Arlene Pick Flixs

Romeo Must Die
One very stylized dramatic arial kick to the head, Jet Li springs to action. This is Jet Li's third American movie, first was Lethal Weapon 4 and second The Black Mask. So far, this is his best, not to mention other long list of prior Hong Kong films. Taking the starring roles, as Han Sing, he plays opposite Aaliyah (as Trish O'Day), a mobster's daughter. Han escapes from a high security prison and comes to San Francisco to avenge the brutal killing of his younger brother. This film is filled with superb fighting scenes, slapstick comedy, and a budding romance with Trish O'Day (that should have been explored further in my opinion). I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's YAY vote.
Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts IS Erin Brockovich. She played this true to life character story to a T. The film reminds me of Sally Field in Norma Rae as Erin fights for a small community against a behemoth corporation PG&E for polluting the town's water. Albert Finney, as Ed Masry, the head lawyer who fought along side Erin is a scene stealer. The comedic chemistry between Julia and Albert are just hilarious. The story also humanizes many of the people's tribulations for contracting cancer. This film is engaging, witty, and wants you to stand up and applaud Erin's ardeous fight. I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's triple YAY vote.
Boys Don't Cry
Teena Brandon (Hillary Swank) wanted to live a different life that she was living. She went to Little Falls, Nebraska to find it. Dressing and acting like a 'man', she transformed herself into Brandon Teena, a traveler from Tennessee. She/he fell in-love with Lana (Chloe Sevigny) and a new chapter of her life began. Brandon believed in a fairytale romance that captured Lana's heart. Brandon also saved Lana from her dysfunctional family life. They both dreamt together to travel the world and leave Nebraska. Their dream was shattered when Lana's friends discovered and exposed Brandon's true identity. Their life became a living hell, until that faithful night Brandon was murdered by the very same friends she met in Little Falls. Based on a true story, Kimberly Pierce's directorial debut is a masterpiece. Hillary Swank deserved the Oscar for Best Actress because she embodied the essence of Brandon in this role. I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's triple YAY vote.
Being John Malkovich
Imagine yourself being able to be someone else for 15 minutes. This is the premise of this wacky comedy with Craig Schwartz (John Cusack) and Lotte Schwartz (Cameron Diaz) was able to go into the mind of "John Malkovich" and control his thoughts and senses. This was due impart to Cusack’s accidental discovery of a secret portal door he found at work. His sexy co-worker, Keener and him went to business to profit from this venture. Cusack’s life turned upside down when wife, Diaz, developed sexual feelings for Maxine (Catherine Keener) through a 1-time mind experienced as Malkovich. Keener, as a smart manipulator, made Diaz and Cusack vie for her attention. Cusack and Diaz played the perfect dueling nerdy spouses. Both characters are physically unappealing but they fought to be John Malkovich to be this debonair person. This film gets the gold for originality and boldness in story concept. Not only that is challenges the audience to be in Malkovich’s shoe, but also poses the question of what if you want to be a completely different person. The comic chemistry between Craig, Lotte and Maxine is an explosion of sharp wits. They are ‘bizarro world’ clones of the Three Stooges who fight with manipulation and betrayal. I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's triple YAY vote.
American Beauty
Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), is a middle man with a wife and daughter. He lives in a typical suburbia town, a white picket fence and is very miserable. Carolyn (Annett Bening) thinks her husband is a loser career wise. Their daughter, Jane (Thora Birch), hates them both. Lester quit his job, received hefty severance package for blackmailing his Manager, and got a job as a take out person in a burger joint. For years, he was the main breadwinner, but now all he wanted to do is have a fun life. American Beauty is a dark comedy that introspectively looks at a middle class dysfunctional family. All the characters had skeletons in their closets to hide. Their next door neighbor, Ricky Fitts (Wes Bently) is a voyeur who types all their family neurosis. Carolyn is having an affair with another real estate colleague. Lester is having sexual fantasies with his daughter’s high school classmate, Angela Hayes (Mera Suvari). I enjoyed the balance between comedy and surreal family interaction realism was maintained. Its very liberating to see a film made by a major studio kept its ‘independent’ artistic qualities. I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's triple YAY vote.
Gladiator
Maximus, a great Roman general, faced a choice of going home to his family who hasn’t seen him for over two years or leading Rome to a new era of government, a Senate lead empire. He wanted the latter but was forced to hiding and then slavery by a ruthless ambitious emperor, Commudus. Commudus’ father gave the ruling power to Maximus because he didn’t trust Commudus’ ability to rule. This was what drove him to murder his father and hunt down Maximus. Maximus vowed to avenge the murders of this wife and son and ultimately kill Commodus. With Ridley Scott (director) over the helm, Gladiator storms into action. Scott brilliantly uses muted colors, during the beginning scenes to convey the somberness of battle. He also techniques of hyper speed sky and clouds to convey time passing and jarring sound effects during battle scenes. The cinematography is breathtaking with location encompassing exotic countries of Morocco, Malta & Italy. The natural scenery added to the allure of the former Roman Empire. Russel Crowe is a superb actor who assumed the Maximus character fully and reflected the battle cry motto of "strength and honor" . I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's quadruple YAY vote.
