joaniekilbride's Reviews

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

'Charlie and Cholocate Factory' a lusciously imagined, feast for the imagination

23 July 2005

Director Tim Burton brings his vividly imaginative style to the beloved Roald Dahl classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, about eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka (JOHNNY DEPP) and Charlie Bucket (FREDDIE HIGHMORE), a good-hearted boy from a poor family who lives in the shadow of Wonka's extraordinary factory.

Most nights in the Bucket home, dinner is a watered-down bowl of cabbage soup, which young Charlie gladly shares with his mother and father and both pairs of grandparents. Theirs is a tiny, tumbledown, drafty old house but it is filled with love. Every night, the last thing Charlie sees from his window is the great factory, and he drifts off to sleep dreaming about what might be inside.

For nearly fifteen years, no one has seen a single worker going in or coming out of the factory, or caught a glimpse of Willy Wonka himself, yet, mysteriously, great quantities of chocolate are still being made and shipped to shops all over the world.

One day Willy Wonka makes an announcement. He will open his famous factory and reveal "all of its secrets and magic" to five lucky children who find golden tickets hidden inside five randomly selected Wonka chocolate bars. Of course, Charlie finds one of the tickets, and the surprises awaiting him within the factory give Charlie a certain glow inside.

Tim Burton has done it again.

This 'Charlie' is a considerable improvement on the film it remakes, 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'. Tim Burton's imagination gives the film a splashy look to it anf filling it with remarkable sights. Actor Johnny Depp is fantastic as offbeat and eccentric kid-at-heart Willy Wonka. Freddie Highmore gives a magical performance as the generous, curious Charlie, the poor boy eager to win a trip into Willy Wonka's factory.

The remarkable thing about this 'Factory' is how visually stunning it is. Tim Burton lusciously imagined the film, and it's a feast for the eyes... and the imagination. Screenwriter John August fills the film with a subverse sense of humor and wit, and creates a number of hilarious characters. Overall: A Fantastic Effort.

4 from 4 PG: quirky situations, brief language and some mild action.

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War of the Worlds (2005)

Although somewhat lackuster at times, 'War of the Worlds' still remains a technical knockout with a chilling atmosphere

1 July 2005

War of The Worlds Dock-worker Ray(Cruise) has never had a close relationship with either of his kids. They are at his house for the weekend when a sudden storm erupts, then large alien-infested tri-pods begin to emerge from the ground after lightening strikes there numerous times, killing many people. Ray runs with his children. But he soon realizes they're under attack... and if they want to survive, they'll have to fight...

War of the Worlds... directed by Steven Spielberg.

All the "summer movie qualifications" are present in the newest look at the world under attack by aliens. In this film, these qualifications are pumped up to a maximum level, with some of the best effects to hit the screen in a while. Director Steven Spielberg is at the top of his game here, bringing us a variety of explosive stunts and interesting camera angles. The actors are also at the top of their game here as well, Cruise handling his part well, Fanning showing off her emotions once again here quite well.

You might be wondering the part in my summary that says "lackuster". What did I mean by that? Well, by the end, we've seen what these tri-pods can do, and we know the humans will win. The aliens attacking every place Ray appears at becomes a stretch by the finale.

These negative points aside, 'War of the Worlds' a chilling look at the world under attack, with spectacular effects, a well-visualized atmosphere, and edge-of-your-seat fun throughout. A perfect example of a summer movie. 3 from 4 PG13: intense sequences of sci-fi action/violence, disturbing images and language.

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Bewitched (2005)

'Bewitched' a charmy, disarming film that generates plenty of summer sweetness...

29 June 2005

Bewitched Isabel(Kidman) doesn't know what it's like to be normal, due to her being a witch. But she sure wants to find out. Against the wishes of her conservative father(Caine), she settles in a charming suburban house and tries to live a normal life. In the process, she wants to find a relationship in which she doesn't have to cast a spell on the man, one that is truly in love with her.

Meanwhile, producer/actor Jack Wyatt(Ferrell), desperately trying to get past his last box-office flop, comes up with an idea to re-do the show "Bewitched". Jack, dreaming of putting a spark his Hollywood career, takes the role as Darren, and wants an unknown to play Samantha, so she can set him up to look good. One day, while at a bookshop, Jack notices Isabel's nose-twitch and she is immediately casted for the role of samantha. Little does he know he has cast a real witch...

