What Did You Watch Today?

[Ananas]

Be Cool - ** (4/10)

Coming from John Travolta, a man who's career is the very definition of bipolar, I suppose we can be very happy that he opted to make this film instead of Battlefield Earth 2. The star of films both fantastic and attrocious returns as Chili Palmer in Be Cool, the PG-13 sequel to the R rated 1995 film Get Shorty. The film's change of tone due to its rating is one of the biggest problems facing it. If we're crossing various forms of organized crime and use our MPAA assigned "fuck" on an industry inside joke within the opening minute and a half, how are audiences to identify? This, combined with one dimensional characters and a bit too much Travolta are what's wrong with Be Cool.

That being said, there are plenty of things that could have gone wrong with this film that didn't. It could have descended into 120 minutes of lame potty humour marketed to adults like "The Whole Ten Yards". It could have become a self-referential turd like "Analyze That". Hell, it almost certainly should have become a trainwreck of bad casting like "Mortal Combat: Annhilation" when the project called for a mostly new cast. It could have, but it didn't. As far as sequels go, this isn't bad. The humour is surprisingly high brow at points, and the opening scene is oddly reminiscent of another Travolta film, Pulp Fiction. Instead of relying too much on the original, this is essentially a new story with a new cast and a new set of cirumstances. The cast itself is well put together; while Andre Benjamin (Andre 3000 of Outkast) charms in his acting debut, the rest of the supporting cast including Vince Vaughn, The Rock, Christina Millian, Harvey Keitel and Cedric the Entertainor absolutely carry the film.

It seems like the good outweighs the bad here, and perhaps it does, but the bad is like an unerasable stain that just ruins the picture. John Travolta gets right into the character, as does his lead Uma Thurman as Edie Athens, but the characters bring nothing worthy to the table. In fact, they look to be quite thinly written whenever they're placed in close proximity to the awesome support cast. When we're more partial to the story's villain than the hero we can't possibly get the intended viewing experience. Unfortunately, "Be Cool" is a movie for no one but perhaps rabid fans of Vaughn, The Rock or the two leads. Thumbs down.

Snow Day - *** (6/10)

This 2000 film is easy to forget, mainly because it's a forgettable movie. No new ground is broken with "Snow Day"; guy persues girl, kids do horrible things to principal, good guy dad and weather man finally gets his due in the end, Emmanuelle Chriqui is hot, blah blah blah we get it. It's charm that makes this film watchable, charm in both cast and premise. The film isn't a new concept; it's a well made spin on an old one. Therein lies a certain level of comfortability along with that, and as such it's comfort that doesn't make the film any less enjoyable due to any lack of originality. The cast, as I've said, is very charming. I suppose the most bankable cast member is the underused Chevy Chase, but also includes Jean Smart, Chris Elliott, John Schneider and (at the time) newcomers Mark Webber, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Schuyler Fisk, Connor Matheus and Zena Grey. The secret weapon here is Schuyler Fisk (pre-Orange County I might add), who makes herself entirely sympathetic without taking away from Webber's Hal. Snow Day is a children's comedy which, like many of the films that have been made in the past few years, has plenty of appeal for adults. You might even say it was ahead of its time. Thumbs up.

[BlackFlagg]

Glory - 9.5/10

[Johnny Latino Heat]

The Grudge: 5/10

First half was decent, second half was bleh. Overall, disappointing film.

[ROC]

Office Space - ***1/2

For a man whose usual deal involves stupid humor, Mike Judge can really create biting social commentary and mix it with good wit. That technique is used in his cult smash Office Space to the fullest extent. Of course, the performances are quite great, too, as Ron Livingston keeps up his everyman schtick from Swingers and Gary Cole delivers a great performance as the company boss. But it's Judge's work that shines best, as it shows he has a solid future as a filmmaker. Overall, it's a hilarious take on dull office work that has found a place on any young adult's collection. Three and a half stars for being hilarious, sharp, original, and brilliant.