Battlefield Earth
Did anybody tried to read the script before they filmed this movie? Battlefield Earth was a major disappointment. The beginning started slow, and it still ended slow and anti-climactic. Even with all the special effects bonanza of the fighting scenes, the story couldn't salvage itself to get a pulse. The dramatic scenes of Jonnie (Barry Pepper), when he was convincing his fellow ‘human animal’ slaves to take over the dictatorial Psychlos were encouraging. Pepper gave a terrific performance as Jonnie Goodboy, lead of the human slaves but the screenplay didn’t add character depth they deserve. The only redeeming factor was the ‘over the top’ backstabbing ploys of Terl (Travolta) and Ker (Whitaker) to control the Psychlos’ earth station. I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's NAY vote.
28 Days
Gwen (Sandra Bullock) thought that she was just a happy-go-lucky person who drinks a lot. When she almost wrecked her sister’s wedding and got into a car accident, she was forced to commit into a rehab facility. Her sister wanted Gwen to faced the fact that she’s an alcoholic. Sandra Bullock finally discovered a role to showcase her comedic side. Alcoholism is a serious disease and this film managed to bring out the hilarity of the recovery process. The grainy black and white flashback was cleverly utilized to convey Gwen’ family history alcoholism. Steve Buscemi, played a tough but good-at-heart rehab supervisor. Buscemi is a talented character actor who plays supporting roles but shines in every scene. I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's YAY for effort vote.
Where the Money Is
Carol (Linda Fiorentino) wanted to add some spice in her life. She’s been working as a nurse in an old age home and her marriage was getting mundane. She found excitement by thwarting Henry Manning’s (Paul Newman) ploy. Henry wanted to escape high security prison by playing a ‘stroked paralyzed’ victim which transferred him to the old age home. She and Henry hatched a plan to rob the local bank and their fun began. Paul Newman is still on the top of this game as an actor. Sean Connery was slated to play the role but backed out to do “Entrapment.” Newman is perfect as Henry Manning and his chemistry with Fiorentino is a treat. Moviegoers shouldn’t miss the scene when Linda Fiorentino performed a sexy laptop dance to uncover Henry’s cover. Witty writing by E. Max Frye and excellent performances makes this film a good choice to see. I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's triple YAY vote.
Mission: Impossible 2
Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is a secret agent with a mission to save the world again, for the second time. His goal, to stop a lethal experimental virus from escaping to kill the Australian population. He is joined by Nyah (Thandie Newton), a thief expert, who also becomes his love interest. This sequel is directed by John Woo. The martial arts director extrodanaire whose trademark style is evident throughout the film. High emotion, slow motion camera technique, stunts galore and pigeons flying (for symbolism) are the highlights here. I found the pacing a bit slow compared to the original. Actually, I didn’t understand the latter, the first time I saw it. This is a summer movie and you can’t expect Shakespeare. I enjoyed all the dramatic slow motion “boy chases girl” scenes in a high speed car chase form. Tom Cruise performed many of this stunts which were pretty daring like hanging from a cliff with his bare hands. Supposedly, there was no security net below when the scene was shot. If you’re in the mood for action, and more action, this is worth a price of a popcorn. I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's single YAY vote.
Dinosaur
A story two million years in the making, an orphan iguanadon, Aladar (voice of DB Sweeney), is adopted by a family of Lemurs. Shot in a live background, all dinosaur and creatures were created in a digital computer animation. A great artistic accomplishment for Disney plus, it didn’t contain a single broadway number melody. Aladar and his family were forced to leave their island due to a deadly meteor bombardment. They encountered a herd of dinosaurs migrating to a safer haven. Led by, Kron (voice of Samuel E. Wright), a forceful leader, whose motto is "survival of the fittest." Aladar believed in "working together" which totally contradicted Kron. Two scientific ideologies against each other was a good background for "Dinasour." The adventure to find safer land, compassion, and self-determination are the reason this movie would appeal to all ages. I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's triple YAY vote.
Shaft
Shaft is still the man. Director John Singleton brings back the old glory of blaxploitation film with 90’s sensibility. Samuel L. Jackson, plays John Shaft, a New York City police. He’s on the case to bring justice to a racially murdered black man. Diane Palmieri (Toni Collette), is the reluctant witness, who's afraid to testify against the killer, Walter Wade, Jr. (Christian Bale), a pampered rich upper east sider. Shaft is still a smooth talker who gets the job done with force and witty remarks. Jeffrey Wright, played a superb over the top Latino mob boss, Peoples Hernandez. Many of the best scenes in this film were the heated interactions between Shaft and Peoples. With the blessing of the original Shaft, Richard Roundtree, who had a small part as his Uncle, this film lives up to the reputation that “He’s the man.” I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's triple YAY vote.
