Next Stop Wonderland (1998)

I think I originally saw this at Sundance. It’s a pleasant film with a delightful Bossa Nova soundtrack. A lot of familiar faces of actors early in their careers. One of the better films from 1998. 

Rating: C+

Half Brothers (2020)

This was much better than the preview led me to believe. The story isn’t perfect, but it felt personal and was often funny. 

Rating: C+

The Hunted (2003)

Went in with low expectations. Turned out to be pretty good. Plenty violent, average plot, and some good suspense. 

Rating: C

Twilight (2008)

I was glad I was able to see this film not having read the book, heard about plot points, or watched any of the previews. I enjoyed it for what it was, not for how faithful the book adaptation was or wasn't.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Acting was solid, story pacing was nice, the cinematography was gorgeous, and the action wasn't bad. I was expecting things to be much more watered down.

What interested me the most was the excellent direction. The name Catherine Hardwicke didn't ring any bells. Sometimes these kinds of films are given to unproven first time directors who've previously been making music videos or commercials. Had I known she directed the controversial film "Thirteen" I saw at Sundance back in 2003, I wouldn't have been worried at all.

Rating: C+

Next (2007)

When asked, most people wouldn't say they wanted the ability to see 2 minutes into the future as their superpower, but this popcorn flick makes it seem pretty cool. Cheesy, yes. But much better than I expected. The ending of this movie caught me by surprise. I was expecting another 20 minutes.

Rating: C-

Fresh (1994)

A gritty 90’s urban drama based around a young black teen. Story is pretty solid, but the street talk gets old quick. I realize they are “keeping it real”, but I can only listen to uneducated gibberish for so long. Enjoyed the parallels between chess and the dangerous game the young lead had set in motion.

Rating: C+