Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

A lot of buildup and fine acting for a fizzle of a reveal at the end. And they certainly took their sweet time getting there. Pretentious and dry.

Rating: D+

Elling (2001)

I think this was the first Norwegian film I've ever seen. Quirky and unusual with just the right amount of tenderness. A nice break from Hollywood glitz.

Rating: C+

Excess Baggage (1997)

I saw this a long time ago and wanted to check it out again. Benicio Del Toro is just starting to get noticed after The Usual Suspects, but you can see his potential instantly. Alicia Silverstone was perfect for this role. Christopher Walken is great as the tough uncle and Harry Connick Jr. is terrific. Far better actor than singer in my book.

This overlooked runaway romance is much better than people might think. Go on, give it a try.

Rating: B-

Footloose (2011)

Annoyed from the get go with the scene of the “high school” students at their dance party, where everyone looks in their 20’s. I laughed when the cookie cutter kids got smashed to bits by the semi at the start. Good riddance. It’s a shame this film wasn’t about a killer truck driver who plows through teenage dance floors. Would have been a lot more entertaining.

No surprise Andie McDowell shows up as the crybaby mom. She has sobbed her way through one terrible movie after another. It was 5 minutes in and I wasn’t sure I could handle the rest. Things picked up when Quiet Riot came on, but of course the cool kid got a ticket for it. Later, one lap around the track with the film’s hottie and her friend is having a nervous breakdown. We get it. The town’s got a big stick up its butt.

This movie should have never been remade. Outlawed dancing is ridiculous and caring that much about not being able to is just stupid. This should have been called Step Up 9, or whatever number they are on. Maybe High School Musical 12. Either these “average” students have been watching waaaay too much So You Think You Can Dance, or else it’s normal for every kid in town to have Broadway level dance moves in their back pocket despite a ban on public dancing. Dumb all around.

Rating: F

Made (2001)

Sort of an indie buddy/mob flick. To his credit, Sean Combs didn't ruin the film for me.

Rating: C

The Lives Of Others (Das Leben der Anderen) (2006)

A lot of hype surrounding this German film, and I have to say, it lives up to it. Slowly you will find yourself caring way more than you ever thought you would about a Stasi interrogator. A very good historical drama.

Rating: B

The Sitter (2011)

A few amusing parts and lines, but overall a scattered, unfunny mess. Stick with the classic “Adventures in Babysitting”.

Rating: D-

The Dead Zone (2002)

I watched both of them, the original with Christopher Walken and the 2002 version with Anthony Michael Hall. I liked the newer one better, as the story was more original and logical. I watched these in preparation for the USA show by the same name, which was pretty good.

Rating Old: C

Rating New: C+ 

The Dead Zone (1983)

I watched both of them, the original with Christopher Walken and the 2002 version with Anthony Michael Hall. I liked the newer one better, as the story was more original and logical. I watched these in preparation for the USA show by the same name, which was pretty good.

Rating Old: C

Rating New: C+

The Veteran (2011)

I got to say, there was real potential for this film to make it to a higher level. The slow buildup was solid. Not a lot of action, but you could tell the groundwork was being laid for something epic in the third act. Characters defined, plot simple, yet compelling. Great acting all around for a B level movie.

When the bullets started to fly at the end, I thought: Here we go! And then suddenly it was over—bad guys win. It’s not edgy to change-up the Hollywood ending. It’s stupid. We know it’s cliché to have the good guys win. But we don’t care. It’s SATISFYING. We watch movies to be entertained, maybe learn something, and to be satisfied. Don’t leave me with a bad taste in my mouth.

Rating: C

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

Like Anchorman, there are some hilarious scenes and jokes that will
leave you rolling, but overall, it's an average comedy.

Rating: C

7 Plus Seven (1970)

The follow-up to Seven Up reunites the viewer with the now 14 year old teens who have come face to face with their former selves. Thankfully, the editor has interlaced this sequel with dozens of earlier clips, making it a snap to recognize the specimens following the 7 year leap.

