Change Your Image
acearms
Reviews
A Gentleman's Game (2002)
Golf provides an outlet for a coming of age teenager.
This was one of the better movies I've seen in sometime and the first I've seen Mason Gamble in. Gary Sinise has been a favorite of mine for many years. The chemistry between the two was great. Timmy, Mason Gamble, is determined to be the best golfer around only to find out that one of the all time greats, Forest, Gary Sinise, resigned from the game because of a problem with his conscience. Forest gives instruction to Timmy on the right moves and helps him to understand that the game is to be played for the fun of it, not just to collect a bunch of trophies. Timmy is faced with adult situations, when he sees one of the ace club members make a error who refuses to take the penalty. And again when it comes out that Timmy's friend Jamie is found to of been molested by the club president, all of which is hushed up. Timmy takes the right stand on the issues and comes out the hero he is, while Forest corrects the mistake he made years ago that caused him heart ache for many years. A tremendous story that will hold your attention if you like the game of golf and care even a little bit about a teenager doing the right thing. The acting was outstanding all around and the movie well worth the time to watch. I might again. 8/10
Chelsea Walls (2001)
As a director Ethan Hawke should keep his day job.
This story didn't have a story. Bouncing around the lives of several couples living in a run down seedy hotel had no real plot. All the characters seemed to sit around, dance down the halls, strum guitars or otherwise providing inane performances. Frank Whaley, as an example, played the part of a want-a-be stand up comic, a second attempt for him for which he again failed miserably. Ethan Hawke should keep his day job as an actor, something he does extremely well and quit trying to be a director. The rest of the actors were equally inane in their performances. The camera angles were faulty, the multiple colors from one scene to another added nothing all the while the various characters moped around whining about their sad lot in life. A movie you will be glad you missed. I gave it a 1/10 only because they don't allow zeros. Waste of time.
Civility (2000)
Classified as a Thriller, more of a Comedy.
Thank goodness for William Forsythe dressed up as Col. Sanders, but with out the KFC bucket of chicken. He added a light hearted air to an other wise drab go no where movie. Okay, the plot: an innocent young man comes to town to attend his dad's funeral, hear the will read, and wants nothing more then to get out of Dodge. But its not that easy. He has to revenge his father's killing. He ends up killing and assisting in killing several people without retribution or explanation before he makes out and finally makes off with his child hood sweet heart, leaving the town of Civility behind. Oh, and in the end he rewards Col. Sanders for all his help in doing all these deeds. Waste of time.
Nobody's Baby (2001)
A lot of funny with a touch of drama and pinch of criminal.
Two not so bright small time crooks end up with a baby girl by "accident" and find a change in their lives. Billy (Ulrich) becomes the guy to take care of the child and look after it. Buford (Oldman) wants to get rid of it, but the others they knit with are for doing the best they can. They conspire to rob a pawn shop to get the necessary money, only to end up heroes for stopping a heist already in play. At one point Billy starts to let the baby be adopted, but takes only 60 seconds to change his mind. And money appears when needed the most. The cast was great, Gordon Tootoosis, Anna Gunn, Peter Green and Mary Steenbrgen. In the end Billy is the father he wanted to be with the expectation he will marry Shauna Louise (Radha Mitchell) when she gets out of prison (You'll have to see the movie to find out why she's there). This would of been great family entertainment, but for the nudity and foul language, which, in my opinion added nothing but an "R" rating. Worth the time to watch and enjoy the humor. 7/10
A Good Night to Die (2003)
This excuse for a movie should be taken out and shot.
Two hit men are fast friends. One the mentor of the other. But in the end the mentor is killed by the mentee and the mentee is then done in by?? Little plot, people are being taken out by the two hit men as the story unfolds in flash backs. Scenes fast forward then go slow motion for no apparent reason only adding disappointment to the already annoying dialogue. Multiple subtle sex scenes of head giving add nothing. Unrealistic scenes of shootings, particularly early in the movie where the main character gets to a roof top set up to do in a guy across the street. The lineman telephone is conveniently laying next to the junction box and the rifle is already under a tarp waiting to be used. Give me a break. The movie was filmed in NY City prior to 9-11 as the WTC towers are in the back ground of one scene, but Imdb says released in 2003. Guess they were trying to get up enough nerve to flash it in public. I gave it a 3/10 and two thumbs down.