Clerks. - ***1/2

While Kevin Smith is a great filmmaker today, and has held to consistantly making good film, one needs to only watch the 1994 cult classic Clerks for his best work. One big thing Clerks should be given more credit for is making a film as solid in story, plot, and intellectual discussion about many broad topics, yet only cost under $100,000 (before Miramax shelled some cash on music prior to its release). There's also something to be said when mere unknowns like Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson (not to mention Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith, but that's a whole different matter) deliver solid performances in their first real roles as actors. All in all, Smith's first flick deserves a place in every film buff's collection, right next to Chasing Amy, Dogma, and a little away from Mallrats and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Three and a half stars for very memorable scenes, solid performances, great writing, and very good use of the almighty film budget.

[zero]

Metallica - Some Kind of Monster

Rating: 8/10

Whether you're a Metallica fan or not, you need to see this documentary. I'm in a minority when I say I'm one of the few people who actually liked the St. Anger album, well now I'm in an even bigger minority who actually loves the St. Anger album. This film gave me a whole new idea of how much work went into this album and you see how much of the band's emotions and souls go into their latest work. Lars and James go at each other so much, there was one point when I thought James was going to rip out Lars' throat. I won't give anything away because it's such a powerful scene, but I'll just refer to it as the "Lars must have huge balls to say that" scene. All in all, a gripping tale about a band who has stood the test of time for over twenty years and still puts all or nothing into their records and tours.

[Ananas]

Metallica - Some Kind of Monster

Rating:  8/10

Whether you're a Metallica fan or not, you need to see this documentary.  I'm in a minority when I say I'm one of the few people who actually liked the St. Anger album, well now I'm in an even bigger minority who actually loves the St. Anger album.  This film gave me a whole new idea of how much work went into this album and you see how much of the band's emotions and souls go into their latest work.  Lars and James go at each other so much, there was one point when I thought James was going to rip out Lars' throat.  I won't give anything away because it's such a powerful scene, but I'll just refer to it as the "Lars must have huge balls to say that" scene.  All in all, a gripping tale about a band who has stood the test of time for over twenty years and still puts all or nothing into their records and tours.

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[Benji]

Harold and Kumar Get The Munchies: 7/10

It's not my typical comedy, I'm one of those annoying fanboys who quotes everything, but it's still a class comedy. I know it was the point of the film, but I would have liked less of the ethnic crap involved in it, instead them just being two guys, but at least they weren't generic asian guys or generic stoners. I won't spoil it, but the film is at least worth a check, it won't be everyones cup of tea but it is funny.

Dude, Where's My Car?: 8.5/10

I saw this for the million and first time, it's as funny as it was when I saw it, the actors play their roles to the mark and it's a generally funny film... ZOLTAN~!

[Ananas]

When Will I Be Loved - *1/2 (3.5/10)

When a movie's best moment comes from a bit of obscenity courtesy of Mike Tyson, the writing is most certainly on the wall. James Toback ("Bugsy") wrote and directed this taudry tale of the sexual awakening of a woman named Vera Barrie (Neve Campbell), who is goated into sleeping with a billionaire old man (Dominic Chianese) for $100,000 by her boyfriend Ford (Frederick Weller). Unfortunately, this movie isn't even on a level with "Indecent Proposal", the movie it not so subtly lifts material from. It's presentation is like a mix of Before Sunrise, Closer and a couple of softcore porn films thrown in for good measure. However, the director's attempts to lift the material out of mediocrity fail miserably; this isn't smart wry drama with sex thrown in for good measure, it's a sex drama with pretension. The sound quality also stands out to me; whenever the characters are talking over a backing soundtrack they have to compete to be heard. It's a shock that a movie featuring a cameo by music mogul Damon Dash would be so amateurish on that front. I also take issue with the movie's overall portrayal of the Vera character. For 81 minutes, she essentially walks around hooking up with and/or flirting with everyone in sight. Then she runs back to Ford/her parents seemingly helpless. This isn't a tale of female empowerment; it's a wet dream. Nothing to see here, unless you're a Neve loving heterosexual man, and in that case there's always P2P programs. Thumbs down.

[Johnny Latino Heat]

Constantine: 8/10

Liked it very much, more than I thought I would.

[Laice07]

The Pacifier: 4.5/10

The movie would be better with The Rock instead of Vin. I also Jackie Chan was supposedly have Diesel's role. I still say the film could of used the rocks charisma.

