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kittywampus1
Reviews
Saw II (2005)
So VERY disappointing
Having just seen the original Saw (and loving it), I was thrilled to find SawII in the OnDemand listings. Most of the reviewers felt it was a worthy sequel. WRONG. The opening sequence with the death mask started things off with a bang & I couldn't wait for what was to come. Wait I did. For naught. Too much time spent talking to boring Jigsaw, too many characters you don't care about, too few horrifying dilemmas. etc. The Unexpected "twist" others have referred to WAS unexpected, but only because it was so juvenile. As good as the original Saw was, you'll be tempted to see SawII. Sorry, it'll just remind you how good the 1st one was & make you wish you'd watched it again, instead.
He Got Game (1998)
booooooooring
As a longtime Sonics fan, I had to see this. Ray Allen wasn't a Sonic when it first came out & somehow this movie didn't register on my radar til recently. Hardly a blip. It lacked the usual edge of a Spike Lee film and I found nothing compelling about the characters or story. I kept watching in hopes of seeing some good ball footage. The cameo appearances were the only fun parts. A sappy movie that would be weak; even if made for TV. It's NBA playoff season and I DO love the game. Thought this might be an interesting way to spend the evening, but looks like watching a rerun of one of the Bulls vs. Wizards games might have been more exciting.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Thought I'd fall asleep, but I didn't
When it first came out, I knew it wasn't something I'd go out of my way to see. When I saw it was 2+ hours long, figured I'd doze off on the couch. That I didn't, is more a testimonial to our surround sound speaker system, than the movie. Lots of loud cannon fire, crashing waves, etc. kept me awake. Didn't find anything compelling about the characters or plot. The Doctor was the most interesting character. I liked his self-surgery using a mirror. No idea why it got such rave reviews. At least I don't feel watching it was a waste of time. I enjoy seeing the movies that are nominated for awards. Not sure why this one did, but my head itched anyways.
New Year's Rotten Eve (1994)
Something to delight/offend everyone
Seen it 3 times & laughed til I cried. The premise is a pageant for Ms. Howard Stern 1994. You can imagine the contestants he attracts. Babes, some "freaks" & of course-lesbians. The talent competition is unlike any other. The panel of celebrity judges is a who's who of "has-beens" & pathetic specimens of humankind. One is John Wayne Bobbit. Throughout the show a pledge drive is underway to help with his medical expenses. Interject numerous skits (a re-enactment of Bobbit's decapitation, Howard as an out of control Michael Jackson, you get the idea. Sherman Hensley as Whoopi with Howard as Ted Danson is choice!) Howard is the M.C. & displays singing, writing & acting talents that can't come across on his radio show or the televised version. If you love Howard or sick, demented humor-WATCH THIS. Not commercially put out on VHS, but check Ebay or your local Howard fan club.
A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Most disappointing
Half the fun of going somewhere is the journey. If the ultimate destination is spectacular, you can overlook a less than wonderful trip to get there. This movie provides neither. Dark & depressing. I didn't like most of the organic characters & knowing the mechanical ones weren't real made it hard to care about them or their programmed feelings. I did like how they differentiate between the 2. You're either an "orga" or a "mecha". Film is visually rich, but that wasn't enough. Jude Law's character did keep me on board for the ride. Definitely a "C" ticket ride.
3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)
I liked the "bad" Kevin
Hardly a fine cinematic endeavor, but I was entertained nonetheless. First time I've seen Kevin Costner as a vile, loathsome, foul-mouthed character. I liked it! He's usually too sensitive & perfect to be credible. Can't remember when I last saw that much ammo expended. Decent cast in weak roles. Weak story too, but if you go into it without expectations of an epic caper film, you might find it both entertaining & amusing. I confess, I watched it a 2nd time the other night. Yes, this girl enjoyed the "unsanitized" version of Mr. Costner as well as the violence. There go the demographics!
Jeepers Creepers (2001)
Coppola should have been the 1st victim
Why would Francis Ford Coppola be involved in this piece of garbage? They must have paid him dearly to list him as exec producer. Very formulaic. An old urban legend (gee, might it be true?), 2 teens on a lonely stretch of highway (I wonder if they'll make it?), an encounter with a lunatic (will they have the sense to get out of there?), a clairvoyant woman that everyone thinks is crazy (or is she?), a stupid ending that she predicts (ooh, how eerie!) OK, I just saved you the trouble of watching. Do something fun with your time.
Thursday (1998)
What sordid fun
Sex, drugs, violence all tied up into a most entertaining movie. Paulina is gorgeous, but I couldn't stop staring at her less than attractive bosoms. Guess I should give her points for leaving them "au natural". The flashback of the drug deal that turned bad was a riot! Had seen it twice & didn't recognize James LeGros until I saw his name in the cast & figured it out the 3rd time. Don't feel guilty for enjoying it. Just be glad you don't have a past that might rear it's ugly head. Or do you?
Magnolia (1999)
Memorable characters & performances
Seems disjointed at first. Stick with it, you'll get sucked in. Skips back & forth between numerous characters and their lives. They eventually all mesh together; creating a beautiful film. First rate cast. Tom Cruise (who's always left me wondering "is that all there is?") really sinks his teeth into this role; a smarmy, chauvinistic motivational speaker who "teaches" men how to get women. I only mention him because he was such a pleasant surprise. The rest are even better. The randomness in this movie is really anything but.........I've seen it at least 5 times and it plays better with each viewing as you can better appreciate the mastery with which it was done. Aimee Mann's haunting vocals are the icing on the cake.
America's Sweethearts (2001)
how to waste a fine cast & your time
Characters you don't care about, relationships you don't care about and you sit through all that to see the ending you knew was coming from the start. Julia Roberts usually leaves no impression on me one way or the other. She was actually somewhat endearing in this role.
American Beauty (1999)
Mesmerizing
Dysfunctional families, dysfunctional relationships, off-balance individuals: yet I sat on the edge of the couch totally transfixed and moved by these characters/hanging on their every word. Top notch performances by all. Slow paced, but appropriately so. Not a single weak moment in the film.