The Aviator (2004)

 

Too long. Too dark. Too crazy. 

Despite a 3 hour running time, it still felt like pieces were missing. Many scenes didn't make sense, interrupting the flow. 

Rating: C-

From Hell (2001)

 

The Hughes Brothers take on Jack the Ripper. Too dark and evil for me.

Rating: D

Alien: Romulus (2024)

 

The franchise came up with some creepy versions of the space monsters. It’s stress inducing to watch, but mostly empty calories. 

Rating: C+

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

All the sci-fi wizardry and CGI fantasy you could hope for; times two. Maybe I’ve come down with Orc Fatigue or Hobbit Hangover, but having seen all this before in previous films, I wasn't especially bowled over by this latest installment.

Cartoony creatures fight by the thousands while the camera zooms in on random characters we are supposed to care deeply about. The thing is, I don’t really care. Not especially. It’s all over-the-top fluff that doesn’t succeed in triggering a real emotional response.

Rating: C-

Garden State (2004)

Loved it. Films like these are all the better because of how infrequently they are made. I don't have anything else to say. I loved it.

Rating: A

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

I still can't believe Peter Jackson was able to pull off triple perfection. Each film was both unique and equally wonderful. Incredible work and very entertaining.

Rating: A-

Time Bandits (1981)

For some reason, I had heard, or maybe recalled this movie being good. Dwarfs hobble around through time and space robbing people until they face off against the master of evil. Yeah, whatever. The cheesiest of special f/x and camera tricks.

Rating: D

Strangers With Candy (2005)

I was sorely disappointed with this big screen adaptation of the small screen series. In addition to not being as smart, funny, dark, and poignant, the movie lost some of the best key players, who were mysteriously replaced with sub par actors. Any single episode of the show Strangers With Candy could put this film to shame. And shame is exactly what they should be feeling for letting the fans down with this cheap imitation.

Rating: D-

Lord of War (2005)

This is a somewhat dark little film with flashes of comedy, political soapboxing, and violence. It gives us a glimpse into the world of gun running on a large scale, or at least Hollywood's version of it. Either way, it's an entertaining tale.

Rating: C+

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

I had fun watching this, despite the over-the-top premise. I'm a sucker for end-of-the-world disaster flicks.

Rating: C+

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

A movie that actually delivered on all pre-release hype. LOTR has everything you could ever hope for in a fantasy adventure film. I can't wait for the next two. The action scenes and special f/x were amazing. Cool creatures, lots of imagination. Sets, costumes, design, make up, story line, everything, GREAT.

Rating: A-

The Hobbit (2012)

Really pretty to look at and full of incredible special effects, but light on story development and suspense. Doesn’t measure up to the very high bar the three other LOTR movies set.

Rating: C

Ratatouille (2007)

Good fun as usual from Pixar. It's Mrs. Frimby and the Rats of Nimh
meets Top Chef.

Rating: C+

The Fifth Element (1997)

I love Luc Besson's depiction of the future in this film; the special effects and imagery are amazing. The story is a bit of a stretch, but I like when directors think outside the box, rather than keeping with the same, standard formula. Chris Tucker makes an early debut as a whacked out space DJ. Gary Oldman returns as another fabulous evil character, and Bruce Willis shows off his acting chops. Mila Jonavich is great, and super cute in this role. The movie is a lot of fun and a must see.

Rating: B+