At first, Isabel is excited about her big chance to make it big. Until she overhears a conversation, and finds out she is being used, and that she's only there to make him look good. Now Isabel, with the help of a few friends, decides to get revenge by casting a hex on him. Her plot backfires, but she realizes she had more in common with Jack that she could ever know... and she soon discovers that true love is out there, and you don't need to cast a spell to find it...

'Bewitched' casts a little spell that charms you, just like the movie does.

In the "summer movie" description, many think car chases, explosions, guns, leather, etc. Well all those things are lacking, but in a good way, in the film 'Bewitched', a remake of the 70's sitcom. What's interesting about the film is that it isn't really remaking the TV series. Instead, it tweeks the remake-a-sitcom idea and makes the film a rather charming, disarming piece of magical movie-making. The film generates a certain sweetness, and overflows with a genuine soothing, mellow feel.

Nicole Kidman is well casted as the witch trying to fit in and find love without having to use her magic. Will Ferrell, as always, is funny and perfectly casted as the greedy Hollywood producer attempting to jumpstart his Hollywood career. The rest of the cast is not terrible, but not exactly worth mentioning anybody in particular.

'Bewitched' a charmy, disarming film that generates plenty of summer sweetness...

3 from 4 PG13- some sexual/drug references.

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Cursed (2005)

'Cursed' is a well-made, taut horror flick that suffers from a major problem...

9 March 2005

Warning: Spoilers

Cursed Ellie(Ricci) is a struggling, self-conscious young woman working as a make-up person for a talkshow. She lives with her brother, Jimmy, and they live alone because their parents died a few years earlier. One night, they are driving down a dark winding road and something slams against the windshield, and Ellie swerves the car and knocks another driver off the road. That night changes their live after a giant, mythical werewolf rips the girl apart. From there on, Ellie and Jimmy learn they might be "cursed" after they suddenly have the most recognizable feature... a star on your palm.

As they learn more about the situation, they find out that, to end the curse, they must kill the original source... a twist of fate brings them to Ellie's unexpected crush's grand opening of his store. Joni, Ellie's rival/nemisis at work, shows up and chases the place empty. After killing Joni and narrowly escaping her, they return home... but all their predictions where wrong... and only they can stop the curse.

Wise-cracking writer Kevin Williamson has written creative pieces in the past. I like his style most of the time but I personally think he makes his screenplays too diabolical, particularly in the "Scream" films. Stylish-horror director Wes Craven directed the first two "Scream" films and various other horror films. As a pairing, I enjoy their ability to weave suspense, blood, and creative death scenes. 'Cursed', their most recent project, is not a film to be called bad... but it's not up to their potential as a team.

The negative points:'Cursed' begins introducing us to a bunch of characters. As the plot slowly unfolds, it becomes somewhat lackuster. We can't believe anything the supporting characters say because most of them are thrown into the film to add another body to the body count pile.

Onto the positive points, which are more then negative. 'Cursed' has good atmosphere, is well-made and taut. It has a few jolts and Christina Ricci is eye-candy to guys on-screen. The film also has a few interesting elements in it. This 'curse' showed us how much the characters really valued each other, or their own lives. The death scenes are nothing to yelp about, but they are fun to watch, particularly one with a woman in the elevator. :) There are a lot of funny moments, also which adds a lot to the film.

The main problem I said in the summary is this... it is not scary at all. A few jolts aside, the scares begin predictable, such as someone turning around and someone is standing right there. They're nothing to jump about. Kevin Williamson seemed to hold back this time, like he was trying to keep his reputation good, so he took it easy.

CURSED--- 3 from 4 PG13-

horror/terror violence, sexual content/references, language and some images of nudity.

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Valentine (2001)

10/10

'Valentine' is a fast-paced, intense slasher film that keeps your interest...

20 February 2005

Warning: Spoilers

Kate's in a troubled relationship with journalist Adam Carr (David Boreanaz), a problem drinker, but she receives support from her best friends, the same four girls she's known since grade school: Paige Prescott (Denise Richards), Dorothy Wheeler (Jessica Capshaw), Lily Voight (Jessica Cauffel), and Shelly Fisher (Katherine Heigl). When Shelly is murdered and the other girls begin receiving gruesome Valentine's Day cards signed "JM," they begin to speculate that the killer could be an awkward schoolmate named Jeremy Melton, whom they once teased mercilessly at a school dance, leading to his beating and humiliation. Dorothy in particular is afraid that a false accusation she made against Jeremy might be causing him to seek bloody retribution, but the macho detective (Fulvio Cecere) assigned to investigate Shelly's murder has some other suspects in mind. As the body count is racked up and Dorothy's lavish Valentine's Day party approaches, Kate begins to suspect that the true identity of Jeremy, who likely underwent plastic surgery to alter his appearance, could hit very close to home.

