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SHANGHAI KNIGHTS
with Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson. The boys are back again, recreating their
roles from Shanghai Noon, in this so-so sequel. Chan is Chon Wang and Wilson
is Roy O'Bannon-instead of being in the Old West, they find themselves in Old
London. Chon Wang's father has been murdered in China and the boys hook up
with Wang's sister Lin, uncovering a plot to kill all the Royals and take over
China, all in one full swoop. Needless to say, there are the usual
martial-arts action and the silly/stupidity of Wilson's character, who lusts
for the sister.
Who Should See It?
-not kids, I was amazed at the number of under 10-year-olds at the screening I
attended. There are adult themes and lots of sexual overtones here- Gramma
probably will want to take a pass.
1 1/2 Golden Eggs.
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THE RECRUIT
with Al
Pacino, Colin Farrell and Bridget Moynahan is billed as a thriller, and in
some parts it is. Pacino's character Walter Burke is a CIA recruiter of a
zillion years, Farrell is brilliant software student at MIT James Clayton and
Moynahan is thrown in as the love interest for Farrell (not great chemistry).
The most interesting, and at times riveting, part in the The Recruit is the
process that the CIA Newbies go through to become seasoned spies and the time
spent on The Farm. Burke becomes Clayton's mentor and assigns him the task of
probing the agency for a mole in a cat and mouse strategy. The running line is
trust on one and nothing is what it seems. This movie could have been better,
but it's not bad.
Who Should See It?
Teens and up.
2 1/2 Golden Eggs.
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THE GANGS OF NEW YORK
is Martin Scorsese's long awaited tale of a young Irish-American immigrant,
Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio), who returns to the Five Points section
of New York City during the time of the Civil War. Vallon’s Dad (Liam Neeson)
was killed there a decade plus earlier by Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis).
Day-Lewis has the stand-out performance as an incredibly powerful
anti-immigrant gang leader. Cameron Diaz plays a pickpocket, raised by Bill
the Butcher—now in love with Vallon. Conflict, conflict, conflict….and tons,
tons of violence.
Who Should See It?
—this is a very violent film, not for kids, not for Gramma, not for me.
2 1/2
Golden Eggs.
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25th HOUR
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.
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THE GURU
with
Heather Graham, Marisa Tomei, Jimi Mistry, Christine Baranski and Michael
McKean is about a young Indian dance teacher who leaves Delhi for New York
City—seeking fame and fortune….he wants to be in the movies. He works as a
waiter and at a private catering party; and she connects with a ditzy
socialite played by Tomei. He is mistaken for a real Guru (after the
entertainment Guru succumbs to too much drink) and becomes an overnight
celebrity. This movie is a hoot and wonderful—it was a pleasure to leave the
theater with the rest of the audience with smiles and chuckles.
Who Should See It?
Not kids, there are adult themes—Gramma will get a kick out of it.
4 Golden Eggs.
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CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
is Steven Spielberg’s latest gem. With Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks,
Christopher Walken, and Martin Sheen, it’s based on the autobiography of Frank
W. Abagnale, Jr.. (DiCaprio). Viewers learn quickly that Frank is a master con
artist, learning his trade in his teens. He had worked as a doctor, a lawyer
and as a co-pilot for a major airline—all before his 18th birthday. To round
out his talents, he became a master forger—in the end, he stole in excess of
$4,000,000. FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (Hanks) is obsessed with nabbing Abagnale
and Abagnale is equally obsessed with baiting and avoiding Hanratty. Good
performances by Hands and DiCaprio.
Who Should See It?
Anyone looking for some fun, a little farce, even Gramma will like it.
4 Golden Eggs.
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THE PIANIST
is a
stunning and riveting adaptation of the autobiography of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a
Polish Jew and celebrated composer and pianist (Adrien Brody), who played live
music heard over the Polish radio airwaves. That ended when the Nazis
descended on Warsaw. During the occupation, Szpilman eludes deportation and
remains in the devastated Warsaw Ghetto with the assist of several non-Jews.
He struggled to stay alive with his music in his head and fingers—in the end,
a German officer recognizes his enormous talents and assists. The Pianist took
the top prize at Cannes in 2002 for Best Picture, produced by Roman Polanski.
