Reviews

Absolutely haunting. This chilling account of murder and the search for justice will leave you open-mouthed and shocked for the tale is not a pretty one. Three eight year old boys are brutally slain (and there is graphic footage so this is not for the faint of heart), but the focus of the story is upon the three teenagers of this Arkansas town who are put on trial for the killings. And as the film unfolds you begin to wonder if the boys are truly guilty of this heinous crime or are being persecuted for being different in a town that locks different away. In the end, you are your own jury in determining the guilt of these black-wearing, Metallica-listening boys who didn't quite fit in. If you can stomach the upsetting scenes and the entire idea (which I admit put me off for a long time) you will find the film completely consuming. Unable to tear your eyes from the screen, the story and the boys who lived it will stay with you forever. Simply incredible.

For I have wasted my time watching this film. A group of cult fanatics, believing that a new religious leader has been born, are convinced they must use the child to their own ends or face their demise. And apparently, the only ones who can stop them are the angels of God because they swoop down and save the day whenever and wherever necessary. If this is the case, why didn't they just solve the whole mess in the beginning and leave the humans out of it? And there are some major plot holes that anyone would have trouble buying. (i.e. Is Jimmy Smits really the only officer who recognizes the significance of the birthdates of all the children? Come on!) Not a very good thriller, I wouldn't bother with this film unless you are so desperate to see something shot in dim lighting, with actors who never smile, and special effects that encourage thoughts about demons that you are willing to sell your own child to the devil. Let's hope not a single person is that desperate.

Don't waste your time! Who is the mental genius that came up with this one? Based on New York's paper boy strike just prior to the turn of the century, the filmmakers pretty up the squalor these boys lived in and make it seem fun and cheery. Although, it is a Disney effort so what else can be expected? As lame as this film was (and why Robert Duvall chose to stick his name on it eludes me) the music has its moments. Alan Menken, better known for his work in "The Little Mermaid, "Aladdin, and the Oscar winning "Beauty and the Beast", does some good work here. But I can't recommend this, even for young children. The only part worth checking out can be found on the CD.

The Hollywood trend of slogging a dead horse is in great evidence here, an unfortunate waste of two wonderful actors. Pairing Tracy and Hepburn is never a bad choice, not giving them new material to work with is. We see them again as a bickering couple, too blind to see they're in love, but the sparkle of this film is dimmed. Perhaps a matter of bleeding the magic dry? And while Hepburn plays another of her strong females, here she is saddled with the moniker "Bunny" making it difficult to view her in a serious light. The movie is not terrible (the computer is certainly worth a laugh all these years later), but if you are capable of getting your hands on another of this pairs romantic comedies, like "Adam's Rib", I suggest you skip this one.

A charming and hilarious battle of the sexes that tells the story of married lawyers who find themselves on opposite sides of the courtroom. Amanda (Hepburn) is defending a woman accused of shooting her husband while Adam (Tracy) is the district attorney chosen to prosecute her. The film weaves a seamless story of the antagonism that spills from work into their home life, peaking after the jury's decision, and includes some humorous scenes with their neighbor across the hall and his crush on Amanda (lots of slamming doors here!) The film sparkles and holds up beautifully over time, never becoming slow or dry, and is well worth choosing over some of the more bland fare made in recent years.

A journey of discovery, this film follows the lives of one family living in a sleepy, island town in British Columbia. Languorous and dreamy, the inhabitants are satisfied to allow life to go on around them until a young, fresh-faced teacher, with new ideas arrives and brings with her life from the mainland. Slowly, their indolent state is awakened, the father (and principal of the local school) looks for excitement, the mother for stability, the oldest daughter for love, and the youngest for power. While not an incredible or ground-breaking piece of cinema, the movie is quietly enjoyable and good for a tired night when the wind is blowing. Unfortunately, I doubt anyone outside of Canada will find it easily accessible.

