Dr. Judith Briles

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• December, 2003

• Paycheck 2/5

  2003-12-24 13:16

  

  with Ben Affleck as Jennings, an engineering hi-tech software genius who contracts himself out to product competitors—his challenge is to dissect the product and create a bigger, better (or in some cases, smaller and better) product . . . then zap, his memory of the exercise is erased—his ability to recall anything to do with the project is permanently blocked. His award is a paycheck—a big one. He decides to take on one more assignment that will take at least two years to his memory/time. Enters Uma Thurman as bio scientist Rachel Porter and love interest, of course. When he gets his memory erased, so goes Rachel. Jennings is supposed to get a BIG paycheck . . . so he can change the way he makes a living. When the gig is up, he’s given a brown envelop with stuff—20 items that he is clueless about—but then, if one’s memory is erased, why would you know what the hints are? He learns that he has forfeited the big payday—millions and millions—for the junk . . . or is it? Ah now, we have a chase scene—if fact, lots of them—and Jennings starts the chain that will begin to use the goodies in that handy envelop. This movie is pure fantasy—I wanted it to work and it does in some spots. But, let’s face it, Ben Affleck makes lots of money acting, I just wish he could act. Visual effects are good. Who Should See It?—teens and up, most Grammas will think it’s stupid. Wait until it’s in video. 2 Golden Eggs.

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• House of Sand and Fog 2.5/5

  2003-12-24 13:16

  

  has been billed as a thriller and a drama—it’s not, think tragedy. Excellent performances are delivered by Sir Ben Kingsley as Col. Massourd Amir Behrani and Jennifer Connolly as Kathy Lazaro. Both will most likely get Oscar nominations. Based on the bestseller by Andre Dubus III (it was an Oprah Book Club pick—which should have told me that it was depressing), Kinglsey’s character has brought his family to America—now citizens in the US, they were in the inner circle of power when living in Iran. His dream is to rebuild his family and their former life. He finds a home for sale for taxes—Kathy’s. His goal is to do a little fix-up and then resell it immediately. Connolly’s character is depressed; her husband has left her, is attempting to avoid the bottle, won’t open her mail, and is pissed when the sheriff evicts her for non-payment of taxes. Opening the mail would have helped. Through a series of events, she ropes in the deputy as her ally—nothing like a little lust in the afternoon—he leaves his family for her (Daddy, Daddy, please don’t leave) and takes up her cause. Deputy Burdon is played by Ron Eldard—he takes the “law” into his own hands and really screws the equation up. He encourages Kathy to go to Legal Aid—she does and gets angry at the lawyer who tries to help. Summing up—Kathy is not too bright, a brat, irresponsible and unaccountable—I was hoping she would jump off the pier in the scene where she walks out on it by the end of the movie (surrounded by sand and fog of course). The deputy’s family is history and his career is in the toilet. Behrani and family try to help the delusional Kathy with some type of honor and end up losing everything, including themselves. Who Should See It?—If you want to see good performances, this has them, Kinglsey is excellent—probably Oscar nominations. But, and it is a big but, do you want to be bummed out? I found it incredibly depressing—this movie is one tragedy after another. I came home and watched a Bill Cosby tape to counterbalance the previous two hours. 2 1/2s Golden Eggs

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• Calendar Girls 4/5

  2003-12-24 13:15

  

  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. Who Should See It?—Just about everyone—not the little kids—but definitely, Gramma will love you for taking her. 4 Golden Eggs

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• Peter Pan 4/5

  2003-12-24 13:15

  

  is back—this time Universal’s cast includes Jason Isaacs (as Hook), Jeremy Sumpter (as Peter), Olivia Williams, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Ludivine Sagnier, Lynn Redgrave, and Richard Briers—not many household names. Based on the classic, it’s nice to see Peter as a real boy for the first time on screen—one of the challenges during filming is that Jeremy Sumpter grew eight inches—camera guy gets credit for fooling the audience of the growth spurt. Capt. Hook is great, many of the visuals outstanding (loved Hook’s ship sailing back to London) and the crocodile is huge. A good film for the family. Who Should See It?—OK for the whole family, kids loved it at my screening, Gramma will surely compare to the ones she has seen. 4 Golden Eggs.