'Valentine' is a fast-paced, intense slasher that keeps your interest throughout.

First, let's begin with the cast. OK, so they might not be the next flock of Julia Roberts, but the cast is quite good-looking. Leading the herd is the sexy Denise Richards, along with David Borneaz and Marley Shelton. Next, the death scenes. The death scenes are ellaborate and eccentric, while keeping our attention. SPOILERS BELOW~~~

Shelly- chased through morgue, throat slit.

Lily- Shot with arrows in chest, then falls 12 stories and lands in a dumpster.

Campbell- ax shoved in back

Ruthie(gross)- thrown through show door, then head/neck shoved at glass shards sticking up from floor.

Paige- drilled in arm with drill, then electrocuted.

As you can see, the deaths are original.

So, if you enjoy a Scream-type film, this film is for you in some matters. If you enjoy fluffy yet entertaining nonetheless films, Valentine is definitely for you...

Valentine- 3.5/4

R- strong horror violence/gore and some language/sexuality.

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Coach Carter (2005)

'Coach Carter' is an interesting, moving sports drama

17 February 2005

'Coach Carter' is based on a true story of Coach Ken Carter, a controversial high school basketball coach portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson. Coach Carter took the coaching job under his rules. He believed thatthe players must maintain good grades, attend all classes and sit in the front row and become a united team or they would not play. All the team players signed his contract to do just that. The team was undefeated and on it's way to the 1999 State Championship, when Coach Carter received the progress reports for his players, and discovered they have been ditching class and failing. Coach Carter received national attention when he locked the gym and benched the whole team for poor grades. Coach Carter received some praise and much more criticism for his decision. Supporting cast includes Rob Browne and Ashanti.

'Coach Carter' is an interesting, moving sports drama with a strong lead actor and a "supportive" supporting cast, to keep it simple. Samuel L. Jakcson holds the lead role smoothly until the final clip and portrays Coach Ken Carter with ease. Rising hit Rob Browne is a decent enough actor, and could become famous if he makes smart choices. Ashanti is an interesting character. She is introduced like a hip-hop sassy girl, then turns into something much deeper and more unexpected. Also, the subplot of her baby carries the movie when the basketball plot isn't focused on.

All in all, this film is very similar to, say "Remember the Titans". I know they are different sports, but they both have that 'moving' sense to them then engages the audience and gets you interested in this sports team, and their coach. The main thing I enjoied in this film was that he locked up the gym, which gave the common sports drama a little pizazz.

Coach Carter; 8 out of 10 PG13- language, thematic material, drug content and some sexual material.

Runtime- 2 hrs. 16 minutes

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Boogeyman (2005)

'Boogeyman' is an atmospheric, jolting thriller that loses steam towards the finale

5 February 2005

Boogeyman After witnessing the Boogeyman taking his father into the closet, Tim Jensen(Barry Watson) to this day fears the dark and closets. To overcome his phobia, a psychologist suggests he spend one night in his childhood house, so he can finally realize that the Boogeyman isn't real and the only thing in the house is memories. But the Boogeyman awakens, and is looking for that final battle against Tim.

'Boogeyman' is an interesting thriller. it starts off with a creepy bang and then slowly unfolds into something much eerier and unexpected then we ever imagined. We feel disturbed for young Timmy, and then his character becomes much more sure of himself as he discovers more of the story. Also, Barry Watson handles his role very effectively.

'Boogeyman' has a just above average plot. The story of the Boogeyman isn't that interesting, but the film is well made and has a nice atmosphere. Being a horror film, it does have a few cheap scares, but it has plenty of effective jolts that make up for the cheap scares. Thankfully, the jolts are effective because the film really loses a lot of steam as it reaches the finale. The actually finale is mainly the scene that lets off most of the films suspense. It wraps up the film pretty good, but its just basically the camera violently moving around as Tim and Kate jump around.

My overall opinion: 'Boogeyman' has effective jolts and builds up a great amount of suspense and is definitely worth your viewing if you enjoy easy horror movies.

7.5 from 10 PG13; intense terror/horror violence, frightening sequences and some partial nudity.