What a treat to find a little gem like this film languishing on your video store wall. Humorous, warm, tender, and simply stunning, this movie is a charming break from the usual blockbusters that seem to leave no place for movies without big name stars and million dollar budgets. Our young man, in his quest for love, comes upon his nirvana, four sisters, each one more beautiful than the next, and the father who already likes him! Bypass the usual Hollywood fare of car crashes and exploding buildings trying to use special effects to cover up the wooden acting of their gun-toting hero and choose this film instead. The dazzling romp through romance will only leave you asking for more.

An interesting look at one woman's journey of discovery, Ramona must find the ambulatory band, Children of Paradise, in order to find herself. Like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Ramona meets a cab driver without a brain, a film-maker without a heart, and a serial killer without courage. In leading them to their own paths of personal growth, she discovers her own. An excellent, little film that is worth checking out though it may be difficult to find outside of Canada.

I expected a piece of fluff, a tiny bit of brain candy to munch on and enjoy. Sadly, my very minor expectations were not met. There is nothing visually wrong with this film, the direction is fine as are the actors, but there is nothing either of them (or an editor) can do with the absolute lack of plot. Too many flip-flops that often don't make sense and it doesn't help that the few times the plot might have been surprising, the trailers have already ingrained the next scene into your conscious. Although enjoyable in the beginning, especially once you can let go of the utter stupidity of Gary Sinise constantly threatening to kill Ben Affleck (either shoot him or let him help you, but quit pulling the gun!) the film disintegrates into the Kingdom of the Dumb and never manages to find redemption. Don't waste your gray matter. There are better pieces of brain candy out there.

This film is a work of cinematic art with its haunting images bereft of color and movement. Having read the book prior to seeing the movie I was not expecting to be so taken aback, but this film will suck you in. From the first note, the despondency of the small town is evident and it will not get much better, because, unlike many Hollywood studios, director Atom Egoyan will not stray from the book to create a "happy" ending. Egoyan cements his reputation as a world class film-maker here with his desolate landscapes devoid of hope. Not a pretty film, but perhaps its very desperation, is what makes it so wonderful.

I went into this film expecting great things from the director who created one of my favorite films of the 90s (The English Patient) and was sadly disappointed. After an incredible first hour, this movie screeches to a halt and seems to have difficulty picking a direction to head. The central plot becomes lethargic and sometimes the character's actions are confusing as the story shoots off into numerous sub-plots without deciding which one to focus upon. If it hadn't been for Jude Law's outstanding performance I would have been truly annoyed that I paid to see this in the theater. Turn it off after sixty minutes unless the reason you rented it was to view some of Italy's beautiful scenery shot by a master.

Like an orchestral maneuver this movie winds around you until you are caught up in its glory and powerless to escape its emotional intensity. It is wonderful. The film follows the path of a violin through the years as it makes its way through five different stories and many different lives. Unfortunately the transitions are not always smooth so you must pay attention but it is oh, so worth it. A moving piece of cinematic excellence.

This film is supposedly about the inner workings of a couple and their marriage, following them on a fifteen year journey as an "us." All I can say is that if that was what marriage was really like, weddings would be outlawed. Neither of the major characters (Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer) are redeeming in any way. They are both stubborn, shallow and completely self-centered, except when it comes to their children which, I suspect, is supposed to make us see their true caring personas that are otherwise non-existent. The movie was disjointed, all the flash backs were poorly done and made it seem more like a series of vignettes, wherein the same actors played multiple parts, than one flowing story. And it can best be summed up by a man, speaking to his wife, who was walking behind me as I left the theater, "What a piece of #$@%."

One of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time, I was forced to hold my stomach it began to ache so much. The basic premise is that of a high school election and the intrigues and mud-slinging that goes with it. Reese Witherspoon gives the performance of her career (see her hallway spazz after a night of working on the yearbook) and Matthew Broderick slides nicely into the role of favorite teacher from his old Ferris Bueller days. However, this movie is not for the faint of heart, it more than earns its R-rating but is so witty and humorous that you can't help but enjoy it. I liked it so much I saw it twice in the theater.

