Movie Review
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2 Fast 2 Furious
2 Fast 2 Furious isn't as good as the first. There is a very flimsy, silly plot, very little acting, cartoon like characters, and, it loses a lot without a big presence like Vin Diesel. That said, newcomer Tyrese does make his presence known and steals the movie. There is also a distinct lack of originality that characterized the first. This ends up being a buddy movie, with lots of pretty cars and pretty girls. The first was fast, this however, ends up being not quite so furious. 3 Stars Out of 5
3:10 to Yuma
3:10 to Yuma is a rare western and also the rare remake that equals or improves upon the original. Exceptionally well acted, it sticks pretty close to the original plot, including much of the dialogue, but adds 30 minutes and changes the ending significantly. Both Russell Crowe and Christian Bale are at the top of their acting game here. It does drag a bit in the middle, but it is for the most part very, very good. 4 Stars Out of 5
13 Going On 30
I liked 13 going on 30. But that is mostly because of Jennifer Garner who shows us she is going to be a big star. Both she and Mark Ruffalo are very likable and provide just the right balance of fun and vulnerability to make this movie memorable, with a script that is mostly retread from other, better movies.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5
21 - Sony - Rated PG-13
21 is about a group of M.I.T. brainiacs that become a Vegas card counting club and win millions. While that might sound exciting, it isn't. It is lackluster, klunky and predictable with ham fisted direction and incoherent, confusing descriptions of how the number intensive feat is accomplished. The audience gets lost and eventually bored by the whole thing so that by the time anything happens we've lost interest and don't care. This one taps out before it gets underway and gives so many bum cards, it's a bust. Gamblers Anonymous is more fun. 2 Stars Out of 5
27 Dresses - 20th Century Fox - Rated PG-13
In 27 Dresses, Katherine Heigl is lovely and really shines. She is quickly establishing herself as a top movie star. The film however, is standard chick flick fare. Take Heigl out of it, and it's nothing all that special.
3 Stars Out of 5
30 Days of Night - Sony - Rated R
30 Days of Night is about hyperactive vampires with wicked teeth on a feeding frenzy in a place where every year there is no sunlight for a month, Barrow Alaska. That's a great premise and this is a mighty good twist on the vampire film. It is blood - eee! with enough gushers and other great special effects to fill the town! While the ending is a bit of a let down, the rest of the film is perfectly executed and is a must see for horror fans. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
300
Big and loud with excesses abounding, 300 is cool to look at, long on sex, blood, six pack abs, beheadings and other assorted violence, but short on story. It is two hours of overblown, almost non-stop battle sequences that start to wear thin about half way through the film. The stylized look of the computer generated blood which flies but then disappears, and the look of the film as a whole somewhat insulates the audience from the film, making it one of those good but bad movies. 3 Stars Out of 5
10,000 B.C. - Warner Brothers - Rated PG-13
in 10,000 B.C., models turned cavemen with their dreadlocks, sixpack abs and perfect teeth try to outrun silly giant ostriches, wooly mammoths are used to construct pyramids, a caveman turns into the saber tooth tiger whisperer and there is long, boring, talky, ridiculous dialog spoken in silly English accents. Yes, it's pretentious and mind-numbingly stupid. In reality, around 10,000 B.C., man was just beginning to use stone tools, but here they ride horses, build pyramids, and have locking handcuffs. There are cool mammoth special effects, but the stupid story and wooden acting turn this into a big pile of mammoth poop. 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Take the Lead
Take The Lead looks like the film makers knew it needed help, so they threw every visual trick they had at it to try to keep us from noticing. It didn't work. Antonio Banderas has appeal, but sometimes even he has problems with this clunky script. This is supposed to be a true story, but comes off on screen totally fake. This film wants to bring "street cred" to Ballroom, but stumbles around, almost getting a step right here and there, but ultimately showing it has two left feet. 2 ½ stars out of 5
Taking Lives
Taking Lives contains one of Angelina Jolie's better performances. She is much less cartoonish and more genuinely real than she's been in several films. That said, the film itself is uneven. I found myself drawn into the movie's plot and feel, but especially during the last third, I found myself rolling my eyes. And if you pause to consider many, or should I say most of the plot elements, you will realize how preposterous this is. But I did find myself enjoying it.
3 Stars Out of 5
Talk To Her
Talk To Her is fascinating, sometimes funny, and at times uncomfortable to watch. This is nonetheless an interesting comparison and examination of two men in similar circumstances and their very different reactions to them. This film will be with you long after you've left the theater.