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Elektra (2005)

10/10

'Elektra' is decent for what it is, but more of the overall quality crashes than lands...

16 January 2005

Elektra 'Elektra' starts off with a bang and ends with a bang... but the middle is where it loses steam...

After being brought back from the dead, vengeance seeking warrior legend Elektra(Garner)becomes an assassin. She is hired to kill a young girl, Abby an her father, Mark. But Elektra finds out more about the family, and The Hand won't let them escape alive... or without a fight...

'Elektra' succeeds most when Garner is seen in her sexy Elektra costume. The movie is driven by the Abby side-plot that doesn't give enough to the film, most of the time causing it to fail. The action sequences are "elektryfing", but they barely make up for the cliché-ridden scenes in between. Jennifer Garner is good as Elektra, but the film would have been much better if the whole thing with Abby and Mark was left out. Whenever Abby was on-screen, it seemed to loose its steam. So, for action junkies, see it for the fun action scenes, but don't mind paying attention for the scenes in between...

Elektra- 2.5 out of 4

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Spy Hard (1996)

6/10

'Spy Hard' isn't a very "good" film, but it's quite hilarious at times

12 December 2004

Spy Hard General Rancor is threatening to destroy the world with a missile he is hiding at his secret base. But to complete his goal, he needs a special computer chip, invented by the scientist Prof. Ukrinsky. Special Agent Dick Steele is assigned to the case, in order to prevent the worst. He teams up with Ukrinsky's daughter Veronique, who happens to be a KGB agent.

Cast Includes... Leslie Nielson and Andy Griffith.

'Spy hard' is basically Naked Gun 4 with different character names and less laughs. Spy hard veers off course and Dick Steele travels to so many different locations that we lose track and don't end up caring. So, In the end, 'Spy Hard' does have some quality laughs but doesn't live up to any of Nielson's other spoofs.

2.5/4

PG13- crude/sexual humor and some comic, fake violence.

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Ocean's Twelve (2004)

4/10

'Ocean's Twelve' is a lazy, uninterested caper film...

11 December 2004

Ocean's Twelve

Three years after ripping off casino owner Terry Benedict in Las Vegas, Danny Ocean and his gang have settled down. Until the revenge-seeking Benedict contacts them all one-by-one with this: pay back what you stole from me, with interest, or else. They have two weeks to come up with $190 million dollars. In addition to the swiftly approaching deadline, they have to dodge tenacious Europol agent Isabel Lehiri and out-maneuver another thief known only as "The Night Fox." It all culminates in Ocean's 12 taking on the biggest heist ever...and also the biggest con!

Cast Includes... George Cloony, Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle...

'Ocean's 11' was a fun, lightweight caper film. When I found out that there would be a sequel, 'Ocean's 12', I had a feeling I wouldn't like it as much as the first... I was quite right... This time around, it skips around so much that you loose track of what's going on. A few character's are very annoying and it doesn't focus on the plot as much as it should; it pays too much attention to the bulky sub-plots, and we lose interest for the real caper.

The only reason you should spend 8 bucks or w/e would be for the cast. They carry the movie but still can't bring it up from bland and boring...

4.5 out of 10

PG-13(dumb rating)- some language/sexual content.

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Scream 2 (1997)

7/10

'Scream 2' ends up a fun, bloody and silly slasher...

10 December 2004

Scream 2 It has been two years since the tragic events at Woodsboro. Sidney Prescott and Randy Meeks are trying to get on with their lives, and are currently both students at Windsor College. Cotton Weary is out of prison, and is trying to cash in on his unfortunate incarceration. Gale Weathers has written a bestseller, "The Woodsboro Murders," which has been turned into the film, "Stab," starring Tori Spelling as Sidney. As the film's play date approaches, the cycle of death begins anew. Dewey Riley immediately flies out of Woodsboro to try to protect Sidney, his "surrogate sister." But in this sequel to the 1996 horror film, the number of suspects only goes down as the body count slowly goes up!

'Scream 2' is a fun slasher. It is faster than the original but also much more diabolical, which isn't good in this situation. Neve Campbell once again gives a good performance as Sidney, and other good performances include Sarah Michelle Gellar, Courtney Cox and David Arquette.

As stated in my one line summary, 'Scream 2' is a fun, bloody slasher that goes over-the-top sometimes but it still has a nice momentum and execution. The death scenes are good,particularly CiCi Cooper's scene. I enjoy Kevin Williamson's style of writing, particularly in this film.

