Enemy Of The State (1998)

 

When I watched this in 1998, the tech was all new and sophisticated. Now, I have more capability in my cell phone than everything shown in the movie. It feels painfully outdated when they are using rolodexes, VCRs, pay phones, land lines, and pagers. The video recordings are in freaking black and white for crying out loud. 

Add to that unrealistic plot devices and plot holes, and the film just doesn’t hold up. I still can’t get over Will Smith locking himself in a hotel linen closet, starting a fire, and within seconds, 3 fire trucks arrive to rescue him before he burns alive. 

Rating: C  

Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

This sequel to the reboot was not as fun as the reboot. Rehashes the same ideas with less creativity--like most sequels.

Rating: C-

Cradle Will Rock (1999)

Written and directed by Tim Robbins with an all star cast. Tells the story of the Federal Theater Movement during the Great Depression. Good acting and witty dialogue.

Rating: C

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2017)

About what I anticipated. People kept saying how good it was, so I figured I’d think it was ok. It was. Funny enough to keep me entertained, but not overly compelling.

Rating: C

Run Ronnie Run (2002)

Being a huge fan of Mr Show with David Cross and Bob Odenkirk, I had to check out this collaboration film/sketch project, even though I heard they weren't happy with the outcome. As I expected, it was hit and miss. Really funny in some parts, and really off mark in others. This movie had an unbelievable amount of cameos by every comedian in town. If you are a fan of theirs, it's worth checking out.

Rating: C

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Very entertaining, with plenty of humor that adults will appreciate when viewing with their kids. Jack Black is hilarious in this. I really enjoyed the action sequences too.

Rating: B-

Orange County (2002)

Funny at times, especially when Jack Black is on screen. 

Rating: C

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

This is a really dumb movie. I'm not talking Dodgeball dumb or Dumb and Dumber dumb--it's much dumber. This isn't meant as an insult, since I actually enjoy dumb humor and dumb movies. It's uneven, but has enough funny moments to make it enjoyable.
More cameos than one can shake a stick at.

Rating: C

The Holiday (2006)

Jack Black in a romantic comedy? He toned down his goofiness to the point where he was just likeably goofy and a bit eccentric. It was fun to see his sense of humor and personality win over Kate Winslet's heart, despite his lack of dashing good looks. If you haven't seen a good romantic comedy in awhile, your search is over. Enjoy.

Rating: B-

Year One (2009)

When I saw the initial previews for this film, I thought, "This is a sure thing!". I mean Jack Black and Michael Cera. How can you go wrong? Turns out writing matters, and this script was beyond weak. The concept was great, but Harold Ramis has lost his touch. Poor execution and generally unfunny.

Rating: D-

Saving Silverman (2001)

A very juvenile, low-brow comedy, but funny nonetheless. It might be worth seeing just for them performing in their Neil Diamond duds as "Diamonds in the Rough", a Neil Diamond cover band. Not every joke hits, but there are enough funny lines and general buffoonery to make it worth seeing.

Rating: C+

Shallow Hal (2001)

Jack Black, as directed by the Farlley Brothers, was a smart move. The comedy goes beyond fat chick jokes, although there is plenty of that too. As with "There's Something About Mary", there's a romance story beneath all the childish humor. Funny and fun.

Rating: B-

King Kong (2005)

This was a great film to see in the theater. It was made for the big screen. Tons of action, larger than life characters, and great sound. Peter Jackson can do no wrong in my book.

I knew Jack Black had it in him to do a serious role, and I'm glad Peter saw it too. Naomi Watts was perfect in the lead. The ape was simply amazing. Wasn't cartoony looking at all. Yes it was long, but it's a fantastic trip.

Rating: B

Bernie (2011)

A custom made role in a quirky indie film to show off Jack Black’s wide array of talents. A nice change of pace after several dozen crap-heaps he’s starred in. Based on a crazy real life story. If you are a fan of director Linklater's earlier films, and you should be, then you will certainly enjoy this new character piece.

Rating: B-

School of Rock (2003)

I saw this in the theater, and the sound was waaaaay too low. One of the reasons you go to the movies is to be blown away by the audio,  instead, it was like watching the TV from the other room. But, the movie itself was still lots of fun. Fun story, great kid actors, and cool songs. Enjoyed it.

Rating: C+

Tropic Thunder (2008)

A comedy in the hands of Ben Stiller is never a typical comedy. There's always a dark, satirical quality to his jokes, which doesn't necessarily translate well to mainstream moviegoers. Like Grindhouse, Tropic Thunder features some hysterical fake movie trailers. There were plenty of really funny scenes, however I think many of the jokes will simply fly straight over the heads of the average popcorn eater. It's a twisted, thinking man's comedy.

Rating: B-

Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)

It’s hard to live up to the fantastic original, but this sequel is still pretty good. The entire crew is back to face a new evil foe, with inner peace as the secret weapon. The animation is gorgeous, and the fight scenes are a lot of fun.

Rating: C+

Be Kind Rewind (2008)

I never quite know what to expect when seeing a Michel Gondry film. They can be outright bad or outstandingly good. Either way, you have no choice but to roll the dice and find out. Be Kind Rewind falls somewhere in the middle, like The Science Of Sleep. Creativity is splashed all over the screen, but not necessarily in a cohesive
manner. The concept is brilliant, and could have resulted in comedic gold if told differently. Perhaps this movie itself should be re-shot, like so many blank tapes found in Mr. Fletcher's video store.

Rating: C

Envy (2004)

Not exactly what I expected. Funny at times, but this wasn't a comedy. I'd label it quirky and dark.

Rating: C