O (2001)

 

Another depressing film based on Shakespeare’s work. 

Rating: F+

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Spielberg, Hanks, and DiCaprio. Hard to go wrong. Based on an amazing true life story, this movie was pure fun to watch. Leonardo is solid as usual, Hanks is very subdued, but perfect in his role. It's a fun piece of escapism.

Rating: B-

The Departed (2006)

It's fortunate for the viewer that the source material for this film was so good, but also that the man overseeing it's American adaptation is such a master of his craft. Namely: Martin Scorsese.

This could have been just another crime drama; but with a top notch screenplay, A-list actors, appropriate editing, and the aforementioned direction, it excels into richer territory.

Was this the film most deserving of Scorsese's Oscar? Maybe. I find Oscars are rarely given when they are most deserved. Either way, it's a worthy candidate and a great film.

Rating: B+

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Right off the bat it was very Dawson’s Creek. Full of teen angst, bullies, students that look in their 20’s, and clichéd scenarios that only take place in make-believe high schools you see in the movies. I thought if they were going to reimagine Spider-Man so soon, they might try to improve upon the last one. The bar wasn’t exactly set very high.

The story unfolds in a very predictable and contrived path, full of happenstance and coincidence. The newest Mickey Mouse Club Peter Parker is as annoying as he is bland. A pointless, ridiculous, and unnecessary remake.

Rating: D-

Badlands (1973)

An early Terrance Mallick film starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek. Both fine performances. Very odd film with an almost hypnotic voiceover from Sissy’s character. Striking visuals and cinematography.

Rating: C+

The Dead Zone (1983)

I watched both of them, the original with Christopher Walken and the 2002 version with Anthony Michael Hall. I liked the newer one better, as the story was more original and logical. I watched these in preparation for the USA show by the same name, which was pretty good.

Rating Old: C

Rating New: C+

Truth or Consequences, N.M. (1997)

Upon a second viewing, I still really enjoyed it, and am surprised Keifer Sutherland hasn't done more directing since his debut film. I think he does a very respectable job.

Rating: B+