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Talledega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Talledega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is funny. Will Ferrell is terrific, and while it does drag in parts, the first 30 minutes are worth the price of admission by themselves. Too much product placement seems like a joke at first, but then you get the feeling that the producers really were making a lot of money for relentless ads for Old Spice and Wonder Bread, and more products than should be in any movie. Then there really is a commercial - (yes a real commercial!) for Applebee's in the movie! That's not so funny. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Taxi
If you've seen the trailer for Taxi, you've already seen all of the best parts. The rest of the film isn't nearly as good. I liked Jimmy Fallon on Saturday Night Live, but he's downright irritating in his first film. Queen Latifah is capable of so much more, but right now, it looks like she's just collecting paychecks. And I was embarrassed for Ann Margaret playing the drunk mother of Jimmy Fallon. I wanted to laugh, but didn't - not once during the entire movie. This movie is not only unfunny, but insults our intelligence with ridiculous stunts, boring chase scenes, and implausible characters. The bloopers at the end aren't even funny! Do yourself a favor with Taxi…Skip it.
1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Teachers Pet
Teachers Pet has one thing going for it, it has a lot of inside jokes. But the kids won't get them, and the animation stinks. My kids didn't want to see it at all! 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Team America World Police
I kept asking myself if I should be laughing at Team America World Police. I was. I was laughing hard. But it felt wrong. But this is a extremely funny movie. Yes it's crude. It's filthy and disgusting at times. But, it's always funny. And if you are a fan of Alec Baldwin, Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Janean Garafalo, or Michael Moore, you may not like what happens to them in this film.
4 Stars Out of 5
Tears of the Sun
Tears of the Sun is tense, at times heart wrenching and moving. Bruce Willis plays his character with complexity and is the best part of this fine movie. Monica Belucci is a bit one dimensional, but gives a good enough performance to not detract from the film. While not quite as good as other recent war movies, Tears of the Sun will stick with you.
4 Stars Out of 5
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny is easily one of the year's very worst movies. I loathed every minute of it. It's a dope of a movie in more ways than one. Dope was obviously used in the creation of this mess, and you need to be on it to find this funny. Writing, plot, and acting are all bad on an astronomical scale. This pick of destiny came from Jack Black's shorts after a long night of tooting and scratching. ½ Star Out of 5
The Terminal
The Terminal is warm and funny, but many times unbelievable and a bit contrived. Tom Hanks' performance lifts the movie above mediocrity with some help from a great supporting cast. After seeing The Terminal, I initially enjoyed it, but after thinking about the film, I found myself asking a lot of questions.
3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines
Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines is an audience pleaser that moves the saga of John Connor along nicely. It's not as cerebral as say, "The Matrix," but doesn't commit the sin of dullness that "Hulk" does. T-3 has loads of action and a good dose of humor. This keeps you involved in the story, and never drags. I liked it and am looking forward to T-4! 4 Stars Out of 5
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre has more of a story than the original. I realize that's not saying much, but the film does actually generate a lot of tension and some pretty good jumps. It's not for the squeamish. It's slightly more intelligent than the original, and one of the better of the recent glut of horror films, but still we have very little explanation for why the bad guys are the way they are, and how they've done what they do for so long. 3 Stars Out of 5
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning follows the formula, but it's just not scary. It is pretty brutal, with lots of sadistic gore in place of any genuine scares. Since it's a prequel, we already know from the beginning that the teens are going to die, and nothing will happen to the family. So there is really no suspense at all. I never really wanted to know why Leatherface was the way he was, but this movie tells us. It also gives a very lame explanation for the family's cannibalism. It goes something like this. "meat is meat and bone is bone." Aren't you glad that Jimmy Dean sausage doesn't feel the same way? 2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Thank You For Smoking
If you love satire and black comedy that is not politically correct, Thank You For Smoking is for you! It is a funny, dark, ride that features some terrific writing, loads of humor, and a great, funny performance from Aaron Eckhart. But my favorite in the film, is Rob Lowe as a Hollywood big shot who wishes he were Asian. 4 Stars Out of 5
There Will Be Blood - Miramax/Paramount - Rated R
Daniel Day Lewis' performance is the reason to see There Will Be Blood. He so completely transforms himself into his character, you no longer see the actor behind it. He commands the screen every minute. The movie, while overlong, doesn't bore - and that is entirely due to Lewis' exceptional performance. 4 Stars Out of 5
Things We Lost In the Fire - Dreamworks - Rated R
Things We Lost In the Fire contains amazing performances that might very well garner Oscar Nominations for Halle Berry and Benicio Del Torro. The film is a tearful examination of grief and addiction. Powerful and emotional, it is great! 4 ½ Stars Out of 5
Thirteen
Thirteen is incredibly powerful and bleak, but very well done. This one tied my heart up in knots. It is very hard to watch. That said, if you have kids that are in or about to enter their teen years, this is a must see. 4 Stars Out of 5
The Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds has a great look and is actually pretty entertaining. You can't help but draw comparisons to Spy Kids, but this movie actually stands well on it's own. The sets harken back to the old TV show even if the rest doesn't. It's not great, but it's fun.
