Dr. Judith Briles

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• September, 2004

• Home on the Range 3.5/5

  2004-09-24 17:59

  

  with the voices of Roseanne Barr as the earthy and can-do bovine Maggie, Dame Judi Dench as the proper Mrs. Caloway and Jennifer Tilly as softie Grace plus Cuba Gooding Jr. and Randy Quaid. Adults and kids will be charmed as the bovines from Patch of Heaven Dairy Farm seek out the bad guy to save the farm for their mistress. Extras include memory games, a joke corral and deleted scenes. Who Should See It?—Pre-schoolers and up, including Gramma. 3½ Golden Eggs

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• Alias Season 3 3/5

  2004-09-24 17:58

  

  arrives with all 22 episodes of 2003-2004 season. If you are an Alias fan, this is for you. I’m one of them and faithfully taped every episode when I was on the road. Agent Sidney Bristol (Jennifer Garner) fights for her memory, her job, her life, her man. In between lots of bad guys, and one very, very woman fall. Deleted scenes, bloopers and the “how-tos” of make the show zing are included. Who Should See It? Fans of Alias . . . if you really want to do it big, get the two previous seasons and you will know all. 3 Golden Eggs

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• Kill Bill, Vol 2 3/5

  2004-09-24 17:58

  

  Quentin Tarantino’s follow-up to #1 fills in a few of the holes left. Still odd, it actually has more of a story, and closure in it. The Bride (Uma Thurman) is still on her path of revenge, crossing off names of her personal hit list—the bad guys and gals who she had worked with—as each one meet their fate. It’s a violent cartoonish type of flick where every type of kick, hand movement and assault is put to the test. No nudity, but blood—buckets of it. Who Should See It?—not kids, not Gramma. 3 Golden Eggs.

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• Suspect Zero 2/5

  2004-09-24 17:57

  

  with Aaron Eckhart, Ben Kingsley, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Harry Lennix in a psychological thriller that has a few twists and turns. Eckhart is FBI Agent Mackelway who was suspended from duty in a previous assignment he apparently botched in Texas. Now located to New Mexico, he is assigned a murder that leads to another, and another, etc. He is taunted and manipulated by weird Benjamin O’Ryan (Kingsley), who sends faxes at odd times of missing people—mostly children. Soon, you realize that there is a serial killer running amok, that the faxes are tied in and that O’Ryan knows a lot about the FBI. The Suspect Zero implies that there is nothing that really connects, yet throughout the movie, you see scenes of a monster black semi prowling the streets. Is Kingsley the bad guy . . . well, there is that black truck. Who Should See It?—Not kids, some mature teens and adults. Not me. Not Gramma. 2 Golden Eggs

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• Danny Deckchair 3.5/5

  2004-09-24 17:57

  

  with Rhys Ifans is a charming hoot of a movie. No violence, just a fun story where cement truck driver Danny is looking forward to his summer camping trip with significant other Trudy. Trudy is a scheming real estate agent who’s just landed a new client—the local TV star. With the new client, Trudy tells Danny that her work must keep her at home. She placates him with a barbeque with his pals. On a lark, Danny sits in a lawn chair in the backyard, his buddies tie helium balloons—he floats up, up and away to a new life with the help of a thunderstorm. The missing Danny becomes a celebrity, alas so does the grieving Ms. Trudy—which is exactly what she wants. Does Trudy get Danny back? Does Danny want to come back? With that said, just go see the movie. Who Should See It?—teens and up, Gramma will like. 3 ½ Golden Eggs

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• Vanity Fair 2.5/5

  2004-09-24 17:56

  

  with Reese Witherspoon as the manipulative, calculating and “I always get what I want” Becky Sharp is based on the novel by Thackeray. Sharp is the orphaned daughter of an English artist. When orphaned, she is placed in Miss Pinkerton’s Academy to learn to become a Governess. She lands her first job with Sir Pitt Crawley (Bob Hospkins)—she wins the admiration of Aunt Matilda (Eileen Atkins) who invites her to come live with her in London and the heart of Rawdon Crawley (James Purefoy). The two elope, causing Aunt Matilda to go into a snit and disinherit nephew Rawdon. Witherspoon has a great accent, but Elle is still there. Would have been more fun if she had a taste of Scarlett O’Hara in her. There are some wonderful scenes and dialogue is crisp in parts. The harem-type dance scene should have been dumped. Who Should See It?—Teens and up—Gramma may like. 2½ Golden Eggs

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• July, 2004

• The Cheetah Girls 3/5

  2004-07-24 17:56

  

  starring Raven is based on the mega bestselling The Cheetah Girls books series. The girls have to choose between fame/fortune and their friendships/themselves. Some good lessons. One of the fun things on this video is that the viewer can select from an alternate ending. Who Should See It?—Pre and early teems. My 12-year old viewers loved it. Gramma can take them. 3 Golden Eggs

