Movie Review
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Nacho Libre
I had high hopes for Nacho Libre. But it never really gets going. It's quirky, but not funny. Jack Black does what he does, and mugs for the camera. Jokes are wheeled out, allowed to flail around, but end with no punch line. Jared Hess's monotone style worked for Napoleon Dynamite, but here seems misplaced. Jack Black is far too animated and the rest of the cast far too subdued. I laughed once, when Jack Black got to sing. But I could have seen that in a Tenacious D music video. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
The Namesake
The Namesake is a magnificent, lush, moving and uniquely beautiful film. Mira Nairs brillint direction combined with a superb cast headed by Kal Penn and Tabu add to a real winner. Do yourself a favor and watch it. 4 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Nancy Drew
Nancy Drew…Two words: too cute…no really, it's too cute for its own good. It tries too hard. It's trying to mix in a dose of Mean Girls and teen comedy and forgets what should be at its core, a mystery! The plot suffers. The mystery should be central, but is almost an afterthought. And there are some really adult themes in this made for kids movie. Murder, and a child out of wedlock might give parents pause. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
The Nanny Diaries
Even the presence of Scarlett Johansson, can't rescue The Nanny Diaries. It is a tedious, unlikeable, uncomfortable lump of a movie with an unsatisfying contrived emotional climax. Scarlett should be flogged for this. OK, maybe... just spanked. 2 Stars Out of 5
Nanny McPhee
I thought Nanny McPhee would be much more of a fairy tale. But this film's got teeth! Or is that one snaggletooth among a big bulbous nose, a unibrow and a couple of moles? Nanny McPhee is a wonderful film. It's a mixture of Mary Poppins sprinkled with Mrs Doubtfire and Harry Potter. Hats off to screenwriter and star Emma Thompson! She is great! This is a kids film that they will love, but adults without kids will think is terrific! I sure did! 4 Stars Out of 5
Napoleon Dynamite
Napoleon Dynamite is unique, quirky and very, very funny. My only complaint about it is, it is too short. I didn't want it to end! The ultra-nerd Napoleon isn't someone you identify with at all. But by the end of the film I found myself rooting for him just the same. First time director and Idaho native Jared Hess wrote this with his wife and directed it in a deadpan style with comedic perfection. I'm looking forward to seeing it again, and I'm looking forward to seeing more from this Idaho film maker and latest success story.
4 Stars Out of 5
Narc
Narc is gritty and tense, but a bit hard to follow...stars Jason Patric and Ray Liota elevate this movie above what is would be with lesser actors.
3 Stars Out of 5
National Lampoon's Golddiggers
I'm sorry to say that National Lampoon's glory days may be over. It's last two movies have been less than stellar. National Lampoon's Golddiggers features nothing original. It has a few fleeting moments, and it was nice to see Louise Lasser again, but short of that this movie is entirely forgettable.
2 Stars Out of 5
National Security
National Security sat on the shelf for two years…and it should have stayed there. There are precious few laughs in this mostly brain dead action-comedy. Steve Zahn plays the strait man to Martin Lawrence's tired wild-guy routine. We've seen this all done before and done much better…
2 Stars Out of 5
National Treasure
Don't listen to the critics who are trashing National Treasure! They're wrong. Sure the concept is preposterous. But who cares? It has so many twists in its intricate plot you can't tell where it is going next, so you just have to get on and enjoy the ride. This is a big, exciting, intriguing and fun popcorn movie that the whole family can enjoy together. Nicolas Cage and Diane Kruger are great in their lead parts, but it is Justin Bartha who gets the biggest laughs…
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
The Nativity Story
The Nativity Story offers the Biblical tale of Jesus' conception and birth. There is lots of Hollywood license which some might call conjecture. Some may find offense at making the Magi the comic relief. They are almost the three stooges. There is some under-acting and plenty of over-acting in this movie. While it's no Passion of the Christ, and with all of its problems, there are many beautiful, inspirational moments which make this a pretty good movie to see, to remind us of the reason for Christmas. 3 Stars Out of 5
Never Back Down - Summit Entertainment - Rated PG-13
Never Back Down is the latest sports movie using the same old sports movie script. It's got all the clichés including the requisite training montage, the Tom Cruise look-alike with a big heart, Djimon Honsou in the Mr Miagi role and beautiful people showing lots of skin. It all leads to an obvious conclusion that takes forever to get to. It's a dumbed-down Karate Kid / Fight Club / youtube hybrid. 2 Stars Out of 5
Never Die Alone
Never Die Alone has high aspirations but ends up just being another gangsta-thug movie with another rapper-wannabe actor who thinks acting is being able to scowl for the camera. 2 Stars Out of 5
The New Guy
This is a somewhat amusing film but it sticks to the formula...underdog makes something of himself...Star DJ Qualls is likable, but not always believable. There are tons of cameos-watch for Vanilla Ice, Tony Hawk, Tommy Lee, and Gene Simmons as a preacher!
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
The New World
The New World is a movie that takes its time. It is a magnificent, slow paced film that lets you savor the beautiful cinematography, and the feeling of newness that captures the spirit of life in the new world in 1607. It is also a film that will be best enjoyed on the big screen. This is a reverent retelling of the John Smith Pocahontas tale that I thoroughly enjoyed.
