Novocaine (2001)

 

A dark dark black comedy thriller where Steve Martin seemingly resumes his role as the dentist from Little Shop of Horrors. 

Rating: C+

The River Wild (1994)

 

I watched this in the theater and later on DVD. The rafting shots are authentic and believable. Acting is solid. Kevin Bacon plays a complex bad guy, as he has so many times in his career. 

Rating: C+

Val (2021)

 

When I first heard Val Kilmer was coming out with an autobiographical documentary, I anxiously awaited for it to be released. I’ve always been a huge fan of the actor and intrigued by the man. It was lovely to look back on his life's work through his son’s voice and his now throaty rasp; post cancer. 

The documentary itself could have taken on many different styles and narratives. Val lived a very interesting life. I didn’t love the direction they took, but I did like its honesty. There was a sadness hanging over the production that may or may not have been intentional. I’m just glad he got to tell his story in his own words before passing through the final curtain call. 

Rating: C

Black Mass (2015)

A compelling performance from Depp. Surprised he wasn’t nominated for it. Gritty crime drama that unfolds slowly and evenly paced. I enjoyed the acting more than the movie.

Rating: C

Cop Car (2015)

I think they could have done a better job selecting the two kid actors. I didn’t find them very believable, but I did find them obnoxious. The editing is very self-indulgent. Time moves like molasses for about the first hour. But once Whiggam is out of the trunk, his character livens things up. The threatening speech he made to the boys was classic. Sadly, that turned out to be the only good moment in the movie.

Rating: D-

Death Sentence (2007)

A classic revenge pic with Kevin Bacon in the role of pissed off dad. The plot may have a few holes, but with action and violence flying in all directions, you just go with it. Flashy and artfully directed. I have to admit, I enjoyed it.

Rating: C+

R.I.P.D. (2013)

A cross between Men In Black, Defending Your Life, and Ghostbusters, with a hint of Ghost—all far superior films. Also a cross between TV shows Reaper and Dead Like Me—any given episode of which was more entertaining than R.I.P.D. Their depiction of the afterlife and their interaction with the live world were positively stupid. It wasn't all bad news. A few scenes made me chuckle. That’s the extent of the good news.

Rating: D-

Frost/Nixon (2008)

I tend to avoid period dramas, like The King’s Speech, even though they usually end up being good. I simply don’t get as excited for historical reenactments as I do for an action movie. So even though I forced myself to finally sit down and watch Frost/Nixon, I really did enjoy it.

Excellent screenplay and editing. They elevate what could be considered dull material to the level of entertainment. Stellar cast and acting. It’s not a film I’m going to rush out and see again, or ever for that matter, but you’ll be glad you viewed it once, even if you were forced into it.

Rating: B

Super (2010)

Another effed up indie about fake superheroes. This one is crazy violent with a raging current of dark humor throughout. I’m a huge Ellen Page fan, and she was downright awesome in this role. I could eat her up with a spoon and fork. Not a film for everyone—like I said, the humor is vulgar and dark. The violence will catch some off guard. Kick Ass is still the world supreme champ of this genre, but Super isn’t a bad wannabe.

Rating: C

Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

Started out strong with some funny scenes and smart writing. Things weakened in the second half. A lot of contrived plot lines and cliché sequences. This is a general audience pleaser and fun overall, but it’s better if you switch half your brain off. Ladies will be giving this an A+ for Ryan Gosling alone.

Rating: C+

The Woodsman (2004)

Kevin Bacon is fantastic in this. The story is pretty dark, along the lines of "Storytelling", for those who saw it. I liked the fact that the filmmakers took a major leap in tackling material that normally doesn't make it to the screen. It was handled very well.

Rating: B-

X-Men: First Class (2011)

A solid origin story that takes after the excellent first two films in the series, helping to wipe that horrible 3rd installment from our memories. A rare summer action film that is worth seeing in the theater.

Rating: C+