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• Cold Mountain 3/5

  2004-07-24 17:55

  

  with Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger, Jude Law, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Donald Sutherland brought home as Oscar for Renee Zellweger in 2003. Based on the National Book Award novel by Charles Frazier (which I confess, I hated—started it 3 time before I could finish it), the movie is far better than the book and there were parts that I thought were gripping and well done. Kidman plays Ada, a preacher’s daughter and Law is Inman, a Civil War soldier who leaves his deathbed and begins the long trek home. The story is told through letters, none of them ever received between Ada and Inman. Zellweger’s Ruby is the comic relief as a sassy, hard-working farm hand. Hard workers get to get grubby, and Ruby fills the bill—she reminds you of a bit of Annie Oakley. Ada is pristine throughout, even when she starts working side-by-side with Ruby. Ada looks like she bathed and washed her hair everyday—quite a stretch of the imagination, it’s just not realistic. Inman is a simple guy and is myopic in his quest to come home and reconnect with Ada, a woman he has shared one kiss with. There are bad guys everywhere, particularly Teague, a nasty self-proclaimed member of the Confederate Home Guard. Teague was shunned by the lovely Ada, so whatever she wants/supports/protects is in trouble. Inman in particular. Who Should See It? Teens and up. Gramma might like. 3 Golden Eggs

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• Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen 2/5

  2004-07-24 17:55

  

  with Freaky Friday star Lindsay Lohan is a teen-age (make that female) comedy about Lola Cep, a girl who is transported from her beloved NY to NJ—new school, new friends, new boys, new everything. Lola lives and acts her waking hours in a quasi-fantasy world that she manages to translate into the living one. There are some laughs, but there long in coming. A Disney release. Who Should See It?—Young teenage girls, Gramma will think it’s silly. 2 Golden Eggs.

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• King Arthur 1.5/5

  2004-07-24 17:54

  

  is this summer’s epic spectacular tale that offers a few twists and turns—Arthur played by Clive Owen, wants to get out of Britain and return to his beloved Rome. His Knights of the Round Table only want their freedom—they’ve been bound to Rome for 15 years fighting/protecting/freeing folks on the “island” aka as Britain. Before freedom is granted, Arthur and the Knights must take on one final mission—rescuing the Pope’s Godchild. He meets the imprisoned Guinevere (Keira Knightley from Pirates of the Caribbean) and begins to realize that all is not well in Rome. Arthur and the Knights eventually join forces with the Ghosts of the forest… led by Merlin (who’s a former enemy) and discover that the lovely Guinevere is an ace with the bow and arrow. Together, they take on the dreaded Saxons whose mission is to conquer Britain. Who Should See It? I’m not quite sure … not me again. Boring and stretching in parts—although the ice battle is cool, and the grubbiness of the time is clearly realistic—I was glad when the credits started to roll. It’s in the Action/Adventure genre, so teens and up. Gramma should skip it. 1½ Golden Eggs

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• The Door in the Floor 3.5/5

  2004-07-24 17:54

  

  with Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger is a type of a movie that will linger—you will think/talk about it for days. Its genesis is John Irving’s, A Widow for One Year. Bridges plays Ted Cole, a successful children’s author and illustrator; Basinger is his wife Marian. Within minutes of the film starting, you know that Mariam is deeply depressed; Ted asks for a temporary separation; and they have had three children, of which the two boys have died and daughter Ruth was some type of an afterthought to replace or maybe save the marriage. The movie is about grief and you don’t know until the end as to how the two boys died. Mixed in between, Ted drinks lots, showers outside, his dress of choice is a kaftan, is a devoted Dad to Ruth and he hires a summer assistant (Eddie played by Jon Foster) from his alma mater (and the school his sons attended). Eddie is fascinated by Marian, she initiates him to the facts of life and the web grows. There is pain, there is laughter. Excellent performances by all, most likely Bridges will get an Oscar nomination. Who Should See It? Mature teens and up. Most Grammas will like. 3 ½ Golden Eggs

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• Spider-Man 2 4/5

  2004-07-24 17:53

  

  is the latest Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) embracing who he is and what he can do as Spiderman. Back as Mary Jane/MJ (Kirsten Dunst), has become an accomplished actress and engaged to the son of the pesty newspaper owner who Parker sells his photos of Spiderman to. Spidey #2 is better than the first version (which was hot as well)—it’s entertaining, fun and allows the viewer in on secrets . . . being a superhero has lots of ups and downs. Parker decides he can’t be both, so tosses in his Spiderman outfit to become “normal” again. Natch, it doesn’t work. The super villain, Doc Ock (Alfred Molina) is one bad dude as he goes on a rampage in NY with his giant mechanical arms—I wondered how come his skin didn’t rip out. Who Should See It? Kids and up . . . it’s a great flick—fabulous visuals, love story, good guy vs. bad guy, something for everybody . . . don’t leave Gramma at home. 4 Golden Eggs