3 Stars Out of 5
This Christmas - Sony - Rated PG-13This Chistmas looks like it was stolen right out of Tyler Perry's notebook. The matriarch is even called Madea. But with faux hilarity and fake good times aplenty, nothing feels genuine. This is the kind of movie I hate. Drama, conflict, lying, cheating, LOADS of yelling and other unsavory things that are supposed to be funny, but will do nothing for your Christmas spirit except drain it. Go see any other movie instead! 1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada
Tommy Lee Jones directed and stars in Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, a movie that some may object to as it shows illegal aliens from Mexico in a very positive light. Jones does a magnificent job at both direction and acting. Barry Pepper is also very good as the villain and victim of Tommy Lee's rage. This film is unpredictable and a lot of fun. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Til Human Voices Wake Us
Guy Pierce and Helena Bonham Carter star in a somewhat misguided ghost story that has no hint of fright or fear. This has a coming of age story that seems charming and heartwarming interwoven with another story that has a wisp of mystery and foreboding, but then you find out there really is no mystery at all, just a bit of a misfire.
2 1/2 Stars Out of 5
Time Changer
A Christian themed movie from the Trinity Broadcast Network. A Bible professor travels forward in time 100 years to see the results of his writings. While I am in favor of trying to put moral values into the movies, this film has a shrill, sledgehammer approach to sin and salvation. Clunky dialogue, a silly plot, and really bad acting make this painful to watch. 1 Star Out of 5
Timeline
There is some good action in Timeline. I liked the premise of a group of archaeologists traveling back to the 14th Century. But the film itself is clunky. It contains some horrifically bad dialogue, and with all the gratuitous explosions, it adds up to the quality one might expect to see on a direct to video movie.
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
TMNT
There's always been a charm about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Unfortuately, they've lost a lot of it. The CGI version has an Incomprehensible script and a redesign of the turtles that is bizarre. The fun of the old turtles is gone…this one is only here to sell toys and videogames. TMNT is not cowabunga dude! 2 Stars Out of 5
Torque
Torque is just a long music video that has dialogue that is so bad and action that is so unbelievable that it makes you laugh…but when you realize you paid 8 bucks to see it, it may make you cry…
1 ½ Stars Out of 5
Transamerica
Felicity Huffman is an amazing actress. She makes Transamerica, a film with an assuredly fringe subject extraordinarily watchable, and turns in one of the finest performances of the year. Although I really didn't expect to like it, the film itself is funny, touching, and actually very good. 4 Stars Out of 5
Transformers
Sure Transformers is hokey…but it sure is a blast! Its simple good vs. evil plot combined with action to the extreme and outstanding special effects all make for a great popcorn movie. Star Shia LeBeouf is terrific, and like all of director Michael Bay's films, this has plenty of explosions, is bombastic and too long, but it's probably the most fun you'll have at the movies this summer. 4 Stars Out of 5
The Transporter
This is one of the best action films to come out in near memory, and the key word here is action...not acting...If you like lots of great car chases, explosions, and a film that's loads of fun, this one is for you...3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Transporter 2
While the original Transporter was a pretty good action picture with a fresh take on the genre, gimmicks abound in the totally unbelievable Transporter 2. Jason Statham returns as the man who drives and delivers for a living. Even if you check your brain at the door, you will still have a hard time swallowing some of the stunts that abound in this film. It does have a lot of action, with some great chase sequences, but fans of the first film will be disappointed. I was. 3 Stars out of 5
Trapped
This is a hard movie to watch for two reasons. First, its subject matter. It deals with a small girl (played by Dakota Fanning from last year's "I Am Sam") getting stolen from her home and held for ransom. Then, much of it is shot with a hand held camera and the camera movements are so jerky it is difficult to stay focused. This is not a very believable movie and the last quarter is pretty stupid. Charlize Theron is the highlight here, and if Kevin Bacon keeps playing bad guys he'll have to depend on those Visa check card commercials.2 ½ Stars Out of 5
Treasure Planet
Treasure Planet has great visuals...The concept of 18th century sailing ships in the future traveling in space is very interesting...and I did like it, but the movie just seems to be missing a little something. 3 Stars Out of 5
The Tripper
The Tripper and its director David Arquette, do their best to sully the memory of Ronald Reagan by dressing the serial killer in this movie up as the 40th president. It's a grainy, low budget film that is more about drugs than about horror. Just Say No to The Tripper.