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• Something's Gotta Give 4/5

  2003-12-24 13:14

  

  with Diane Keaton as playwright Erica Barry and Jack Nicholson as Harry Sanborn, the eternal playboy. Supporting roles with Amanda Peet as daughter Marin, Keanu Reeves as Dr. Julian and Frances McDormand as the savvy professor women’s studies sister to Erica. All work well together—Erica is divorced and sans a man; Marin has a boyfriend—Harry; Dr. Julian wants a woman in his life; and sis aims to make it happen. All come together when Marin brings Harry to Mom’s writing pad at the beach for a weekend for duo—unfortunately, Mom Erica decides she needs a weekend solo. As Marin and Harry snuggle in their room, Harry has a heart attack . . . enter Dr. Julian. With that, the comedy is in full gear. Daughter dumps Harry; Dr. Julian covets Mom; Mom and Harry discover each other and then fizzle. . . or do they? Who Should See It?—Teens and up, Gramma will have a good time—this is a good flick and Keaton’s stage. 4 Golden Eggs.

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• October, 2003

• Kill Bill 3.5/5

  2003-10-24 13:14

  

  Quentin Tarantino’s latest is, well, odd. Weak on the story side, I have to admit, I was fascinated by it. It’s a violent cartoonish type of flick where the babes do all the kung fu and related stuff—the dudes are almost invisible. Most likely, Tarantino went through his Rolodex of violent scenes, and puzzle-pieced this baby together—everything from an old fashioned samurai to Clint Eastwood spaghetti type westerns. No nudity, but blood—tons of it. The end caught me by surprise Who Should See It?—Definitely not Gramma, and not young kids. 3 ½ Golden Eggs

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• Shattered Glass 4.5/5

  2003-10-24 13:13

  

  is one of those movies that make you think. Released by Lion's Gate Films, the almost two hours goes by quickly. Hayden Christensen stars as the wunderkind staff reporter for The New Republic—Stephen Glass. He also free-lanced for George, Rolling Stone and Harper’s. At the height of his writing, he was sought after by multiple publications—seemed to get every type of scoop imaginable . . . and was one flawed puppy. The old adage about weaving webs applies here—one lie leads to another, until you don’t know one end from another. The movie is rooted from an article/expose that appeared in Vanity Fair a few years ago. Who Should See It?—Very mature kids, teens and up. Gramma would be upset because he seemed like such a nice young man. 4 ½ Golden Eggs

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• Haunted Mansion 3.5/5

  2003-10-24 13:13

  

  rounds out the Thanksgiving newbies with Walt Disney Pictures dipping into its Magic Kingdom and pulling out another ride. If it worked for Pirates of the Caribbean, why not the Haunted Mansion (let’s forget that the Country Bears didn’t)? Starring Eddie Murphy as “I’ve never met a deal I couldn’t love” Realtor Jim Evers, along with wife Sara and two kids, the venture/ride really begins when Sara is beckoned to the right zip code in New Orleans—a rundown mansion that houses secrets everywhere. The creepy butler Ramsey greets Sara and to his dismay, finds that she has brought the family. Not in the plan . . . but he will deal with it. Introducing Sara to the love-struck owner Edward Gracey, Ramsey begins to weave his web—and there are lots of them. Sprinkle in a few ghosts, creepy doors and places, mysterious storms, and talking heads and you’ve got The Haunted Mansion. There are laugh-out-loud and a few jump out of the seat moments. Who Should See It?—it’s a family movie, no nudity or blood —anyone who got on the ride at Disneyland or Disney World can go, OK for Gramma My preview audience applauded. 3 ½ Golden Eggs

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• Brother Bear 3/5

  2003-10-24 13:12

  

  is a combo of the critters we love and those figure drawings that Walt Disney Pictures does. It’s a story about three brothers—who love and care for each other, but fight and defy at times, mixed in with a story about being true to self, the great outdoors and a few Phil Collins songs in between. The adventure starts with the younger brother and his Naming Ceremony—Kenai. Through a series of events, older brother goes to the Great Spirits; Kenai seeks out to get even with the bear that killed his brother and turns into a bear in the process … to learn a lesson. Meanwhile, middle brother seeks the bear that took both his brothers. There is comedy, the kids that saw the screening with me liked it . . . but only when the Disney critters showed up, it was a drag until then—the moose pals are great as are the other bears. Who Should See It?—Kids four and up. Gramma can take them. 3 Golden Eggs