A predictable film about two people who are meant for each other but are just too hard-headed to notice. That is until fate puts them in each others arms. Cute but confusing in scenes (Is Sabrina really angry at those girls in the club or just joking around??) There were some laugh out-loud lines (especially in the car on the way home from the party) although I think that the ending added unnecessary cheese. Pick it up from the video store on a night when you have nothing else to do.

I didn't expect much considering that this movie was the brain child of Beavis and Butthead creator, Mike Judge. But it was very funny. The opening sequence was absolutely hilarious and the use of music and camera tricks work beautifully. It gets right to the heart of what people hate about their jobs and their bosses and makes you laugh about it. A definite renter!!

I only went to see this movie because my friend recommended it and wanted to see it again. I soon understood why. Incredible scenery coupled with one of my favorite music scores make this piece stunning even without its storyline and high quality acting. Don't be swayed from the nay-sayers or the ones who believe that it was just a bunch of hype. There is a reason this film cleaned up at the Oscars despite it's lack of "Hollywoodism." If you have even an ounce of romance in your soul you have to see this movie of star-crossed lovers.

I went and saw this alone but if I hadn't gone in the afternoon I would have had to ask an usher to walk me back to my car. I was that creeped out. It tells the story of three filmmakers who go into the forest intending to dispel one small town's version of the bogey-man. But they never come back and this footage is all that is found. When will Hollywood learn that special effects mean nothing compared to the power of the human imagination. Not seeing a single thing brings all of your old child haunts back to life. Enthralling and very, very scary.

What a wonderful treat to walk into a movie expecting nothing and come away seeing one of the best films of the year. I expected little seeing as Bruce Willis was the star and although he does a fine job it is the young boy, Haley Joel Osmond, who steals this show. He sends shivers up the back of your neck with just his eyes. I can't say enough good things about this movie. You just have to see it for yourself.

This movie is certainly resistable. Trite and often boring, I napped for twenty minutes in the middle and didn't miss a thing. Kids will like the whimsical images but adults will find it silly and uninteresting. The stars of this movie are the delectable dishes that Buffy "magically" whips up. Don't bother unless you need to tempt your appetite.

I only went to see this movie because I had nothing else to do and I felt like seeing a comedy. I ended up rolling in the aisles (well...not literally), not caring if the other patrons thought I was a fool. Eddie Murphy is great in a dual role and Steve Martin is the glue that holds all of the other actors together. Inventive and charming, this movie will leave you laughing out loud.

I picked this movie up in the video store strictly based on the actors. It turned out to be an unique, witty film that I have since recommended to everyone I know. The plot centers around a private detective, Bill Pullman, who is so private that he has a lawyer, Ben Stiller, deal with all of his clients. Sharp and original, I can't believe this movie didn't get more buzz when it was in theaters. A definite video rental.

A huge fan of the book I was expecting more from this movie. The story instead disintegrates into a battle of good versus evil with no doubt as to who will win. Beautifully shot (Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock both look fabulous) major components of the story were left out. At the very least, there needed to be more scenes developing the love story between Aidan Quinn and Sandra Bullock. Casts an adequate spell for a slow night when you don't have much else to do.

A movie about an asteroid on a crash course with earth. It concentrates on the survival of the human race for the future rather than the cool stuff we can do while we're still here. Family relationships become the primary focus as each person contemplates life as they know it coming to an end. Definitely the better of the two comet movies (the other being Armageddon) it plays on emotional effects rather than special ones.

This movie is silly and loud, asking viewers to suspend their brain action completely while they watch. I'm all for a good fantasy but ones that are based on some sort of thought process. The simple fact that the people chosen to save earth from a date with a comet are a group of oil drillers with no space experience is just the major problem in a film filled with unlikely happenings. A better asteroid bet is "Deep Impact." Don't bother with this one unless you are a huge action fan or your TV option is the Olsen twins.