A definite Oscar contender—in my Top 5 Movies.
Who Should See It?
-- Everyone over 10, including Gramma—don’t miss this film. 5 Golden Eggs.
5 Golden Eggs.
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DIE ANOTHER DAY
is
the latest James Bond flick . . . and Pierce Bronson is James Bond (although
with a beard, he has a remarkable resemblance to Kris Kristofferson!). Lots of
high tech toys and gadgets, from high-speed hovercrafts to space zappers that
can destroy anything and everything. Bond Girl Halle Berry debuts as the
latest chick action partner. From Korea to Cuba to Iceland and England, Bond
does the usual (doesn’t this man ever get tired?) and takes down the nasty
megalomaniac and his diamond encrusted pal.
Who Should See It?
-- Bond fans and anyone who likes action on the screen, including Gramma.
3 1/2 Golden Eggs.
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TREASURE PLANET
has
been missed by much of the public. This unique animation includes the voice
talents include Emma Thompson, David Hyde Pierce, Martin Short, Brian Murray,
and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. In a Disney roll-out, Treasure Planet is a play on
Robert Lewis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. At 15, Jim Hawkins goes on an
intergalactic treasure as a cabin boy on a space galleon. He’s befriended by
the ship’s cyborg; and he transitions from boy to young man and learns that
his friend has a dark side . . . as in he wants all the treasure.
Who Should See It?
—this one’s for the kids, 5 and up, parents should enjoy it.
4 Golden Eggs.
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ABOUT SCHMIDT
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.
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STAR TREK NEMESIS
with Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael
Dorn, Gates McFadden, and Marina Sirtis. Opening on the wedding of Wil and
Troi (yes, they finally say their “I Do’s”), Picard and crew are wishing them
well as Wil sets out to finally command his own ship and Data is set to become
the new #1. As all Trekkies know, little goes as originally planned in a Trek
adventure and Nemesis follows the storylines of the past—Picard confronts a
nasty and surprising nemesis while on a diplomatic mission to initiate peace
with the Romulans’ darker side. Excellent battle scenes.
Who Should See It?
— Calling all Trekkies, plus anyone who likes action.
4 Golden Eggs.
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THE HOURS
with Meryl
Streep, Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman, Ed Harris, Toni Collette, Claire Danes,
Jeff Daniels, Stephen Dillane, Allison Janney, John C. Reilly, and Miranda
Richardson is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel—a story that weaves the
stories of three women who are connected through words—one is a book editor,
one a writer and the third a librarian—all connected through the words of
Virginia Woolf played by Nicole Kidman. The story switches times and places
that flows throughout. Each of the three women have links, which in turn link
with others—as Virginia Woolf, Kidman struggles with her sanity and starting
her next work, Mrs. Dalloway; Julianne Moore plays a Laura Moore, housewife
post World War II who questions being a mother and wife; and Meryl Streep
plays Clarissa Vaughn, a modern-day Mrs. Dalloway. Oscar nominees will
surface—Kidman (outstanding), Harris, Streep. This is a Top 5 Movie.
Who Should See It?
-- Mature teens and adults.
4 1/2
Golden Eggs.
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PERSONAL VELOCITY
is
based on Rebecca Miller’s book of short stories in a trio of vignettes. It
portrays the personal stories of three American women struggling to make sense
of the lives they’ve found themselves living. Delia (Kyra Sedgwick) is a
battered wife and mother who finally gets the courage to leave; Greta (Parker
Posey) is an editor of cookbooks, wants more but is married to an un-ambitious
and unexciting husband; and Paula (Fairuza Balk) just misses being killed.
Each woman looks in the mirror and decides that there has got to be more—the
question is, where do they find it? This film won the Grand Jury Prize at the
2002 Sundance Film Festival as well as the Excellence in Cinematography Award.
Who Should See It?
-- It’s not a happy film, depressing in multiple areas—so if you need a mood
lifter, take a pass.
2
Golden Eggs.
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LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO
TOWERS
with Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, and Liv
Tyler starts exactly where The Fellowship left off. Don’t attempt to see The
Two Towers before seeing The Fellowship—unless you know the story, you will
only end up confused. Forget about the introduction of new characters (with
the exception of Gollum—the creature that follows Frodo and Sam and Treebeard
the Ent—leader of the walking trees), The Two Towers is seamless with the
first installment.