4 Stars Out of 5
New York Doll
New York Doll, now playing at the new Edwards Downtown Stadium 9 is a documentary of Former New York Doll Arthur "Killer" Kane and his attempts to reunite his band after three decades. In the time since their breakup, Kane recovered from alcoholism and became an LDS convert. This is an excellent documentary that hooked me from the beginning with the history of the Dolls, through their triumphant return concert. It does get a little preachy at times, but overall, it's exceptional. 4 Stars Out of 5
New York Minute
The good news is Mary Kate and Ashley are still cute, the bad news is their acting ability is about the same as when they were 5… New York Minute is cute at times, but it wants to be Ferris Bueller. It's not even close. It's really a downright bad movie, horribly written and acted…and nobody comes out of it unscathed…except the Olsen Twins.
2 Stars Out of 5
Next
I cant' believe they did Next with a straight face! This very silly film has French terrorists for crying out loud! And it features bad performances! (From Julianne Moore? Say it ain't so! But alas, it is.) And isn't Nicolas Cage a bit old for Jessica Biel to be a romantic interest? Really. He's old enough to be her father. As my daughter would say, "Ewww!" 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Nicholas Nickleby
Wonderfully acted and impeccably cast, the all star ensemble is especially highlighted by the very strong performances of Christopher Plummer and Jim Broadbent. And Jamie Bell, who played the title role in Billy Elliot, is once again superb as he plays the handicapped friend of Nicholas. This is a wonderful adaptation of the Dickens classic and is one not to miss.
4 Stars Out of 5
Night At the Museum
Night At the Museum is fun family movie with great special effects. Robin Williams is great, Ben Stiller plays the same character he's played in all his other movies, and it's wonderful to see Mickey Rooney and Dick Van Dyke again. 3 1/2 Stars Out of 5
The Night Listener
In The Night Listener, Robin Williams plays a gay radio host in a movie that's billed as a thriller. Only it's never thrilling. Actually it's a bit of a snoozer. Toni Collette does her best, but even she suffers under the weight of a boring script that never really goes anywhere. This has lots of talent, but the film…not so good. 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Nim's Island - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG
Even though it has way over the top cheesy direction and a hyper active style, not much really happens on Nim's Island. A girl and her dad live there all alone with some animals and the internet, while on the other side of the world, Jodie Foster tries way too hard to be clumsy and scared in her apartment. She's not afraid of the internet though, and eventually makes her way to Nim's Island where she doesn't really do anything except look worse than she ever has in any movie before and hawk Progresso soup and Purelle hand sanitizer. She should sue the director for making her look and act so hideously. Thankfully for Ms Foster, this overly broad, TV movie quality, sorry excuse for family entertainment will soon be relegated to the 99 cent bin and forgotten. 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
No Country for Old Men - Miramax - Rated R
No Country for Old Men is a bit of a departure for the Coen brothers who have scaled back the humor in favor of an intense, suspense filled, more mature film. Javier Bardem is not quite human in his portrayal and gives the best performance of his career. The open ending will give you a lot to think about. It isn't neat and tidy and did upset a few in the audience. The film is bleak, silent, violent and superb. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
No Reservations
No Reservations is a chick flick food movie that is heartwarming and weepy. As romantic comedies go, this scores with winning performances most especially from Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckart. Bring your Kleenex box. 3 Stars Out of 5
Norbit
Eddie Murphy has way too much talent for his own good. But he seems to apply it in mediocre ways. The latest example of that is Norbit, written by Murphy and his brother Charlie, and that's the problem with this movie. Murphy ought to stick to being in front of the camera. With better writing this might have been funny. But under the Murphy brothers heavy hand, it's almost offensive. The make up is phenomenal, Murphy's performance as the morbidly obese Rasputia is really convincing. But the script is just as irritating as her catch phrase, "How are YOU doin'". The fat jokes wear thin after the first ten minutes, and the lame, unfunny script can't sustain the rest. Eddie Griffin provides the only slight chuckles in the movie. And next to Murphy's Rasputia, Thandie Newton is so skinny she's scary!
1 1/2 stars Out of 5
North Country
North Country is the kind of film that will make you mad. It's designed that way. We're supposed to feel angry when the main character is beaten. We're supposed to feel angry when she and the women who work alongside her at a mine are treated to a smorgasbord of abuses from their male co-workers. It feels a little manipulative, but while it's happening we don't mind, because the performances are so good. This should result in another Oscar nomination for Charlize Theron who is simply outstanding. But also of note is Francis McDormand who may well get a supporting actress nomination. 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
The Notebook
If you go see The Notebook prepare to be almost forced to cry…if you LOVE to cry at movies…if you always bring an extra box of kleenex just in case, this is your movie. The young actors Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling are very engaging, and you quickly get drawn into the story. And Gena Rowlands and James Garner are the most touching they've been in years. This is directed with warmth and feeling by Nick Cassavetes who is Gena Rowlands son.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Notes On A Scandal
Obsession runs rampant Notes On A Scandal, which is an extraordinarily absorbing film. The exceptional performances by Judi Dench and Cate Blanchette make this one of the best movies of the year. It is gripping, difficult at times to watch, and even more difficult to tear your eyes away from. 5 Stars Out of 5
The Number 23
The Number 23 is topsy turvey but not very exciting. Jim Carrey does OK, but many others could have turned in the same kind of performance. This somewhat interesting thriller isn't very thrilling, is really nothing special and is best left to renting when it comes out on DVD. 2 Stars Out of 5