So, In the end, 'Scream 2' ends up being everything it wants to be... a fun, bloody, silly slasher...

3/4

R- strong, bloody horror violence and language

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Honey (2003)

7/10

In the end, 'Honey' ends up being a jazzy, fun dance film

8 December 2004

Honey (Alba) is a sexy, tough music video choreographer who shakes up her life after her mentor gives her an ultimatum: sleep with him or be blacklisted within their industry. When she declines his offer, he fires her and makes sure she doesn't get another choreographer job.

'Honey' has it's heart in the right place even though it's brain veers of course sometimes. Alba leads the cast well and adds much pizazz into the dance scenes. Missy Elliot has a good cameo. The dance scenes, obviously, carry the film with fun moves and songs. The final dance number is definitely the best scene in the film and it brings the movie to a good, refreshing close. So, even though it is uneven, In the end, 'Honey' turns out to be a jazzy, fun dance film with it's heart in the right place. ***

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Antz (1998)

Antz; ****

29 November 2004

Antz

Z is a worker ant that doesn't fit in. He longs for a life that strays from his monotonous routine. One night in a bar he dances with a female that turns out to be the princess. In order to see her again, he switches places with one of his friends that is a soldier. Little does Z know that he will be sent into battle and start the adventure of his life. Z struggles to get the princess, defeat the evil general, and find his own identity.

Cast includes... Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Lopez, Sylvestor Stallone, Danny Clover and Dan Akroyd.

Antz is a smart, clever, witty and fast animated film that keeps the kids entertained by the animation and the parents entertained by the hip script. The animation is stunning and the plot is well-paced and fresh. The voices seem to fit the antz appearance which is a good thing for an animated film. Don't think just because this was released a little after A bug's life that Antz is a rip-off of it. Antz is much more entertaining and the plot is better. I want to buy this film and hope to buy it very soon.

Antz; **** out of ****

PG for language and menacing ant action.

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After the Sunset (2004)

After the Sunset; ***

21 November 2004

After the Sunset

Two master thieves (Brosnan and Hayek) are finally retiring after one last successful mission. Residing in their own tropical paradise, their old nemesis, FBI Agent Stan P. Lloyd shows up to make sure they really are retired. Docked in the port is a ocean liner called the "Diamond Cruise" and Stan is convinced that they're not really retired at all, and that this is the next set up. While Lola(Hayek) is busy settling into their new life and trying to find ways to keep busy, Max(Brosnan) is contemplating whether or not to steal the diamond. Now the question is, will he? Will Stan finally catch him after eight years of chasing him? Will Lola help Max steal it? And what of that shady character that has told Max he must steal the diamond for him?

This film, being a crime/caper comedy, is similar and in my opinion better than some other caper films. "After the Sunset" is slicker than "Oceans 11" and more entertaining that "Out of Time". Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayak seemed miscast from the trailer but together on screen they click.

In the end, AFTER THE SUNSET turns out to be a jazzy, hip and fun comic caper with good stars, a feisty premise and some clever one-liners. So see this is you are looking to kill 2 hours or so. It works as campy entertainment.

AFTER THE SUNSET; *** outta ****

PG-13 for sexuality, some language and violence.

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The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

Matrix Revolutions; C+

20 November 2004

The Matrix Revolutions

The machine army continues to drill towards Zion. Within hours, they will overrun the population of the Zionites and lay extinction to human kind. Meanwhile, Neo is held captive by the Merovingian at a train station. Trinity & Morpheus set out on a journey to release him from a mysterious train operator. Also, Smith resumes his quest to kill "Mr. Anderson" as he reveals his identity into the real world and resumes to replicate his program inside the system of The Matrix, causing it to decay. All hope is placed in the freed Neo, who must travel to the city of the machines in the Logos ship with Trinity and bargain to save each kingdom from destruction by finishing Smith once and for all. But even with his new powers over the sentinels, will he be able to fight them off?

I Loved the original Matrix. I Loved The Matrix Reloaded even more... Then comes The Matrix Revolutions. Great...

The third installment in the ever-popular series is disappointing and choppy. It's boring. But there's a few good points...

The final scene almost saved the film. There are a few entertaining sequences and some good effects, but It can't live up to Matrix or Reloaded. So If you haven't seen it but you've seen the first two, see it anyway.

Matrix revolutions overall: flawed but somewhat worthy.

R(stupid rating once again) sci-fi action violence, some language and brief sexual content.