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• Elf 2/5

  2003-10-24 13:12

  

  is brought to you by New Line Cinema. It’s being promoted as the new Christmas Classic—not for me … I thought it was, well, dumb. Will Ferrell is a human baby (Buddy) who crawls into Santa’s sack one Christmas Eve and journeys to the North Pole. So that the kiddies don’t get upset, Buddy is an orphan and therefore it’s OK to make the big journey and escape from the orphanage—there’s no sad Mommy or Daddy left behind. Buddy, of course—because of his size—is a bit of a misfit in Elfland and eventually Santa thinks it’s a good idea for him to find his “roots.” Adoptive PaPa Elf played by Bob Newhart agrees—it’s time for Buddy to find his real Dad in NY City. Good Buddy can’t get over how people have forgotten what Christmas is and it’s up to him to sort it all out. There are scenes that are good; there are many that could have been if developed. Who Should See It?—Kids will probably like it . . . it’s not one that I will voluntary sit in front of again. 2 Golden Eggs

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• Love Actually 4.5/5

  2003-10-24 13:11

  

  is the latest in the romantic comedy offerings. Universal brings to the screen a gaggle of favorites—Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Laura Linney, Martine McCutcheon, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, and Emma Thompson—would be hard to miss with this crew, and thankfully, Love Actually doesn’t—it delivers big time. Hugh Grant has a dual role—he is featured in one of the 10 vignettes and is the voice over that weaves throughout bringing several stories to closure on Christmas Eve. Some of the stories are outrageous and a hoot; others very touching. Who Should See It?—This is a movie for teens and up, all ages will love, including Gramma, actually. One of my favorite films this year. 4 ½ Golden Eggs

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• Master and Commander 4.5/5

  2003-10-24 13:11

  

  with Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, Bill Boyd and James D'Arcy . . . but mostly, Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey. Based on the best-selling series by Patrick O’Brian, Captain Jack’s tall ship, HMS Surprise, battles a French frigate off the South American Coast. The play between all the characters is excellent and the view of what life at sea was like for the men of all ages—this includes the kids who do the work of men as well—is quite an eye opened. There is humor, pain and passion is this wonderful film—just go see it. Expect Oscar nominations. Who Should See It—eight years and up, and do bring Gramma. 4 ½ Golden Eggs

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• Timeline 4/5

  2003-10-24 13:10

  

  is a mystery suspense thriller released by Paramount this Thanksgiving. Starring Paul Walker, Frances O’Connor, Gerard Butler, Billy Connolly, David Thewlis and Anna Friel, it’s based on Michael Crichton’s best-selling novel of the same name. If you are an archaeologist buff, you will enjoy—reading the book a few years ago, I immediately thought this one will make it to the big screen. A group of students led by their Professor explore an 14th Century feudal site in France. They are amazed by their “rare” luck of finding the right spot every time and learn through a chain of events that their sponsor has a vested interest in the days of old. Modern times roll back and our enthusiastic classroom finds themselves in the midst of a major battle. Who Should See It?—Crichton fans definitely, if you like action woven with suspense and even a distant romance or two, time will fly on this one. Gramma might like it too. 4 Golden Eggs

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• September, 2003

• The Lion King 4.5/5

  2003-09-24 13:10

  

  is back—new songs, new animation, new scenes in an all new special edition on DVD. If you have this in the original VHS, upgrading is wise—kids will love all the goodies (as adults will to). Who Should See It?—Everyone. 4 ½ Golden Eggs

