SWORDFISH

If nothing else, the opening scene is pretty damn cool. The rest of the movie is ok (with the notable exception of Halle Berry's topless scene which has made many men in America very happy). An entertaining "popcorn" movie which I actually got to see for free. I would probably rent it on video, definitely watch on HBO or any of those pay channels, but it's a little much to ask at $9/person. Definitely a matinee flick, and if you go in without high expectations, it will be a pretty good way to spend your afternoon.

The plane that is supposed to take Travolta at the end is a Gulfstream - he owns and flies that type of plane himself.





PEARL HARBOR

I didn't see this movie on opening weekend and I'm glad. I saw the trailer a year ago and thought it looked killer and I couldn't wait. THEN, I heard it was a love story, blah blah blah. So I went in with little to no expectations and was sastisfiably entertained. The effects were (of course) amazing. The storyline was rather predictable (and I'm not talking about the outcome of the bombing). There were a lot of older gentleman and ladies in the audience who were visibly affected by this re-telling of that fateful day and I think THAT is what made this movie special.

With all the money spent on effects, you would think they could have given Jon Voight a better fake chin to play FDR.





THE PATRIOT

If you don't care for acuracy and want to see fights and blood, this is your movie. This film had plenty of action (along with quite a bit of slow scenes). It clocked in (by my watch) at around 2 hours 45 minutes. There were some "Braveheart" type moments and sometimes you just expected Mel to go "Lethal Weapon". And if you don't mind the children not aging over a period of 5 years, it was enjoyable. The crowd I saw it with were definitely cheering for the Americans and there were some pretty satisfying revenge moments. The movie was long, not always accurate, predictible, but a good ol' popcorn-type fun movie.

The actor who played the preacher used to be on the TV show "Benson"





ROAD TRIP

YAWN. Was this supposed to be this year's "Something About Mary?" Survey says: NO. This movie tried so hard to be funny, that it didn't succeed at the laugh a minute comedy of such classics as "Animal House" or "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." Sure, I laughed at scenes and I honestly tried to give the movie a fair chance, but I don't think it was worth it. I probably wouldn't even rent it on video. If you have HBO, Showtime, or whatever pay channel it ends up on, sure, watch it. Just don't go out of your way to do it.

If it weren't for Tom Green, the movie would be a complete failure





GLADIATOR

Yes, it was a little bloody. Yes, it was a little slow in parts. But I liked it. It was a good story, even if Comedus came off a little whiny. Russel Crowe has an awesome voice. The opening scenes were so great and so moving. The battle was incredible. However, I thought it dragged out during the middle and maybe was a bit long, but I thought it was good (maybe not as great as everyone pumped it up to be) but still worth the $7.

Bet you couldn't tell most of the crowd and most of Rome was computer animated





ERIN BROCKOVICH

This was such an enjoyable film (and not because the title character has my name!). It was surprisingly funny and good natured and you can't help but cheer for Erin and Ed. In fact, the audience I saw it with DID in fact cheer and clap for the good stuff! It is like a funny "A Civil Action" and "Silkwood." Julia Roberts gives a great performance (as does Albert Finney), and the comments she makes to her co-workers will have you laughing until you fall out of your seats. There is a definite emotional side and the movie is balanced quite well. You will never look at your tap water the same again.

The real Erin Brockovich plays a waitress named . . . Julia.





SCREAM 3

I think what most critics said was true: not as scary, but more funny than the first two. I didn't jump, but I was throughly amused. I must say, the ending was probably the best ending (save for one and I won't mention it so I don't ruin it). Meaning, the person revealed as the killer was a great choice! Go for the fun, the laughs, but don't go to get scared. Rent the first one.

Once again, I don't want to ruin it, but there are some superb cameos in this one!





THE BEACH

Yes, I saw it. No, I'm not in love with the film's star. However, I am in love with the beaches! It was a gorgeous setting and a fun little romp. An amusing tale, but it seems like someone was trying too hard to achieve something and never quite got there. There is also a fun reference to video games (it reminds me of "Lord of the Flies" though). I was never on the edge of my seat, but it was not the worst film I've ever seen.

Has anyone read the book adn seen the film? Please email me, it seems like it would be a good book!





ANY GIVEN SUNDAY

An interesting movie in that all the talking was done in speeches. There was hardly and "dialogue" back and forth between characters. I love football so I thought I would totally dig this film. Unfortunately, it was only remotely enjoyable. Al Pacino was pretty awesome as was Jaime Foxx, but Cameron Diaz left a lot to be desired. A nice little cameo by Ann-Margaret though.

Did it bother anyone that the teams' uniforms were hideous? I have never (and I hope that I never will) see football teams with those, um, styles. Who had the final say? Costume Designer? Oliver Stone? FIRE THEM!!





GIRL, INTERRUPTED

A cute little movie that was pretty enjoyable. Perhaps a little cheesy on the ending. However. Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie looked incredibly thin, so that was a little distracting for the film. Whoopi Goldberg had a nice little part, a little motivational. This was based on a true story so you know what is going to happen at the end. I had a little problem with one scene towards the end that was so confusing, I didn't know if it was a dream or if it was real. But defnitely a chic flick.

A lot of the supporting roles are some actors you may remember from "Clueless," "The Faculty," and "The Young Riders"








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