[Ananas]

The Pacifier - **1/2 (5/10)

The Pacifier is the comedic debut of doughy eyed action star Vin Diesel, an actor who as appeared out of place in nearly every one of his films so far. In this movie however, he seems right at home. In fact, this may very well be the first example of Diesel being better than the material he's working with. The film tells the story of Shane Wolfe (Diesel), a Navy S.E.A.L assigned to protect the children of a deceased scientist from an as of yet unknown terrorist threat. Faith Ford plays the concerned mother who leaves the children in Wolfe's hands, while the 3 eldest children are played by Brittany Snow, Max Thieriot and Morgan York. Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls") plays the school principal, while Brad Garrett ("Everybody Loves Raymond") plays her VP. The cast is really charming, and that is where The Pacifier's draw lies. It seems Vin Diesel is a much better comedic actor than he is in action films, and almost rescues what is really a nothing happening screenplay. The kids are also really good, and elevate some of the more lame potty humour. Nothing new happening here, it never reaches any real peaks over 90 minutes, but if you're looking for an innoffensive laugh, can stand Vin Diesel and have no aversion to unoriginality, this might be for you. For the rest of the movie viewing population, this is a rental at best. Thumbs down, although one with distinction for effort.

[BlackFlagg]

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - 7/10

[BlackFlagg]

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones - 8/10

[ROC]

I actually watched this two days ago, but never bothered to get up and review it. Anyways...

Super Size Me - ***

In what could be described as a solid turn in filmmaking, Morgan Spurlock has went from documenting the age-old story of people's want for money (his short-lived MTV series, "I Bet You Will", which had the purpose, according to Spurlock, that people would do anything for money) to now documenting the fast food revolution, with his entertaining and insightful documentary Super Size Me. While the gimmick that drives it is Spurlock's decision to eat McDonald's for 30 days to measure its effects on his body, it actually grips you more in the other moments, including its take on McDonald's role in America's obesity crisis. Three stars for some very solid filmmaking that might just get you off of fast food...for good.

[Ananas]

ROC, could you perchance give insight as to what a particular * rating has to the old /10 system? Also, what is your cut off for recommending a film?

[ROC]

ROC, could you perchance give insight as to what a particular * rating has to the old /10 system? Also, what is your cut off for recommending a film?

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[therockbox]

The Ipcress File: 3/10

Boring.

Edited March 10, 2005 by The Rock Box

[St. Dubb]

Let's see what I've watched lately and see if I can remember it all.

Citizen Kane - 9/10

Called the best film ever by most, and I agree that it was good...of course to say its the best film ever I would have to watch every film ever to judge...so until then it gets a 9/10 with a very high recommendation.

The Italian Job - 6.5/10 (the recent remake)

Never saw the original, but this one was pretty good. Reminded me of Ocean's 11 with their plotting and such...not a great movie but a good movie to get comfy on your couch and watch with some popcorn.

School of Rock - 6/10

Good clean fun for the most part.

Pulp Fiction - 9.5/10

Believe it or not I had not seen this movie yet...I mean I have been meaning too...but I dunno, I just never had the chance. Well once I did, I made sure to take the chance and its a good thing I did.

Going to see Be Cool today...I had been looking forward to the movie but after seeing all the bad reviews it has gotten, I'm worried.

[therockbox]

Resident Evil: Apocalypse: 7/10

EDIT: We also watched Wasp in Media today (the short film that won an Oscar). I'd give it about 8/10, it was gritty and powerful, and seemed quite 'real' (for lack of a better word) as well.

Edited March 10, 2005 by The Rock Box

[ROC]

Jesus - *1/2

In the 1979 version of the life of Jesus, the studio (Warner Bros.) decided on a novel concept. That concept was to take the dialogue and events straight from the book itself. While it's a good concept (as was the idea behind Baz Luhrmann's version of Romeo and Juliet), its focus on the miracles of Christ rather than the teachings and humanity of Christ makes it feel one-dimensional and bland. Also, the acting is horrendous and uneven as well. If you need a story about Jesus, go watch The Passion or the 1999 Jesus TV movie starring Jeremy Sisto. Just stay away from this. One and a half stars for only being a good concept on paper.