Dr. Judith Briles

Sort list by: title ↑ | rating | view date

• 25th Hour 2/5

  2003-04-24 11:50

  

  with Edward Norton, Rosario Dawson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper, Anna Paquin, and Brian Cox is a mixed bag—you will either like it, or hate it. Norton’s character, Monty Brogan is a drug dealer who is no longer dealing—he’s caught with an old stash in his sofa—jail time is around the corner. A party at a NY club is given in his honor—he brings his two elementary school pals and girlfriend—at the same time trying to figure out who set him up. He reconnects with his Dad as he tries to sort it all out. Who Should See It? —this is not a fun movie—not for kids, definitely not for Gramma. I like Edward Norton, I didn’t like this. 2 Golden Eggs.

  0.3



• A Beautiful Mind

  2001-12-23 19:43

  with Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly and Ed Harris is outstanding and at the top of the list. Based on the life story of the brilliant mathematician Jonathan Nash, it's a roller coaster of a movie with twists and turns, and laced with humor. Performances by Crowe and Connelly should garner Oscar nominations and Director Ron Howard may get one as well. This is one of the best movies this year. Who Should See It?-teens and up. Definitely go see.

  0.3



• A Prairie Home Companion 4/5

  2006-07-25 13:04

  

  with a stellar cast of Garrison Keeler, Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Kline, Charles C. Riley, Woody Harrleson and Lindsey Lohan is a model Robert Altman film. If you are a fan of NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion, you will love this -- the radio comes alive. One of the best of the Altman films. Who Should See It? It’s more for adults -- Gramma will like it. 4 Golden Eggs

  0.3



• About a Boy 4.5/5

  2002-11-24 11:41

  

  with Hugh Grant and Toni Collete is about a rich (living off royalties from his Father's Christmas jingle) and definitely childfree irresponsible dude who is in search of women, preferably the kind that doesn't want a long-term relationship. Will discovers a single parents meeting, creates a mythical child to join in and meets a real one-Marcus ….or the real one meets Will and decides that Will will be part of his life. Grant is at the top of his form...definitely go see. Who Should See It? -adults of all ages. 4½ Golden Eggs.

  0.3



• About Schmidt 4.5/5

  2003-04-24 11:52

  

  is a dark comedy with stellar performances by Jack Nicholson and Kathy Bates. Nicholson is newly retired and widowed. His only daughter is about to be married to someone he deems not good enough. He begins a trek from Omaha to Denver—his goal is to stop the marriage. Along the way, he explores who he is and pen pals/confesses his inner thoughts and feelings with Ndugu, an orphan he sponsors for $22 a month (found late at night while TV surfing). Lots of laughs woven with desperation. Oscar nominees will surface for Nicholson and most likely Bates. This is a Top 5 Movie. Who Should See It? — All Nicholson fans, anyone wanting to see actors at the top of their game. 4 1/2 Golden Eggs.

  0.3



• Against the Ropes 3/5

  2004-11-24 17:22

  

  is Meg Ryan’s latest from Paramount, and what a change of scene it is. Sure, she’s beautiful as boxing manager Jackie Kallen—but she’s rough too (where did the gravelly voice come from?). Also starring Charles S. Dutton as Felix the trainer, Omar Epps as Luther the fighter and Tony Shalhoub as bad guy manager of the current champ. As a kid, Jackie Kallen lived and breathed boxing through her family. As an adult, she worked for a boxing rep in the role of secretary—longing to show her stuff. In a challenge, and for a borrowed buck, she takes the bait. Kallen guides Luther Shaw to a championship, as she did several other fighters. Along the way, her ego almost breaks her and her charge. Think Rocky here. Who Should See It?—Teens and up, Gramma might like it. 3 Golden Eggs

  0.3



• Air Buddies 3/5

  2006-12-25 13:27

  

  is a family film that all pooch lovers will embrace—Air Bud is head of the brood of five rambunctious, and quite creative, puppies who just happen to be able to talk—but then, so do most of the critters in the movies! They finally are able to get their puppy act together and work as a team to save their parents who’ve been dog-napped. Silly and laughs—which kids always love. Bonus segments included. Who Should See It? Families, Gramma will take the kids too. 3 Golden Eggs

  0.3



• Akeelah and the Bee 4/5

  2006-07-25 13:08

  

