Reviews

Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ", despite the controversy, provides a detailed, accurate account of the final hours of Jesus Christ. The "Passion" refers to the torture and humiliation inflicted on Christ during his final hours on this earth. Guided by the four gospels, Gibson takes the audience on an almost unbearable journey into the ultimate sacrifice. Screen violence has never been seen at this extreme, almost pornographic, level. However, I thinks it's important to document in detail man's inhumanity to man.

What troubles me about the film is the historical inaccuracy of presentation in the Film. Jesus was born in the middle east and he simply didn't look like Jim Caviezel. It amazes me that in 2004 America is not ready for a historically accurate presentation of Jesus Christ.

America still has a strong color barrier. I don't think (in fact I know) the film would have strong commercial success if Jesus was Arab or even (don't say it) AFRICAN. Mel Gibson did extensive research on the languages and even the weapons. I'm pretty sure he knows what Jesus looks like. However, he chose to ignore the facts and gave us Michelangelo's Christ yet again. The truth is we don't know EXACTLY what Jesus looked like, however we do know where he was born and that people from that part of the world don't have blond hair and blue eyes.

Jesus was an ambassador of truth and redemption. I think some Americans can't see those attributes in a person of color. Just my two cents.

I've waited 8 years for the next chapter to the 1995 sleeper hit Bad Boys. This film is bigger, faster, and more entertaining. Martin Lawrence and Will Smith define on-screen chemistry. When they fight and banter, you know the two characters really love each other. The action sequences were well shot and edited. The wait is finally over and the Bad Boys have checked in.

Runteldat is simular to "Richard Pryor: Live on Sunset Strip". Both comics were coming off of difficult times in the lives. Lawrence worships the comedy of Richard Pryor and uses the stage as a means to discuss his life. Martin's has grown and he tackles difficult issues of race and social status. Martin is older and his comic timing is now perfect. The language is harsh and sometimes offensive, but if you're a Martin fan, this one's for you.

Carl Franklin's adaptation of Walter Mosley's classic detective novel is a dark and funny tale of a detective with bad luck. Denzel Washington handles the material well. However, the star in the film is Don Cheadle as Mouse. This cold blooded killer steals several scenes away from Washington. The film also creates an accurate depiction of the racial climate in the late 40's. Issues of race and identity are displayed in the entire film. And Franklin does an incredible job of controlling the characters and narrative.

An incredible film.

I expected this film to have the same whit and cleverness of Men In Black. I was wrong. The one thing missing from WWW is the sharpness that stayed with MIB. But this film does have a Wild Card. His name is Will Smith. His screen presence seems to be getting better with each film. This one is no different. The film will entertain, but will not have the legs of MIB.

This film is a visual feast. Simon West of the Con Air frame steps away form The shadows of DON SIMPSON and Jerry Brukhimer to make a film on his own. The characters are pouring with sweat. The south is pictured as the hot muggy place that it is. Travolta is great as the protagonist. This film is great at displaying the demons of the military. Issues of sex, rape, violence and race are discussed in this film. It is also a great mystery case. However, I discovered the killer half way threw the film. If I was the detective, the film would have been an hour shorter. The script isn't great. But West does a great job of keeping the material exciting.

Good Flick

Eddie Murhpy and Martin Lawerance have great chemistry together in this film about friendship and institutional racism more than jokes. This is why the film works so well. It is also fun to watch the usually wild Lawrance play still man to the more animated Murphy. After a few years of so-so films, Murphy is in a great grove in movie entertainment. He also displays his intelligence in making social commentary on the state of race in American today. This film is much more than a comedy.

John Singleton is no coward. And he eloquently uses the College campus as his canvas. The acting is superb, particularly the job Michael Rappaport does as Remi. This film is a landmark for American society. It is truly a film that doesn't compromise. You leave this film with a knot in your stomach. This is what good film making should be about, giving the audience something to think about. It is truly clutch work.