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• The Bourne Supremacy 3.5/5

  2004-07-24 17:52

  

  with Matt Damon, Joan Allen, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles, and Karl Urban is the second installment of what has to be a series at this point. Tightly shot, it moves fast from country to country, you have to pay attention (though it’s doubtful that you will nap in the seat) as this espionage thriller unfolds. Based on the Robert Ludlum books, Damon returns as the highly skilled assassin who is trying to find out who he is, why he does/did what he did, and what answers lie to his complicated and fragmented life. Lots of twists and turns. Who Should See It? teens and up, if Gramma likes thrillers, bring her too. 3½ Golden Eggs

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• June, 2004

• City of God 2.5/5

  2004-06-24 17:52

  

  is based on the true-crime novel by the same name by Paulo Lins. It’s a story of gangs, slums and warfare in the world’s best known (and most notorious) slum in Rio de Janeiro. Average age of a resident is 20, police avoid it and it is considered a war zone by most journalists. The Runts (gangs of boys 6 to 11ish) are competing for the attention for the teen, young adult gangs. The movie focuses on three of them—L’il Ze’s, Carrot’s and Benny’s. The weaver is “Rocket”, a kid who wants out and finds a way to join the other world outside of the slum. Who Should See It?—Not little kids, not Gramma, mature teens and up. Violence and blood . . . but than, what would you expect when anyone with two legs has a gun? 2 ½ Golden Eggs

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• American Gun 2/5

  2004-06-24 17:52

  

  is James Coburn’s final movie. He plays Martin Tillman, a retiree. His only daughter is home for the Holidays; recently divorced and pulling her life together. His only granddaughter has left Mom and is trying to get her life together. So far, so good, until Christmas Eve, his daughter is shot and killed. Coburn’s character begins his quest to heal by tracking the history of the gun that killed her. There are a few twists and turns, a tad like Momento (but without all the blood and violence). Who Should See It?—Coburn fans, otherwise, it’s a so-so. 2 Golden Eggs

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• Bad Santa 0.5/5

  2004-06-24 17:51

  

  with Billy Bob Thorton, John Ritter, Bernie Mac and Lauren Graham (Dimension Films) is about a conniving and foul-mouthed Santa (Thorton), who with his side-kick elf, works the kids, their parents and employer. It’s downright awful. If you like nasty language, gross-out scenes, stupid people doing stupid things, this may be your cup of tea—it’s not mine. Who Should See It?—No one. Gramma will disinherit you. 0 Golden Eggs

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• Dragon Lord 0.5/5

  2004-06-24 17:51

  

  with Jackie Chan -- I couldn’t find anywhere in the promo material I got when this movie was originally made. That said, I’m guessing it was a long, long, long time ago. Chan is a young man; it’s dubbed and incredible slow in getting anywhere. Who Should See It?—Not Gramma, only the die-hard Chan fans; exception might be if you have young kids in the martial arts? They might get a kick out of seeing Chan in his younger version. Otherwise, take a big pass. 1/2 Golden Egg

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• Calendar Girls 4/5

  2004-06-24 17:50

  

  with Helen Mirren is simply a wonderful comedy. Inspired by the true story of a group of English women who can’t stand one more stupid meeting of learning about broccoli, cauliflower, and flower pressing, the ladies have something up their sleeves when it comes to their annual fund raiser. Mirren’s character is the ring-leader—with her best pal who has been recently widowed, they decide that they will shuck their clothes and create a calendar for the mature—oh they use the flowers, jams and teas that are expected of them—just with more flavor. Extra bonus—deleted scenes and the original Calendar Girls. Who Should See It?—Just about everyone—not the little kids—but definitely, Gramma—make the popcorn and pull up a chair. 4 Golden Eggs

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• Ghost of Abyss 3/5

  2004-06-24 17:50

  

  (Disney) will take you inside the Titanic. Director James Cameron is joined by a crew, including pal Bill Paxton, to mini-sub down 12,000 feet and then turn the robots loose to actually go inside the sunken vessel. If you are a Discovery channel watcher, this is right up your alley. Who Should See It?—History and ocean buffs, this one is for you. 3 Golden Eggs

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• Station Agent 4/5

  2004-06-24 17:49

  

  with Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson, Bobby Cannavale and Michelle Wiliams. As the lead, Dinklage plays Fin, a loner and train enthusiast who inherits a deserted train depot from a friend. Fin just wants to be alone, enjoying his love of trains—walking the tracks. It’s not to be. Cannavale is Joe—he just wants to talk (and can he ever) and be a pal; Clarkson is wonderful as Olivia, a grieving Mother who is separated from her husband. Be patient as the film develops, it’s wonderful. Who Should See It?—it’s for the adults, Gramma might like it. 4 Golden Eggs.