  (Lionsgate) stars Keke Palmer as a word-savvy 11 year-old; Angela Bassett as her doubting Mom and Laurence Fishburne as her mentor and tutor. Akeelah’s brother is on the border of being a gang boy; her Mom is depressed about work and her deceased husband, and her tutor is avoiding his own ghosts. Akeelah’s energy is woven throughout, you can’t watch this flick and not cheer for her and the other contestants as they vie for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Who Should See It? Everyone, Gramma will love it. 4 Golden Eggs

  0.3



• Aladdin 4/5

  2004-10-24 18:04

  

  special edition (part of the Disney Platinum Edition collection) is out with a 2-disc set that includes several games, the deleted song Proud of Your Boy in music video with American Idol Clay Aiken, secrets to how the original was put together, and deleted scenes from the original. First released in 1992, Aladdin won the Oscar for best song, A Whole New World and trilled kids and parents alike with animated story of young boy, his pet money, the beautiful princess, the goofy and magical Genie and a spirited magic carpet. Who Should See It?--Kids and up.-- 4 Golden Eggs

  0.3



• Ali

  2001-12-24 09:48

  with Will Smith (Ali) and Jon Voight (Howard Cosell) begins with Ali's defeat of Sonny Liston and ends with his fight with George Foreman. Along the way are women, the draft, Malcolm X and Howard Cosell (Voight is terrific). Smith gets Ali's voice and humor-sparring with Cosell is a kick and a highlight. Smith does a good job with the fight scenes. Who Should See It?-teens and up-it's a good way to spend 2 ½ hours.

  0.3



• 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

  0.3



• Alice in Wonderland 4/5

  2004-12-24 17:19

  

  is back in this all new and dressed up Disney version—with extras including a wonderful stint and song with the Cheshire Cat (I’m Odd). If you have kids, this set should be in your personal library. For the whole family. 4 Golden Eggs.

  0.3



• Along Came Polly 2.5/5

  2004-12-24 17:15

  

  is Jennifer Aniston (as Polly) and Ben Stiller’s (as compulsive, risk-adverse, neat freak Reuben) latest comedy (Universal). Debra Messing and Hank Azaria (what a surprise bod as a muscle-bound scuba instructor!) have supporting roles. Reuben marries Messing’s character—she ditches him on the honeymoon for scuba man. His dream was to marry, raise the perfect family in the perfect house—that ended on the first day of the honeymoon—returning to his home base, he runs into a high school classmate—enter Polly—a throwback to Hippie Days. Like oil and vinegar—the brew/plot thickens. Does the wife and scuba man stay together? Do Reuben’s fetishes drive Polly nuts? Is that really Ben Stiller in the final scene?—check it out –it’s a light, good date/chick flick. Who Should See It?—?—teens and up; Gramma will probably get a kick out of it. 2½ Golden Eggs.

  0.3



• 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

  0.3



• 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

  0.3



• 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.

  0.3



• 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.

  0.3



• Angels and Demons 3/5

  2009-06-17 19:39

  

  Angels and Demons is the latest Dan Brown blockbuster book to hit the big screen. Tom Hanks is back as Professor Robert Langdon, symbologist, from The Da Vinci Code, this time joining him in the search for all things awful is Ayelet Zurer as Vittoria Vertra, the brainy (but beautiful) scientist who is part of a team that created antimatter—dangerous stuff that looks like a small nuclear bomb. The dangerous stuff is stolen, leaving a trail of bodies as the culprit escapes with the dreaded antimatter canister. Langdon is recruited by the Vatican after the death (which, of course, is murder) of the Pope and the kidnapping of the four top cardinals candidates to be the next Pope. The Illuminati appears to be at the root of all things going wrong and has told the Vatican that all will explode in 24 hours. The Carmerlengo, played by Ewan McGregor, runs the Vatican until a new Pope is elected—performance is good and he’s a key player as the mystery gets solved. The big race is on… the Professor has to get to Rome—that’s a few hours from Harvard—there’s plenty of speeding cars, villains, story twists, scary music woven with the ongoing debate of the Catholic Church’s war with the men of science and science itself. I personally liked the movie—I wish Hanks would let his sense of humor (or would that be director Ron Howard letting him) to come out and play a la Harrison Ford and Indiana Jones—after all, this is a kind of “B” movie. You know that the Professor is brilliant in symbology (you are told that)—would have been more fun, and interesting, if the viewer is let in on some of the mysteries of the Church.
  Who Should See It? Teens and up.