Gandalf fell into the abyss in The Fellowship; he later to comes back as the
Gandalf the White and all around good wizard; Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli are
at their swash-bucking best; and Frodo and Sam continue their journey to Mount
Doom with Frodo beginning to display the strain of ring bearer and fending off
Gollum from stealing the “precious”. The final battle of the movie (pee, it’s
three hours) has you cheering for the good guys. Who Should See It?—Anyone who
likes action, it’s dark and there is violence. Too bad we have to wait until
December 2003 for the third and final installment. 4 Golden Eggs.
Who Should See It?
--Anyone who likes action, it’s dark and there is violence. Too bad we have to
wait until December 2003 for the third and final installment.
4
Golden Eggs.
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HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF
SECRETS
with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Maggie
Smith, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Richard Harris, Kenneth Branagh, and Alan
Rickman is the second film in the Potter series. As with Lord of the Rings:
The Two Towers, Chamber of Secrets starts after what appears to be a summer
break. It begins with Harry being locked up in his room by his Muggle Uncle
Vernon, who is dead-set against his return to Hogwarts. New character Dobby
the house elf appears in Harry's room, telling him that terrible danger awaits
him at Hogwarts if he goes back.
Despite the warning, Harry escapes his uncle's house when Ron picks him up in
the Weasley's flying car, and the duo heads for the school of wizardry. Once
there, Harry begins to hear a mysterious voice, and it turns out that the
sinister Chamber of Secrets has been reopened, and the creature set free has
begun to attack students. One look from the beast can kill, but so far, a few
unlucky students have merely been petrified. Unless the culprit who opened the
chamber (and where is it?) can be found, the wizardry school will have to
close. After Hagrid is accused and Dumbledore gets the sack by the school
board, Harry, Ron, and Hermione hatch a plot to find out what's behind it all.
Who Should See It?
— All Harry Potter fans and anyone looking for a good fantasy adventure that
evolves around young people. The kids are excellent.
4
Golden Eggs.
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THE SECRETARY
with
James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeremy Davies, and Lesley Ann Warren is
offensive to any woman (or man) who has ever held a secretarial position. Lee
Holloway (Gyllenhaal) has recently been released from a mental institution and
decides that she wants a job. Never having one before doesn’t stop her. She
applies for a secretarial position at the law office of E. Edward Grey Spader)
and is hired by the mysterious/weird lawyer. All appears to be OK in the
beginning, until Lee gets a tad stressed . . . and out come the razor blades
to do “art work” on her body. The weird lawyer is observant and soon begins a
more personal relationship with her, crossing lines of conduct between boss
and employee, not to mention humans. Many thought this film was funny—I
thought it was sick.
Who Should See It?
— No one, Gramma would really be upset.
0
Golden Eggs.
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Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN
with Lopez Mercado, Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, Nathan Grinberg, Veronica
Langer, and Maria Aura is identified as Alfonso Cuaron’s erotic and funny
Mexican coming of age movie. With voice over and English sub-titles, it takes
place in Mexico with two foul-mouthed, hormonally consumed teenage boys Julio
(Bernal) and Tenoch (Luna) and an unhappy married woman Luisa (Langer). The
guys think they are hot, sophisticated and God’s gift to girls/women. They are
not—they are lonely and bored and set out for Heavens Beach, the perfect place
to drop out, inviting the unhappy and beautiful Luisa to join them—she does.
The odd trio—a sexually liberated woman and two horny teenage boys— end up on
a journey that will involve booze, drugs, and sex—lot’s of it in every which
way and very graphic (possibly for those who just want to watch and not read
the sub-titles!). This movie has won raves at several film festivals and
ranked in the top 10 lists of many—I think you will be disappointed. It’s
nothing more than road trip with bad language, lots of sex and nudity.
Who Should See It?
— Few, I wish—take a pass and don’t let Gramma go because major reviewers say
it’s wonderful—it’s not.
0
Golden Eggs.
© Dr. Judith Briles 2002, All Rights Reserved
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