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MINORITY REPORT
with
Tom Cruise, Max von Sydow and Samantha Morton focuses on the prevention of
crime in the future-2054. Cruise is Chief John Anderton, leader of the
Pre-Crime unit that is on the eve of its national debut . . . until big
trouble hits. The unit is fueled by the Pre-Cogs-the twins (Dashiell and
Arthur) and Agatha (the Pre-Cog leader). They live (maybe floats the more
appropriate term) in a liquid suspension chamber dreaming of murders to be and
pop out the images that will happen. Anderton is the first to view the images
as he orchestrates them with his techie gloves and sends his troops to stop
the murder from happening. All goes well until Anderton's name is revealed as
the next murderer. He believes he's been set up…but, by whom? Tons of action,
great special effects. It's a winner for Spielberg's Dreamworks Studio and
Cruise may get an Oscar nod.
Who Should See It?
-just about everyone over 7-go see. Even Gramma will like it.
4 Golden Eggs.
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K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER
with Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson is a gripping true story about a cursed
Russian super nuclear sub that breaks down in the 60s at the height of the
Cold War. Ford plays Captain Alexi Vostrikov, who takes over the command
before setting out on the secret patrol from the original Captain played by
Liam Neeson. The men are loyal to Neeson, who stands by the new Captain and
aborts a mutiny. With Russian accents, K-19 is suspenseful throughout. When
the sub faces a core meltdown and explosion, Captain Alexi has to make a
choice-his men or follow the orders from the Kremlin.
Who Should See It?
-mature kids, action and suspense seekers. If Gramma likes politics, Ford or
Neeson, take her too.
3 1/2 Golden Eggs.
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THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES
is a wonderful farce with Ian Holm playing a double role-as the Emperor
Napoleon Bonaparte and a knock-off who takes his place on the desolate island
of St. Helena in 1821. The scheme involves the switch of the two, landing
Napoleon back on shore (natch-the ship goes to a different country),
eventually hooking up with his secret group of loyalists who plot to get him
back to Paris. Once there, he makes his last connection, only to find the man
just died. What to do?-befriend the lovely widow (Iben Hjejle) and wait for
the double to announce he is a fraud. Ahhh, the double out-doubles Napoleon,
enjoying the good life, and then... ...
Who Should See It?
-teens and up...Gramma will enjoy.
4 Golden Eggs.
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ROAD TO PERDITION
with Tom Hanks and Paul Newman is the first real Oscar contender this year
(both should get nominations). Hanks plays hit man Michael Sullivan for an
Irish gang headed up by Paul Newman. The photography is excellent-you feel you
are in the middle of the Depression. Newman has quasi-adopted Hanks character
when he was a kid and cares for the Sullivan family as his own….will, almost.
Hanks young son witnesses a murder by Newman's psycho son (Connor), and the
story takes off. Connor fears that the kid will talk and sets out to kill him.
The boy's not home, so Connor proceeds to kill the other son and wife.
Hanks/Sullivan wants Connor bumped off. No go from Dad Newman (blood is
thicker than love) and Hanks plots revenge, but first, he needs to get out of
town with his kid. Along the way, Hanks and son begin to understand/like each
other. It's a dark movie, some humor but not much and very, very powerful.
Still, it's one of the best you'll see this year for overall performances.
Who Should See It?
-not kids and probably not Gramma, especially if she likes Hanks in his roles
in You've Got Mail or Sleepless in Seattle.
4 1/2 Golden Eggs.
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NEVER AGAIN
with
Jill Clayburgh and Jeffrey Tambor (formerly Hank the side-kick from the Larry
Sanders Show on HBO) is a comedy of hits and misses. Two lovelorn 50
somethings are lonely yet skeptical of any relationship at their age. Tambor
plays Christopher, the day time bug exterminator, night time jazz musician who
is sick of one night stands and begins to wonder if he's partnering up with
the wrong sex. Clayburgh is Grace who hasn't been with a man for at least
seven years. Her gal pals set her up with an Internet blind date that goes
amok. She commiserates with her pals, ending up in a gay bar and meets the
miserable Christopher-they end up getting together and falling in love. There
are some hilarious laugh out loud spots that involve adult sex toys, and there
is some dumb, drag out segments.
Who Should See It?
-not the kids, and you should live Gramma at home unless she's a swinger.
3 Golden Eggs.
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MR. DEEDS
with Adam
Sandler and Winona Ryder-it's an Adam Sandler movie without all the potty talk
that his last few have been. Sandler as Deeds, a small town pizza shop owner
in New Hampshire, learns that he is his great uncle's sole heir to a media
empire-the fortune is worth $40 billion. He's a good guy and loved by all who
live in the small town. Swooped off to NY, every media outlet wants to know
who he is and what makes him tick. Ryder, as tabloid producer, changes
identity to get the big scoop-she ends up falling for him. Not a top role for
her, but than, it's better than what the real newspapers are saying these
days.
Who Should See It?
-This is not a flick with any deep chatter, it's simple, but carries a message
of doing the right thing and values in general-which is not a bad thing today.
There are laughs, but this one's for the kids-the 10 year olds thought it was
hilarious who viewed the preview when I saw it.
2 1/2 Golden Eggs.
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DEVINE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA
SISTERHOOD
with Sandra Bullock, Maggie Smith, Fionnula Flanagan,
Shirley Knight, Ashley Judd and Ellen Burstyn is based on Rebecca Wells novel
of the same name. The story evolves around Sidda (Bullock) as the playwright
daughter and her boozing tantrum throwing Mother (Burstyn). Put it in the
"chick-flick" category, it's not a great movie-so-so, but there are some great
one-liners. After all is said and done, these ladies aren't too likeable. I
was disappointed (Maggie Smith is always a kick).
Who Should See It?
-It's for the girls-leave spouses, significant others and kids at home.
2 Golden Eggs.
© Dr. Judith Briles 2002, All Rights Reserved
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