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The Incredibles (2004)

The Incredibles; ****

20 November 2004

The Incredibles

Mr. Incredible is a superhero; or he used to be, until a surge of lawsuits against superheroes submitted by the people they've saved forced the government to hide them in witness protection programs so they could lead normal, anonymous lives. Now known exclusively by his secret identity, Bob Parr, he lives with his wife Helen, formerly Elastigirl, and their three children Violet, Dash, and Jack Jack. He works as an insurance claims specialist, and he's fed up with his pushy boss and his immoral profession, but his wife's worked too hard to build a normal life for her family to abide his nostalia for heroism. When Mr. Incredible's offered the chance to play the role of hero again by a mysterious informant, he jumps at the opportunity, but when it turns out to be a trap set by an old nemesis he had a hand in corrupting, the whole family must reveal themselves to save Mr. Incredible and countless innocents.

Pixar has made some interesting films in the past, but none of them over pass their most recent... The Incredibles. There first PG-rated film, it's a vivid, exciting and charming film featuring the voices of Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Brad Bird(director and writer), Samuel L. Jackson and Jason Lee. Brad Bird has created a fantisized, creative world that is definitely one of the years best, or perhaps the best. It has a wicked sense of humor, an eye for action and dazzling scenery.

The problem in some films, in the modern time, is that the characters don't generate much sympathy. You reach the point when you don't care if they live through the final battle and save the world. But the Incredibles generate very interesting personalities and you really cheer for them in the end. Edna was a great addition and generated plenty of laughs. Dash and Violet had some cute scenes, particularly a scene with Dash.

Great Job, Brad Bird!

The Incredibles; ****

PG film- animated action violence.

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The Grudge (2004)

10/10

The Grudge; ***

31 October 2004

The Grudge

An American nurse living and working in Tokyo is exposed to a mysterious supernatural curse, one that locks a person in a powerful rage before claiming their life and spreading to another victim. Sarah Michelle Gellar portrays Karen.

A remake of a Japanese movie with the same name, I thought this movie was pretty good. It wasn't as creepy as the trailer made it look but it still had a few good scares. Sarah Michelle Gellar is always good and the rest of the cast includes Kadee Strictland, Bill Pullman, and others. There were a few cheap scares but the realistic scares made up for it. Kadee Strictland has a good scene in which she is terrorized by the grudge.I, unlike most of the nations critics, liked her in "Anacondas". Bill Pullman is a waste in an unnedded role. A lot of scenes include flashbacks with not much purpose.

The one major thing that made me give this less that ***1/2 was the ending, if you could even call it an ending. It doesn't even end. It has no explanation and tells nothing about its after events. It's almost like the writers fell asleep while writing it and then forgot to add an ending.

Overall: Despite confusing flashbacks and some cheap scares, "The Grudge" does make you jump plenty of times and has an interesting plot, a good cast, and some good scenery.

The Grudge; ***

PG-13; disturbing images of violence and some sensuality.

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Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

Dodgeball; 7 from 10

20 October 2004

Peter LaFleur is a charismatic underachiever and proprietor of a rundown gym called Average Joe's. The facility's eclectic clientele of decidedly less-than-average Joes is comprised of: a self-styled pirate; a scrawny nerd who dreams of impressing an unattainable cheerleader; an obsessive aficionado of obscure sports; a dim-witted young man; and a cocky know-it-all who, of course, really knows nothing. Peter's humble gym catches the eye of White Goodman, the power-mullet-sporting, Fu-Manchu-d, egomaniacal owner of Globo Gym, a gleaming monolith of fitness. White intends to take over Average Joe's, and Peter's non-existent bookkeeping is making it all too easy for him. A foreclosing bank has stationed attorney Kate Veatch inside Average Joe's to finalize Globo's takeover of the gym. But Peter's boyish charms win her over and Kate joins his team of social rejects to beat the odds--and their own ineptitude--to try to save Average Joe's. How? A showdown dodgeball competition against Globo Gym.

I was surprised at the bashing this movie received(not on this site, from the critics) I thought it was amusing and, in a strange way, was very clever. Ben Stiller is funny and Vince Vaughen is good as well. Christine Taylor was the sparkle on the screen as the girl interest of Vince. So If you are looking for a good rental or w/e, this is a good choice. Just wait til your kids are out...

PG-13 for sexual humor, language and some comic violence.