25th Hour (2002)
One of the worst most boring movies I've ever slept through.
This one was so exciting that I woke up three times to rewind to where I dosed off in order to see the entire disappointment. While three of my favorite actors, Norton, Hoffman and Pepper played the main characters along with Brian Cox, the movie was not that good. They all did their part to hold it together, but in the end it didn't help. The main character, played by Norton, is trying to turn his life around in one day after being tapped for possession of illegal drugs and on his way to prison. He suspects his girl friend for turning him in only to find out it was a close "friend." His connections with the drug scene set it straight and take care of the guy when Norton's character can bring himself to kill the guy. Not to get carried away describing the moribund aspects of this one just accept the fact some might find it a good movie, but for me its a total disaster. Don't waste your time.1/10
Soul Assassin (2001)
An Italian western set in modern day Amsterdam, Holland
Some where in this thing called a movie is a plot. A lot like the movie "The Candidate" but with an Italian shoot 'em up twist. I watched this one because I'm a Skeet Ulrich fan, almost turned it off it was so bad but managed to hang in till the end. Beware of this one, it has continuous flash backs which add nothing and only take up time. Cut out all the manure and the movie would of only run about 30 minutes.
Kevin of the North (2001)
Funnnnnny all the way.
Its good to see Skeet Ulrich in a comedy role for a change. He is superb. Leslie Nielsen is great as ever and Natasha Henstridge gives the movie that extra touch of the female side to make it a real hit. This is a comedy, take it as such. The plot is good, although some what predictable. Let go and enjoy the antics as they take place, nothing serious about this one. Easy and fun to watch. Relax, enjoy and watch it. A funnnny situation movie all the way. 7/10
The Babe (1992)
At times tender, at times crude, story of THE Babe.
Loosely based on the life of Babe Ruth, the GREATEST slugger ever. An unwanted child stuck in a church sweat shop during his developing years to become one of base balls all time greats. The story transcends the Babe's life and reveals the hurt and pain he suffered due to rejection. One can not watch this movie with out feeling compassion for Babe Ruth and his overcoming the mental anguish he went through. The story was superb, the plot was on target and the acting of John Goodman outstanding. The rest of the cast played their parts believablely and, while not an Oscar winner, certainly worth the time to watch, more than once. 7/10
3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)
A comedy with action and lots of violence.
It was interesting to see that some one could bring together so many well known actors and actresses to produce a comedy based on the old theme of robbing a Las Vegas casino. If it was supposed to be a serious effort then someone goofed. The outrageous acting, the barfy customs and plot made it a poor excuse. I almost stopped watching it, but did make it to the end. The one stand out was David Kaye, playing the part of the kid, Jesse. Take the scenes he is in with his exchange with Kurt Russel and Kevin Costner and you have comedy. Watch this one if you want, but by all means do not get to involved and do not take it as a seriously work of art. 5/10
Road to Perdition (2002)
Great story based on actual events.
The story told thru the eyes of Michael Sullivan,jr is easy to follow. His dad was a hit man for the mob in the early 1930s who got cross with the "family." Tylor Hoechlin played the part of junior and did a superb job. Tom Hanks as the father/hit-man did what he could to protect his son. Much violence and gun play. You find your self rooting for Hanks character even knowing he is an outlaw and a murderer. The action is good, the scenes well done and the period well portrayed. If there was a central figure it would be a toss up between Hanks and Hoechlin. Both did outstanding jobs portraying their characters. Well worth the time to watch.
Going Back (2001)
WOW what a great movie and with total realism.
I was skeptical of this one at first, but after I got into it I was totally caught up. The acting was superb, the musical score equal to any "A" grade movie, the plot was there, realistic battle scenes and all extremely well done. The emotions displayed were those which one would expect of Marines or any combatants returning to a battle field of years gone by. We've seen it on the news when old soldiers return to battle fields in Europe, i.e. "D" Day and the cemeteries there. Old enemies become friends; there is a strong American presence in Vietnam today. The scenes of present day Siagon (Ho Che Min City) are true to life. The movie used flashbacks extremely well to tell the story and connect the present with the past. One spoiler for me was the love scene, predictable, but added nothing to the movie; it should of been left out. This definitely is not another run of the mill war movie about Vietnam, but one far above and worth the time it takes to watch it. WOW, what a great movie. I'll watch it again.
