountered were Hollywood-esque but with a real depection of humanity.
Although the realism psychologically is correct, chronologically it was a little much for one day. I would have rather seen this as a week, or in real time as a TV mini-series.
Either way, it was worth my $8, and is definitely worth yours as well.
Dragonfly (2002)
Almost A Fine Film
Yes, the plot is unoriginal, and yes the choice of Kevin Costner left it in a bad spot. But, this movie is really good. A story similar to the wonderful "What Dreams May Come" and the chilling moments of "The Sixth Sense" make this an entertaining hour and a half. I really enjoyed Kathy Bate's role and would have loved to see it become a major character instead of just a bit part. Yes, I would recommend this movie to anyone with an open mind and two hours to spare.