X-Men
In a distant future world filled with hatred and fear, the mutants on earth just wanted to live in peace. Their dream is not possible because the politicians want legislation to ban mutants from regular society. Magneto (Ian McKellen) is the ultimate mutant opposed to this idea. He wanted the mutants to rule the world. Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) is the head of the School of the Gifted and secretly a leader of the X-Men group who wanted mutants and people to live together in peace. Bryan Singer, who also directed “The Usual Suspect”, brings these Marvel heroes to the screen. There’s enough balance for drama, comedy and FXs to please any comic fans and moviegoers. Even though the X-Men are not wearing their original comic costumes, the slick black leather get up had more credibility. Imaging Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) saving the world wearing yellow spandex? I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's triple YAY vote.
Gone in 60 Seconds
Fast cars, chases and crashes are the main ingredient of this summer flick. Randall Raines (Nicolas Cage), a retired master car thief is engulfed to another caper to save his younger brother’s life. This heist entails, stealing 50 vintage cars in two days. We have many two dimensional characters running around stealing cars and solving brotherly and family misunderstandings on the side. Angelina Jolie, an Oscar winner of the Best Supporting Actress, is a glorified wallflower, Sway, a Ferrari thief expert. Her purpose, a sex object and the required love interest for Randall. The car chases are bearable for a few minutes then you crave to see some real human drama. Well, we have to remember that this is a Jerry Bruckhiemer production. Who needs good dialogue? I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's single YAY vote.
Perfect Storm
This movie should have been called the Perfect Snore. It’s a tell tales sign if all you wanted to see is the storm half way through the story. Six men sail the Andrea Gail boat to the Finnish Caps to catch some swordfish. The crew had been having a mediocre season. The Finnish Caps sea is the cash crop of swordfish catching. Dale Murphy (John C. Reilly) is a divorce father who still takes care for his son. Bobby Shatford’s (Mark Walberg) goal is to have enough money for him and his girlfriend to set up their future. Everybody is dealing with their own life crisis. Little do they know their life would take a tragic turn once they encounter the storm. The pacing is truly sluggish before the special FXs spectacular that appears towards the last hour of the film. Wolfgang Petersen (Director) tried to compensate between human drama and FXs, which the latter succeeded more. This is a technical accomplishment for Petersen who tackles a wearisome story and tries to show the human struggle side. I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's double YAY vote.
But I'm a Cheerleader
In a bright primary colored world of Megan (Natashia Lyonne), she finds herself loving cheerleading and adoring girls. She hates kissing her boyfriend and loves Melissa Ethridge in which she thinks is perfectly normal. Until one day, her family and friends faced her with an intervention to confront her alleged lesbianism. She’s sent against her will to True Directions, a homosexual anonymous recovery center. After meeting Graham (Clea DuVall), a tough, pretty, self-pronounced lesbian, turns Megan’s life around. Jamie Babbitt (director) brings this dark satiric comedy with great splashes of bright colors and wit. The set decoration inforces the notions that blue are for boys and pink for girls. This film color is so vibrant that it reminded me of "Beach Blanket Bingo" vividness of screen. Combine the recipe with zany characters, a militant underground gay couple who helps ex-True Directions and RuPaul as an ex-gay youth macho counselor equals laughter. It is a journey to seeing Megan figuring out her identity.   I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's triple YAY vote.
The Replacements
I always support the underdogs. If you agree with me, this is the film to see. The Washington Sentinels football team went on strike and the owner is forced to hire replacement players (scabs) to finish the season. Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves), a second rate player with great potential, gets recruited to be the quarterback. Along with a group of misfits, like "the runner" Franklin (Orlando Jones), a fast runner who can’t catch a ball, "the leg" (Rhys Ifans), an ultra skinny chain smoking kicker, makes this a rag tag bunch of a team. The actions are plentiful with many body slamming sequences in the football field. This movie wants us to root for Shane’s team. They represent the common man who is given a second chance to redeem oneself. This follows the same cliques of a sport movie but the big pay-off is high entertainment.   I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's triple YAY vote.
Bait
Alvin Sanders (Jamie Foxx) is on the run because the FBI placed him as the unwilling bait to track down stolen gold bars for the Federal Mint. Alvin lived a life of petty crimes until his past finally caught up with him. Edgar Clenteen (James Morse) is a conniving FBI head who breaks rules to find the missing bars. He spearheaded the team by planting a homing devise inside Alvin's body to track his every move. Director Antoine Fuqua uses hand held chaotic camera movements amid action scenes. As a viewer, I am left lightheaded by the effect. I couldn't concentrate on the whole scene when the camera focuses on tight close ups often. The same observation applies to editing, hyper kinetic movements combined with rapid scene shifts, results in a nuisance. Did I care for any of the characters? No. I was just a waiting for the next Jamie Foxx punchline dialogue. The antagonist, played by Dough Hutchinson, didn't evoke any cinematic chills. Plus, his portrayal is a slight imitation of John Malkovich's madman acting. This movie would probably market well due to its non-sensical violence and brainless story line.   I give it the Arlene Pick Flix's NAY vote.

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