The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

Even worse than the second film. More confusing, less characterization, more of the same fight scenes, and an unfulfilling end. They should have only made one.

Rating: D+

Matrix Reloaded (2003)

I had very high expectations going in, since the original Matrix blew my mind. M2 starts out rather slow, building to action sequences which are at times fantastic, but mostly repetitive. It felt like a 5 star meal that's been re-microwaved.

Rating: C

Snitch (2013)

There is no way any significant portion of this film could be “inspired by real events”. The way things unraveled, there is only one believable ending: everyone near and dear to this family gets slaughtered by the cartel as payback. Witness protection you say? Are they going to put his entire extended family into witsec? It’s a bit of dramatized fun, but nobody’s buying it.

Rating: C

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

There’s a lot of torture and paperwork to wade through before the big payoff at the end arrives. Plenty of cruelty and human suffering from both sides as well. Don’t mistake this for a traditional action movie—just one really long reenactment. Films should not be nominated for best picture simply because they depict Osama being shot in the head.

Rating: C+

Woman on Top (2000)

The reviews for this weren't too hot, but I rented it anyway, since Penelope Cruz *is*, and there was a Brazilian flavor to the movie.

First, what a fantastic soundtrack. Enjoyed understanding the
Portuguese lines that they left without subtitles. Seeing the Brazillian food brought back many memories.

It tarted out kind of hoaky, a little "Like Water for Chocolate" with "Simply Irresistible". I was with it, but just along for the ride. Once she got to San Francisco however, things picked up. Quirky in a good way. The transvestite roommate of hers was a nice addition.

Rating: C+

Felon (2008)

I need to just start seeing everything Val Kilmer has done and will do. The guy has transformed himself into one of the coolest actors of our time. Something nobody could see coming after such movies as Weird Science in his early years.

Anyway, Felon sounds like a remake of that classic Tom Selleck film An Innocent Man. Yes, Tom Selleck used to make classic films. Felon is much more than that. It's a realistic look at what might happen to an everyman sentenced to do hard time, with harder criminals--how he survives, what happens to his family on the outside, and a side plot about guards running their own gladiator fights.

Could be terrible in the wrong hands? It's not. Camera work is excellent. Pacing is right on. Acting by leads Val and Stephen Dorff are terrific. Realism is pumped up very high. It's an intense film without coming off as a Van Damme knockoff. Check out this overlooked gem.

Rating: B+