Some have changed, others are simply larger versions of their 7 year
old screen counterparts. By now you'll find yourself rooting for your
favorites, hoping they make their way in the world, while secretly
hoping a couple just get what's coming to them. Yes, I'm talking to
you, little racist, rich girl who delights in her oversized canine
killing bunnies for the sport of it.

Rating: B-

Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)

Watched this classic again the other night. Still very entertaining, but it is definitely showing its age. Great writing. Some nice dark humor too. Brother and sister Joan and John are always fun to see on screen together. This is more fun on the first viewing, but worth a revisit too.

Rating: B

Elite Squad: The Enemy Within (Tropa de Elite 2 - O Inimigo Agora É Outro) (2010)

This Brazilian “sequel” is far superior to the original. The plot is defined from the beginning and unfolded in a competent manner. Characters are well developed and portrayed by solid actors. Oftentimes movies about police and political corruption cast too small a net. Here, the connections of all key players are expertly woven into a single narrative. It’s a very brave film that tells a difficult story, while entertaining at the same time. No easy feat.

Rating: B

In America (2002)

Very enjoyable movie. The actors are fantastic, especially the littlest girl in the family. Cutest thing you've ever seen.

Rating: B-

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

As with most superhero origin stories, the backstory and buildup was far superior to the big battle in the second act. That’s when the wheels come off, things get unrealistic, and plot holes open up continuously. It’s a clichéd mess by the end. I was impressed with the way they made Chris Evans look scrawny at the beginning of the film though.

Rating: C-

Timecrimes (Los Cronocrímenes) (2007)

Another nonsensical time traveling movie, but with even more plot holes and WTF's than an episode of Heroes. If you're going to make me read subtitles, at least make it worth my while. The plot made no sense and ended without any sort of resolution. Very disappointing.

Rating: D-

Road to Perdition (2002)

With Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, and Jude Law starring, and Sam Mendes of American Beauty fame directing, this was a sure bet. And it paid off. Very well done - gripping from start to finish.

Rating: B-

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

This series is a great fit for Guy Ritchie. He directs them with a hefty dollop of panache and fun. His camerawork and editing techniques enhance the story, rather than distract. The way Holmes devises a future outcome in his mind’s eye, for example. Fight scenes are entertaining and fresh. Dialogue is crisp and witty.

Not everything is perfect, however. The plot gets a bit convoluted. Positive outcomes are often too easily achieved to feel authentic. Timelines can be fuzzy. Still, the pros far outweigh the cons and earn this film a…

Rating: B-

Transporter 2 (2005)

I was incredibly psyched to see this movie. I had watched Transporter
on DVD the day before, just to get the story and characters straight--
not much story to get, but I did notice many allusions to the first
film. After watching the Making Of feature, I saw how much Lettier was involved in the first film, and was glad he was on board as director of the second. Plus, his directorial debut "Unleashed" (Danny The Dog) was one of the only two films I gave an A to this year.

But all that good stuff only served to make me even more displeased
with the sequel; a poorly written, unfunny let down of a movie. Yeah,
there were a couple cool fight scenes, but the first one had those in
spades in addition to making you laugh and keeping you interested in
the plotline.

Rating: D+

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Woody Allen? Seriously? You're telling me Woody Allen directed this? But it's shot in Spain, not New York. No, really, Woody Allen? To say I had given up on his ability to create any more worthwhile films would be an understatement. I've been disappointed far too many times in the last 10+ years. So you can believe me when I say I was gravely suspicious of all the positive press surrounding his latest. At long last, old Woody delivers.

The film is gorgeous—a visual love poem to the city of Barcelona and the surrounding area. I've walked the steps of that ancient city myself and have a hard time pulling up memories that are more pretty to look at than many scenes in VCB.

The cast is gorgeous as well. Acting? Come on. Perfect. Story is ok—a bit convoluted. I'm not thrilled with the unfulfilling end either, but overall, a great effort.

Rating: B-

Project X (2012)

The soundtrack was spectacular, but the film was crap. Superbad was ten times more entertaining.

Rating: F+