1 Star Out of 5
Trisdan & Isolde
James Franco and Sophia Myles form two thirds of a love triangle in Trisdan & Isolde. This takes place in ancient Ireland and England after the fall of the Roman Empire. Franco's acting is sometimes a bit too wooden, but the film's action sequences are pretty good, and the story kept me involved. It's a chick flick that has enough action to satisfy the guys. 3 Stars out of 5
Troy
Inflated to almost 3 hours, Troy could well have been cut to a reasonable length and been decent. What we have, though, is a way overlong frequently tedious, film that thinks it is better than it is. For fans of Homer, there are numerous liberties taken with the story, in fact, too many to mention. The acting covers the gamut from laughably bad (from Brian Cox's over the top performance) to very good from Peter O'Toole. And, the film bestows all of it's beauty scenes not on Helen of Troy, but on Brad of Hollywood…
2 ½ Stars Out of 5
The Truth About Charlie
The Truth About Charlie is this movie tries hard, but isn't mysterious, isn't as action-packed as it promises to be, and isn't much fun. As a matter of fact, the truth about The Truth is, skip it. 2 Stars Out of 5
Tuck Everlasting
This may be a bit of a disappointment for fans of the book, (my son included here) as it takes some artistic license, but this is a great looking, magical, family film that has some touching moments and terrific performances from Ben Kingsley and Alexis Bledel. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Tupac: Ressurection
Tupac: Ressurection is a pretty good documentary that leaves a few unanswered questions. I came away from the movie impressed with Tupac as an artist and persona, but disappointed at the way he wasted his talent and his life. The movie leaves us with the impression that he knew of his impending demise and planned for it. It stops just short of turning him into a martyr and saint.
3 Stars Out of 5
Turistas
Turistas starts off promising with the tale of tourists in Brazil. The first hour has got lots of jiggle and skin, and then the story starts to kick in, teasing us with a tale of black market human organs, but drops the ball and turns into a claustrophobic underwater chase. This had potential, but squanders it. 2 Stars Out of 5
The Tuxedo
The script is a bit ridiculous, but if you check your brain at the door, this movie is fun. Jackie Chan and Jennifer Love Hewitt don't have a whole lot of chemistry here, but Jackie Chan is his usual engaging self, with a bit more special effects than we are used to with a Jackie Chan movie. And once again, the out-takes are the funniest part of the movie.
3 Stars Out of 5
The TV Set
The TV Set is a funny, searing, biting, sarcastic indictment on Television and those that program it. It is very enjoyable with barbed humor that is as relevant today as network was in it's day. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
25th Hour
In the 25th Hour, watch for exceptionally strong performances by Edward Norton and Anna Paquin, slick direction by Spike Lee and great acting all around in this gritty and somewhat depressing story set in post 9-11 New York City. This is not the usual Spike Lee fare.
4 Stars Out of 5
28 Days Later
In 28 Days Later a group of animal rights activists break into a London primate research lab and unwittingly release a virus that turns people into cannibalistic zombies. Flash forward 28 days and a young man awakes from a coma in a hospital to find England deserted with the only signs of life wanting to eat him. Yes, I know this is a cheery subject, but boy is this a good movie! Filmed on video so it has a kind of raw feel from the start. And it will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is terrifying, very well done, and it stays with you for quite awhile after.
4 ½ Stars Out of 5
28 Weeks Later
28 Weeks Later is chock full of great action, scares and good performances but also has an intelligent plot. This is a fine sequel that comes close to the original and adds to it nicely. The ending was left open so I'm wondering if the next will be 28 months later, then the next, 28 Years Later and so on. 4 Stars Out of 5
Twisted
While I was watching Twisted it felt like I'd seen this same movie before. Here's Ashley Judd in another movie just like she's made a couple of times before. Ashley is nice to look at, and that's the only reason you'd want to watch this movie. This one isn't very difficult to figure out either…this movie is such a clinker you can hear it clinking from outside the theater.
2 Stars Out of 5
Two Brothers
Two Brothers is too scary for the little kids and too boring for most of the others…If you really love tigers, you should see this movie. It is beautifully shot. But it's too long for a kids movie. The children in the theater were quite restless…paying much more attention to the arms on the seats than to the film. But, I liked it.
3 Stars Out of 5
Two For The Money
I enjoyed both the characters and the performances in Two For The Money especially Al Pacino who almost reprises his role in The Devil's Advocate. Matthew McConaughey and Rene Russo also turn in very good performances. It is extremely entertaining to watch, but it is a close variation on the movie Wall Street. So close, they might have named it Wall Street Lite. 3 ½ Stars Out of 5
Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls
No Madea this time, but in Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls, Perry delivers a much more polished effort. A little heavier on the religious message than the previous two Tyler Perry films, but overall this morality tale is inspirational and enjoyable.
3 Stars Out of 5