  0.3



• Apocalypto 1/5

  2006-12-25 13:24

  

  is probably the most gruesome film to carry the Touchstone/Walt Disney Picture label. Directed and co-written by Mel Gibson, it makes Braveheart look like a tea party. All the critics are abuzz about it. Set in the 16th century, the viewer is introduced to a group of peaceful forest dwellers who are ribbing one of the members of the tribe who seems to be infertile into eating the testicles of a tapir that they have just killed—this is the comedy part. Within a short time, the tribe is viciously attacked and slain and women raped by Mayans on the prowl for sacrifices to the Gods—only a few escape…a handful of kids and the very pregnant wife and small son of Jaguar Paw played by Rudy Youngblood. As the men, and some women, are herded up and taken to the Mayans, the blood spilling continues. History tells us that the Mayan civilization was brutal and decadent—Gibson pulls no punches, the viewer experiences with relentlessness that brutality and gore. History also tells us that the Mayans were smart in math and the sciences, although you would never pick that up watching Apocalypto. Jaguar Paw does escape the head cutting/heart ripping out fate of many of his tribesmen and he does finally make it back to save his wife, son and infant. This is without a doubt one of the most brutal, bloody and assaulting films I’ve ever experienced. Who Should See It?—Not kids, not anyone looking for entertainment, some fun or a little relaxation, and definitely not your Gramma. The cinematography is excellent, Mel Gibson knows how to tell a story and is quite inventive in his display of graphic barbaric acts and the acting is not bad …. But, I hated being in the theater and experiencing it. 1 Golden Egg

  0.3



• Away We Go 3/5

  2009-06-11 17:15

  

  If you like quirky, this just may be your movie. John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph play Burt and Veronica—a couple expecting a baby who are insecure and almost misplaced in this thing called life. When Burt’s parents decide to pull up roots and head to their dream destination to live in Europe (a hoot by Jeff Daniels, Catherine O’Hara), Burt and Veronica decide that they need to find a new home. Visiting old friends, co-workers, Veronica’s sister and Burt’s brother, they finally get it that they, and no one else, have to define what home is all about … and where it will be. Laughs, a little sadness and misadventure along the way.
  Who Should See It? Teens and up.

  0.3



• 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

  0.3



• Bambi 4/5

  2005-07-25 12:30

  

  Animated adventure of the deer that everyone knows and has been a staple for generations has been enhanced with digital restoration as well as a remix of sound. The story is the same--Bambi is orphaned when a hunter kills his Mom, is befriended by the animals of the forest, escapes a forest fire and eventually grows up. Disney includes bonuses of games, the making of Bambi, added features. Who Should See It?-- Young kids, parents and Gramma-- 4 Golden Eggs

  0.3



• Beaches, Special Edition 3.5/5

  2005-07-25 12:25

  

  She's back . . . Bette Midler and all her glory. . . along with Barbara Hershey. Midler is CC Bloom, a brassy friend and singer and Hershey is Hillary, her classy childhood friend--recently divorced, one child and terminally ill. This is Midler’s film that had "Wind Beneath My Wings" as a key number--a true tear creator. Best friends are best friends and Beaches tells the story of young friendship, estranged friendship and renewed friendship. I loved seeing it again--some fun bloopers are included. Who Should See It?--It's a chick flick, Gramma may enjoy.--3 1/2 Golden Eggs

  0.3



• Bear in the Big Blue House Series 4/5

  2004-09-24 18:02

  

  (A Bear for All Seasons, Sense-Sational, Shapes, Sounds & Colors, Dance Party, Party Time, Potty Time with Bear, Everybody’s Special, Sleepytime with Bear & Friends, Heroes of Woodland Valley, and Tidy Time with Bear) is created by the Jim Henson division of Disney. Your pre-schooler will recognize many of the Muppet voices. Lots of friendly “how-to” and valuable “ahas” are contained in this excellent series. Who Should See It?—toddlers and Pre-schoolers. Buy the set; they will want to watch them again and again. 4 Golden Eggs

  0.3



• Beauty and the Beast 5/5

  2002-07-24 10:41

  

  --IMAX version is back with a few new scenes and a new song. Seeing it on the big, big IMAX screen creates a 3-D experience. Who Should See It? -perfect for families of all ages...it's wonderful. 5 Golden Eggs.

  0.3