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• Veronica Guerin 4/5

  2003-09-24 13:08

  

  stars Cate Blanchett as a journalist based in Dublin who takes the criminal element. The opening scenes of drug addicted Dublin in the mid-1990s are shocking—little ones picking up discarded needles and doing their make-believe best to stimulate an injection . . . lovely. Initially, Guerin covers features but moves to crime—trekking all over, probing in and exposing the underbelly of pushers and other bad dudes (and a few nasty dudettes). As Guerin follows her nose, her family is put into jeopardy—the old rules of the bad guys vs. the good guys meant that you didn’t harm the family. Threats start, she gets shot in a warning, until she is murdered at a stop light. Within days, she is a national heroine in Ireland; crowds take up the chant to stop drugs and crime and she is recognized for what she is/was—a courageous journalist. After her murder, the crime rate drops, primarily from public awareness, backlash and an “enough” of this garbage in Ireland. Blanchett will most likely get a nomination for an Oscar. Who Should See It? Not kids, mature teens, maybe Gramma and I think you. 4 Golden Eggs

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• Lost in Translation 3.5/5

  2003-09-24 13:07

  

  with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johannson will be a film you either like or hate . . . there’s no in-between. Murray plays Bob Harris, an aging movie star who is hot in Japan for his whiskey commercials. Johannson plays Charlotte, recently married to her much focused photographer husband who’s on a shoot. Both can’t adjust to the time changes and cross paths in the lobby bars. The two of them hook up and decide to do the town—many of their encounters are a hoot. As a side note, this Sofia Coppola’s film, following in the footsteps of her father, Francis. Who Should See It?—if you like Bill Murray, go see; this is probably not one that Gramma will love. 3 ½ Golden Eggs

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• Under the Tuscan Sun 4.5/5

  2003-09-24 13:06

  

  with Diane Lane as writer Frances Mayes and supporting cast of Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan and Raoul Bova is like having a wonderful dessert that melts in your mouth. Lane’s Frances is a newly divorced, bummed out writer who can’t connect with her words, much less herself. Her cronies decide that a trip abroad will do her good. Sending her off on a tour of Italy, she impulsively buys a run-down (a very, very run-down) villa. Acquiring/hiring a crew to fix the old girl, she ends up doing the same for herself. New friends, new places, a new life. There is life after divorce . . . for some, a very good one. Who Should See It?—Teens and up if they like the genre, Gramma will like this one—I loved it, Tuscany, here I come! 4 ½ Golden Eggs

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• July, 2003

• American Splendor 3.5/5

  2003-07-24 13:06

  

  by Fine Line Features was the Winner of the 2003 Sundance Grand Jury Prize and the International Critics Award at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Now, with that said, understand that lots of these winners are truly off the wall movies. AMERICAN SPLENDOR is no different. Not knowing anything about the life of underground comic book writer Harvey Pekar, my first thought was, “what the hell is this?” Several people at the screening I attended must have been thinking the same thing and they exercised their “let’s get out of here” option. I hung in there and actually was intrigued by this goofball mundane dude who creates the underground comic book American Splendor (true story) about himself—from getting in the wrong lines, boring work and boring people (not to mention Mr. Pekar—who is an obsessive comic book collector and a cantankerous personality) and just everyday stuff. Starring Paul Giamatti and Hope Davis—this movie is different. Who Should See It? —If you like David Letterman (footage is shown from shows that Pekar was on plus the meltdown he had on it) and stupid pet tricks, this may be your cup of tea. 3 ½ Golden Eggs.

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• Open Range 4/5

  2003-07-24 13:05

  

  is the latest from Touchstone. Staring Robert Duvall as cowboy Boss Spearman, Kevin Costner as runner-up loner cowboy and long time friend to Boss, Charley Waite and Annette Bening as the not wanting to be a spinster Sue Barlow. The background story is free grazing of cattle, which Boss does well. The corrupt Sheriff is pushed about (as are most of the town folks) by the wannabe kingpin rancher who hates the free grazers. For you movie lovers, this is the plot point and conflict setup. Now, this is a big picture, be patient with it—the photography and cinematography are fabulous, Duvall as Boss is wonderful; Costner as Charley is Costner; and Bening as Ms. Sue fits—she falls for Charley. The bad guys (Sheriff and wannabe kingpin) do their best to break all the codes of honor of the Wild West. The show down is a mix of High Noon and Tombstone, the town folks found their courage, and you come away with a “that was good flick” feeling. Who Should See It? —Anyone who likes Duvall and/or Costner, if you like westerners or if you like the Big Sky ranges. 4 Golden Eggs.