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• Miracle 3.5/5

  2004-06-24 17:49

  

  with Kurt Russell as the legendary ice hockey coach Herb Brooks is set in the winter Olympics of 1980, Brooks is hired by the US Ice Hockey Team to create a winning team out of a bunch of college kids who are splintered and rivals. The goal— to take on the world, and especially, the Soviets. Brooks creates Team USA, taking on the Soviets and Finland. In the end, the gold is theirs. Reminds me of Apollo 13—everyone knows how it ends . . . but it’s an incredible story and you stay in the moment. Who Should See It?—The entire family. 3 ½ Golden Eggs

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• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 4/5

  2004-06-24 17:48

  

  with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint (Harry, Hermione, Ron) are back to Hogwarts for the third installment of the smashing JK Rowling series. This one is the most interesting in story lines of the three (I like them all), you can see the full blown adolescent emerging; Harry definitely has a short fuse and when he’s pissed at his Muggle relatives, they get their due; Harry meets (and helps) someone who is falsely accused of killing his parents; keep an eye on Ron’s rat; Hermione is one bright (and beautiful) witch?and has a great right hook; Quidditch takes a back seat; lless time is spent in the interior of Hogwarts . . . the dark and mystical forest beckons; we see more Alan Rickman’s Snape, not enough of Maggie Smith and welcome goofy Emma Thompson and the new Dumbledore, Michael Gambon. Who Should See It? — Any kid who has read the books, teens and up, including Gramma. 4 Golden Eggs

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• Teacher's Pet 3/5

  2004-06-24 17:48

  

  (Disney) brings the talking canine that really wants to be a boy to the big screen and is based on the TV series of the same name. Voice cast includes Nathan Lane (as Spot, the dog that wants to be a boy), Kelsey Grammar (as the wacky scientist), Jerry Stiller, Paul Reubens, Megan Mullally, Shaun Fleming, David Ogden Stiers, and Jay Thomas. Fans of the TV show will be right at home? The opening number sums up why Spot wants to be a boy and thhen the movie takes off for the gang heading to Florida? Mom to get a teaching award and Spot to find Dr. Ivan Krank to change Spot’s DNA. My young viewer sources both liked the movie. It had a lot of little stories going on inside the main story, fun to watch and keeps the movie going at all times. The dog wants to be a boy but doesn't realize that in human years he is not a boy but a man. So when Dr. Krank changes Spot into a boy? he’s not, he’s a man! It all ends well. Who Should See It?—this one’s for the kids. 3 Golden Eggs

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• Fahrenheit 9/11 4/5

  2004-06-24 17:47

  

  is controversial Michael Moore’s latest statement and it’s guaranteed to cause a major uproar. Fresh from its win of the top prize at Cannes and getting the boot from Disney, Fahrenheit 9/11 is a cinematic shock and awe—from footage of the Bush-Gore election irregularities and of a bewildered President Bush at the elementary school getting the news of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers, to revealing interviews with military personnel and a family whose son died, special handling of the bin Laden extended family in the U.S. post 9/11, the oil connection and more. There is humor, horror, interviews, plenty of footage of soldiers, war victims and Bush. Moore’s voice is the narrator, but there is little of him on screen. There will be criticism that the “other side’s” voice is not equally represented—Moore is open and vocal of his contempt and hatred of all things Bush—it’s his point of view, get over it. Who Should See It? — Teens and up, including Gramma. 4 Golden Eggs

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• America's Heart and Soul 2.5/5

  2004-06-24 17:47

  

  is Disney, yet could fit into the Discovery Channel. Filmmaker Louis Schwarzberg introduces you to a tapestry of “ordinary” Americans—some like the dairy farmer from VT, the brothers who love the horn from New Orleans, a woman who does things with an airplane that seem impossible, a cowboy from Telluride, a minister from San Francisco or the man from CO who likes to smash stuff (I won’t forget the giant ham bullet—something that is perfect for the David Letterman Show). Some of the subjects are a tad screwball; others will touch your soul. Who Should See It? — The screening I attended had lots of families with kids—all hung in there, but this is not for little ones under 6—it’s an alternative to lots of the heavy action films that summer brings; Gramma will enjoy. 2¾ Golden Eggs

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