Max (2002)
Never got out of the starting gate and dull.
I'm not sure what I expected of the movie. I'm a fan of John Cusack and he did his part exceptionally well. To me the movie never really went anywhere. Shows a fictional relationship between an art dealer, Cusack, and Adolf Hitler, Noah Taylor, at the end of WWI. Hitler is a struggling artist who discovers he isn't that good although Max keeps encouraging him. And in the end Hitler decides to apply his talents to politics rather than art. I must admit I dozed off on this one, it was so slow with not much plot that it just never could hold my attention. Dull would be an appropriate description.
Summer Catch (2001)
A delightful interlude of no redeeming value.
A care free movie about the love of base ball and the opposite sex. Well, Freddie Prinze is the hot shot pitcher trying to make his mark in life while mowing lawns. Along comes Jessica Biel and he is head over heels in love. Playing base ball and making the big time is his goal, but the super rich father of the opposite sex has other diabolical plans and doesn't want the guy who mows the lawn involved with his daughter. But as happens, love congers all and Freddie and Jessica are united in the end. Ad nauseum. Predictable. But a lighthearted movie and worth the time to watch.
One Hell of a Guy (1998)
One hell of a movie.
A fun movie reminiscent of Ghost (1990). Lowe was better than some of his other movies in the comedy. Michael York, the devil, was really interesting to watch; remember him from 1968 Romeo and Juliet? He is reminiscent of James Mason. Aleaxandra Powers was love at first sight for her role in this one. And Frank McRae is a winner even off the foot ball field. A delightfully light hearted movie about a devil hey boy and an angle who fall in love. Worth the time.
The Salton Sea (2002)
About as dead and polluted as the lake it was named after.
After the first 10 or so minutes I was almost ready to turn it off. The repetitious scenes of a drug den just did not appeal to me. Obviously I watched the entire movie. It turned out that Kilmer is playing the part of a man looking for his wife's killer with out the aid of the police and was doing the drug world as well as interfacing as a rat, stool pigeon for older folks, with bad cops to catch him. The bad cops turn out to be the killers he is seeking. Multiple flash backs blend the past with the present to reveal what has happened and connect the story line. The FBI gets involved and confirms the suspicions as to who the real killer was. Then they set up a sting operation, however, Kilmer's character goes off on a tangent and does his own thing. In the end he does do in his wife's killer, but almost gets killed by another hostile druggie in his own apartment. Get past the first 15 minutes and its worth the time to watch.
Invincible (2001)
Well done cinematography and great acting.
I really enjoyed this movie. The story, based on actual events, was one which was believable. Tim Roth was some what overshadowed by Jouko Ahola. The story kept hinting at a love affair between Jouko Ahola's character and that played by Anna Gourari, but seems this one never materialized. I wondered where the scenes was shot, later looking up that information on IMDb. The buildings, streets and all fit well into the production. Worth the time to view, and may again.
Killing Me Softly (2002)
Great "who done it?" with a lot of sex at no extra charge.
Terrific portrayal of a love between two people, Joseph Fiennes' and Heather Graham's characters. The scenes involving their sexual exploits and honey moon were magnificent. The darker side of the movie involved a suspicion that Fiennes' character was a murderer and Graham's character was the next victim. Not so! The twist at the end was reminiscent of Alfred Hitchock's movies and the Iron Sides TV shows with Ramon Burr. Remember them??? Great movie to watch and easy to get involved with. Highly recommend viewing.
Rancid Aluminium (2000)
Billed as a drama, but instead a second rate comedy at best.
For shame, for shame that a fine actor such as Joseph Fiennes would allow himself to be cast in this piece of nauseating drivel. The movie was not only bad, but down right horrible and of no redeeming quality. The plot, (was there one?) seemed to go no where. The Russians played silly kill or be killed games and the rest of the cast should be declared null and void for their pathetic performances. I gave up about 3/4 of the way through and turned it off. A "1" for awful only because there is nothing lower. Don't waste your time on this one, you'll not miss anything.