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• June, 2003

• Freaky Friday 4/5

  2003-06-24 13:04

  

  with Jamie Lee Curtis as shrink Dr. Tess Coleman and Lindsay Lohan as daughter Anna don’t get along—but what else is new with 15-year-olds and their parents? In Walt Disney Pictures’ latest comedy, Tess is about to marry the man of her dreams (Mark Harmon) after being widowed for three years. Natch, all hell breaks loose. With the about to be blended family dining at a Chinese restaurant, two fortune cookies are given to Mom and Daughter—mystical mayhem is the result. The next day being a Friday—the day before the wedding, Tess and Anna are now Anna and Tess—they’ve switched bodies. They figure out that they can’t switch back until they truly feel, experience, honor the fortune from the cookies. And each other. This was a fun movie, lots of laughs—even the little girl of about 9 who sat next to me got a big kick out of it. Who Should See It? Definitely Gramma, most of the family…even teens will like it. 4 Golden Eggs.

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• American Wedding 1.5/5

  2003-06-24 13:04

  

  brings back the crew from American Pie and American Pie 2, Universal’s latest quasi-gross out raunchy comedy. Players remain the same with Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan as Jim and Michelle tying the knot; the foul-mouthed and sex-obsessed “Stifler” who plans the bachelor party and “Finch” supporting his pal as he heads toward wedding bliss, keeping his eye out for Stifler’s Mom and a reunion to their tumble in the sheets from the previous flick. Eugene Levy returns as the cool, nonplussed Dad—he’s good. In between, there are some laugh out loud scenes…..but record it to juvenile, very juvenile behavior. Lots of bad language, nudity. Who Should See It? Definitely, definitely not Gramma, nor young kids and not a chick flick. You either like the American Pie series or you don’t. 1 1/2 Golden Eggs.

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• Head of State 2/5

  2003-06-24 13:03

  

  with Chris Rock, is well, Chris Rock. Hitting the theater in the spring, Head of State is about a Presidential election of a neighborhood alderman who is picked by “the Party” to replace the frontrunner after he suddenly dies. Bernie Mac is cast as older brother, who ends up as the VP candidate. Of course, they win—very convoluted, but it’s a Chris Rock comedy. If you like him, you will find some chuckles—otherwise, take a pass. Who Should See It? Teens and up. 2 Golden Eggs

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• The Hulk 3/5

  2003-06-24 13:01

  

  is Marvel Comic’s latest contribution of superhero and monster—there’s a little romance, humor, battles and tragedy—something for everyone. With Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott and Nick Nolte. Some of the visuals are great; some of the visuals not so great. It’s escapism and fun. Nolte is a hoot. Who Should See It? If you like action, fantasy or are a comic book devotee, you won’t be disappointed. 3 Golden Eggs

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• Holes 3/5

  2003-06-24 13:01

  

  was another Spring release by Disney and company—based on the beloved book by Louis Sachar, it’s an adventure about a kid who keeps running into bad luck that is woven from an ancient family curse. Shia LaBeouf stars as Stanley Yelnats, the kid who gets sent to Camp Green Lake—a dismal place you would avoid at all costs. With Sigourney Weaver as the camp director and her odd ball support team of Jon Voight and Tim Blake Nelson, the young charges are told to dig holes, holes and more holes. Weaver’s character says it’s to build character, Stanley thinks otherwise. Who Should See It? Kids, from seven and up. 3 Golden Eggs

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• Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life 3/5

  2003-06-24 13:00

  

  with Angelina Jolie is the next installment of video action heroine Lara Croft. This time, Ms. Croft jet skis, rides horses and uses her skills on a motorcycle. Having as much action as the first plus her travels are broadened—Hong Kong, Kenya, Tanzania, Greece and Wales. With lots more action that Indiana Jones ever thought about it, good overcomes evil, as it should. Who Should See It? Lara Croft fans won’t be disappointed—kids from 8 and up. 3 Golden Eggs

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