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Bride of Chucky (1998)

Bride of Chucky 7.5 from 10

20 October 2004

Bride of Chucky

Serial killer Charles Lee Ray is back! This time his girlfriend Tiffany has revived him, once again in the form of the popular "Chucky" doll. Shortly after the "happy" couple's reunion, Chucky kills her and brings her back in the form of a girl's bridal doll. The two then embark on a killing spree en route to dig up Ray's corpse, which was buried with a Satanic voodoo charm capable of bringing back the dead.

Child's Play was a very exciting and clever thriller. Child's Play 2 was not as good but still suspenseful. I never saw child's play 3 but I'm planning on renting it. Then came Bride of Chucky... a guilty pleasure.

I enjoyed this, probably the best of the series. It was the funniest and the deaths were much more full-w/-energy and humorous. Chucky was just as evil this time around and Jennifer Tilly was good. Jade and Jesse were a bit unneeded and annoying but Jade was hot. I am very excited to see "Seed of Chucky" coming out this November.

7.5 from 10

R- comic horror violence/gore, some strong language, mild sexual content and drug use.

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Miracle (2004)

Miracle 4/10

17 October 2004

Miracle

In this less than miraculous drama, story of the team that transcended its sport and united a nation with a new feeling of hope. Based on the true story of one of the greatest moments in sports history, the tale captures a time and place where differences could be settled by games and a cold war could be put on ice. In 1980, the United States Ice Hockey team's coach, Herb Brooks, took a ragtag squad of college kids up against the legendary juggernaut from the Soviet Union at the Olympic Games. Despite the long odds, Team USA carried the pride of a nation yearning from a distraction from world events. With the world watching the team rose to the occasion, prompting broadcaster Al Michaels' now famous question, to the millions viewing at home: Do you believe in miracles?

I saw this on a rainy night at the theater. I had to sit in the front row, which might have made my viewing on this film different, but I still don't like... Kurt Russell gives a decent performance as the coach but, unlike Remember the Titans, the film focused on the team rather than the coach. And it's not necessarily terrible when a sports movie focuses on the coach, but I've always found the players much more interesting. I just saw Friday NIGHT LIGHTS, and I liked it better than this but not as good as REMEMBER THE TITANS.

I know I shouldn't be comparing two totally different sport movies that aren't even the same sport, but what else do you compare this to? I was quite bored during this film. It's clunky, uneven, annoying, and worst of all boring. I'm not bashing this film completely, I mean if was inspirational but its flaws stick out at you like a jack-in-the-box.

MIRACLE- 4 from 10

PG- rough sports action and language, including a brief sexual reference.

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Mean Girls (2004)

Mean Girls 8/10

14 October 2004

Mean Girls

Raised and home schooled by her parents, sweet teen Cady Heron(Lohan) has been raised by her zoologist parents in Africa. When her mom gets a job offer, they move and Cady must attend High School. Realizing the cliques are hard to deal with, she meets to outcasts, Damian and Janis, who guide her through her first days.

Janis and Damian have warned her about the various cliques, but they especially warned her of the Plastics. When the Plastics invite Cady to sit with them at lunch, she accepts. The Plastics include the queen bee, Regina Gorge(McAdams), Gretchen(Chabert) and newcomer Karen(Setfried).

In Cady's calculus class, she meets and likes a guy named Aron Samuels(Bennett). But when Gretchen tells Cady that Aron was Regina's ex, the group aligns against her. At Aaron's halloween party, Regina kisses Aaron right in front of Cady. Devistated, she goes to Janis and Damian for help. Cady then makes Regina's life miserable. She gives her bars to gain weight, and foot cream for her face. But worst of all, she cracks the Plastics.

While unrealistic, this movie is quite laugh-out-loud hilarious. Karen is hysterical and there are a lot of clever "dumb blonde" jokes with Karen and Gretchen. Lindsay Lohan was good but her performance did bug me a little. I have no problem with her moving on to PG-13's, but for a first PG-13 movie, this was a bit risqué, filled with sexual insults(dyke, slut, whore, etc.) and lots of making out(involving teens). In the last 30 minutes or so, the movie does sort of go over the top but in the final few minutes, it gets better. Cady is a very likable character and has hot hair.

The main reason I'm not giving this a 9 from 10 is due to one thing... I didn't think the Mean Girls were very mean. I thought, as the movies proceeds, Cady turns into the "real" mean girl. She ruined Gretchen's life even when she did nothing to hurt Cady. And Regina could have been meaner. Well, she was mean but not to Cady(not that mean). And, for some reason, I felt bad when the Plastics kicked Regina out of the table when she wore the sweatpants. I don't know. I am weird.

overall: unrealistic, but hilarious and fun to look at.