Identity (2003)
WOW!!!!, a real suspenseful thriller
Great movie with a plot that has plenty of twists and turns. Who are the real people and who are not? A multiple personality criminal has committed several murders and is to be executed, but at the last minute he is given a hearing for a possible reprieve. Now many personalities start to show up at a desolate motel on a stormy night, but one by one they are being killed off. To what does one owe all this? Are the killings real, or the figment of the psycho's imagination? To that end,is the movie about events or the mind's eye of the psycho? Great and suspenseful who done it with a lot of super actors. John Cusack and John Liotta along with Amanda Peet will keep you spell bound. It was only near the end that the true nature of the movie plot can be discerned and for that you will have to watch it. It will be worth your time.
Bright Angel (1990)
Not bad, but not so good you would remember it.
I saw this movie a couple of years ago. Recently I picked up a copy not remembering I had already seen it. I was about 15 to 20 minutes into the film when it began looking familiar and I realized I had, ergo, why I say its not one you would remember. The plot was some what off beat and you wonder just how much trouble Dermot Mulroney's character can innocently get into; he seems to attract it like honey does flies. Growing up is part of life and it is seen some what here as a young man transitions into manhood, all be it, Mulroney was 28 when he played the part. Several actors did not appear to be of an age near the individual characters they portrayed; specifically, the mother and aunt of Mulroney's character. I found this somewhat distracting. While okay to watch once, I was not that thrilled the second time around.
About Schmidt (2002)
This movie was funny, yet deeply moving.
As a person the age of Warren Schmidt, I can identify with so much of what he portrayed. The raising of a family and wondering where all those years have gone. Jack Nicholson was truely great and Katy Bates was magnificent as always. I could hardly believe my eyes when she did the nude scene in the hot tub. The suggestive overtures as Roberta to Warren were hilarious. Just as Warren Schmidt exemplified, no father believes the person his child is going to marry is worthy of such a prize. The foster child was a moving time for Warren and also one with which I could identify. Over all this has to be one of the all time great movies due to its humanistic approach and realistic presentation of a person's life. Well worth the time to seen again and again.
Bowfinger (1999)
Funnnnny as usual with two of the masters of comedy.
Eddie Murphy and Steve Martin were perfect for their roles in this one. Both are great comedians and together their synergy made it all the more enjoyable. It also hits at how ridiculous some of moviedom really is, as a satire on the movie industry. Robert Downey,jr did his role well, although I would like to seen more of him. An enjoyable movie to relax with.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Movie about Hanks character with Pvt Ryan as an after though.
Tom Hanks did a superb job in portraying the poor hapless fellow charged with "saving private Ryan." Only to be killed in the end. Many scenes of war fighting with all one expects, such as enemy snippers, machine gun nests and mine fields. The enemy soldier Hanks benevolently lets go in one such scene is one who helps to kill him in the end. Private Ryan, played by Matt Damon, only coming into play in the latter part of the movie, to me some what of an anticlimax, is insistent he doesn't want to be rescued, but chooses to fight to the end; of the movie that is. Admittedly this movie is about the character played by Hanks, with Damon as an after thought. The Pvt. Ryan character could of just as easily been played by a trained chimpanzee for what it added to the overall movie. While I liked the overall movie, I was noticeable disappointed by the Pvt. Ryan character.
The Jimmy Show (2001)
A so-so story of a so-so born loser.
I watched this movie because I'm a fan of Ethan Hawke. Sad to say, there was little good about it. Frank Whaley always looked strained trying to get his part right, while Ethan appeared relaxed and natural. That's the difference between a want-a-be and an outstanding actor. The high light of the movie was when Ethan Hawke, playing an inept grocery store stocking clerk, kept dumping his load of boxes off the dolly. The part played by Whaley was of a loser want-a-be stand-up comic who could not make the grade and was never funny. The pathetic Whaley character was a thief (stole from his employer), drunk (what he stole was beer), argumentative individual (couldn't hold a job), and general misfit. As to the movie itself, it was a drag, repetitive in its plot with only the local changing. In other words, the plot was recycled every few minutes. In general slow and predictable, a bore to watch, and if you haven't seen it yet, don't waste your time.