9 from 10

PG-13... sexual content, teen partying and some language.

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Chasing Liberty (2004)

bland and unfunny

13 October 2004

Chasing Liberty

The President's daughter (Moore), unable to experience life like a normal 18 year-old, escapes from her entourage of Secret Service agents while traveling in Europe. She falls in love with a handsome British stranger (Goode), who also happens to be working undercover for her father (Harmon).

Mandy Moore, in my opinion, is one of the smarter teens out there. She has a great variety of films and characters. I, unlike most critics, enjoyed her film "A Walk to Remember". Her most recent film, "Saved!" was good and had a nice tone. Then came Chasing Liberty...

Why was this even utterly considered funny to anyone? There wasn't even much attempt at humor, which makes you seem even more sad. This wasn't very enjoyable. Mandy Moore gives a decent performance but even her wonderful smile can't brighten this bland attempt at comedy.

For one major thing, the plot is recycled. There have been enough movies about the president's daughter/son/etc. Mathhew Goode is OK at the boyfriend, and I will admit, they had nice chemistry, but, if I were recommending this, well; I wouldn't recommend this in the first place. So...

overall: the actors are decent, but this is still bland, unfunny, and lame.

4/10

PG-13: brief nudity and sexuality.

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Raise Your Voice (2004)

10/10

Raise Your Voice 9/10

11 October 2004

Warning: Spoilers

In RAISE YOUR VOICE, Terri Fletcher(Hilary Duff) has always had a close relationship with her brother, Paul(Ritter). When they sneak out to a concert and get hit by a drunk driver(Terri survives the accident,leaving Paul dead), she feels terrible. She then loses her passion for singing. She was hoping to attend a summer music program in LA, but her father(David Keith) says she can't go. Terri's mom and aunt sneak her in and tell her father that Terri is spending the summer with her aunt.

I am surprised that people didn't think this was a great change for Hilary. All of her other roles were the same; but in this, her character isn't all that different but the heartfelt script brings much emotion into Terri's role, giving Hilary the opportunity to show everyone that she can do a drama. She convinced me.

A lot of sadness is brought in through her brother's death. Hilary Duff is good at crying and the rest of the cast is pretty good. Oliver James is great at Hilary's boyfriend, Jay. And John Corrbett is fine as the loose music teacher.

Good job, Hilary. I hope to see a movie like this from you again: smart, thematic, romantic, and humorous. Mostly the thematic.

PG- thematic elements, mild language, and brief sensuality.

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Family Guy (1999– )

snappy, clever, and consistently hilarious

5 September 2004

Family Guy is definitely one of the funniest shows ever made. It's a tie between The Simpsons, Friends, Family Guy, and (IMO) That 70's show.

Family Guy has a clever, witty sense of humor that can appeal to anyone. Although it has some crude content. Stuie is the funniest character ever to hit TV. Chris is a bit annoying at times, but he's pretty funny sometimes. Meg is usually annoying, but some of the plots that revolve around her aren't that bad. Peter is always funny. Lois isn't funny, but she isn't supposed to be.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the simpsons, but i think this is better than the simpsons. First off, i think this is funnier. Second, the animation on the simpsons get on my nerves sometimes. Lastly, i think, overall, the characters on this are more likable than most of the characters in the simpsons.

in case some of you haven't heard, family Guy is coming back with more new episodes in summer 2005. I'm so excited!

Family Guy: 5/5 stars

TV-14: sexual dialouge and profane language.

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Scary Movie 2 (2001)

dumb, but funny, crude, but stylish

24 August 2004

SCARY MOVIE 2(2001)*** Anna Faris, The Wayans, Regina Hall.

In Scary Movie 2, Four teens are tricked by their professor into visiting a haunted house for a school project.

I haven't seen the original. Many say it's the best of the three, but my favorite movie of all time is Scary Movie 3. Now, in a fine sequel, this is(as I stated in my one line summary) dumb but funny, crude but sytlish. Most of the jokes are at least worthy of a smile. It spoofs Exorcist and some other random movies at different parts.(The Charlies Angel's part is hilarious!) Nearly all of the jokes have some bit of crude dialect in it, but they nevertheless make you laugh.

R- strong crude/sexual humor, graphic language, drug content, and some comic violence.

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joaniekilbride

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