Constantine "The bottom line is that I think Warner's has a winner here. I don't know how it's going to play to the Comic crowd, but I had a great time. It's more thoughtful, suspenseful, and has better supporting characters than your typical big budget action film. The writing is good, and only crosses the line into camp/cheese a couple times, and that probably had more to do with Keanu's delivery than anything. There weren't any groan-inducing moments in the crowd I saw it with. It was actually pretty scary and everyone seemed to be digging it.." (full review) "The story is somewhat decent but very predicable in terms of the whole anti-hero idealism that leads to a ending that we have seen in countless other films before and the style of the film reminds me of what David Fincher did with the movie "Seven" but with out it's shocking and bitter aftertaste. It's a decent film for what it is but that's it, and that's because of the performances of Rachel Weisz and Gavin Rossdale and The better than average performance by Keanu Reeves. The rest of the movie needed a better script in order for me to consider it better than it was.." (full review)
Assault on Precinct 13 "All in all, the movie could have been good. I know Ethan Hawke can act, I mean the first five minutes prove it, but as the leading man in this film its like he's sleeping through it. The predictability is what becomes this film's greatest deterrent, because even though there were a few bright spots, as it progressed it just got worse and worse. I don't know how much of this movie will change from the feature that I saw, but in its current form I wouldn't pay nine bucks for it.." (full review)
The Aviator "I enjoyed this movie, but it lacked a certain oomph - like a story arc or somethig. Its a great character study and Leo and Cate are great and great fun to watch, esp. together. The aviation theme doesn't really gel with the dramatic story, although they do a good job showing us Hughes' passion for flying. Frankly, there is a lack of mood in this movie - as odd as that is to say - and having enjoyed Michael Mann's Collateral which had so much mood, maybe he would have done a stronger job than Mr. Scorsese.." (full review)
In Good Company "It was just a so-so datemovie that loses all romantic steam about halfway through. I would recommend some tinkering with editing and whatnot, but in all honest, the movie was only like an hour and a half and to cut anymore would seem a little redundant. Then again, it did feel like it was about four hours long. We were told this was the final cut, but i hope for Paul Weitz's sake that this isnt the end, because I feel like there could be a decent film in there somewhere. It just needs work. Sadly, a lot of it.." (full review)
The Life Aquatic "The best thing about the film, as with all Wes Anderson movies, is that the movie stays with you. Hours later, it is still on my mind. I once heard that you know you have seen a great movie when you wake up the next day after seeing it, and it is still on your mind. I'll be thinking of this film for a long time.." (full review) "Personally, we feel Life Aquatic (in this version) in spite of its star power, doesn't have enough entertainment values that would keep it afloat, nor qualify it as a cult film. It appears to be another quirky dramedy that will quickly appear, then disappear into the depths of obscurity. It's too bad really, because it's obvious so many talented people worked on it.." (full review)
Ocean's 12 "I laughed a few times, mostly at Brad Pitt. I really like his Rusty character (even if he isn't eating in every scene this time). I enjoyed some of the clever camera work, and the cheesy throwback title overlays. Zeta-Jones was fine as Rusty's love interest. Not great, but not bad, either. I just didn't get a sense of fun like I did in the first one. If the gang decides to make an Ocean's Thirteen, I will definitely see it because I love the characters. I just didn't like where they went or what they did in this film. Ocean's Eleven was a graded a solid A in my book. Ocean's Twelve passes with a disappointing B-.." (full review)
Christmas with the Kranks "Throughout this mess Tim Allen does his damndest to keep Luther Krank a consistent and irascible character. He succeeds in being the film's one constant, his performance remains engaging despite the utter stupidity swirling around him. Joe Roth brings a nice visual flair to the film, but needed help beyond Tim Allen's elbow grease if he was going to make something serviceable out of perennial Xmas purveyor Christopher Columbus's script. Kranks is a confused film that can't decide if it wants to condemn the gift-powered holiday or laud it as a community experience.." (full review)
Alexander "The film is not perfect and does drag on a little but it is by far not horrible and well worth a view by people who are willing to give it a chance and not give up half way through because their bums are sore. It is an epic and epics are long. Deal with it or stay home. While not the best film of the year, it has many great attributes and should probably garner a number of tech oscars nominations and possibly a few acting nods too.." (full review)
National Treasure "Cage has nothing to work with, what with Sean Bean sleepwalking as the villain, and Diane Kruger far too vacant for a love interest, and his performance, which should've lifted "National Treasure" off its feet, instead keeps this high flying adventure disappointingly buried as deep as the hidden treasure.." (full review) "National Treasure is not seeking any serious critical attention nor is it likely to make a huge dent in the world of cinema. It is however a smart, entertaining little adventure through American history. When this gets released, you'll have a choice: National Treasure, an animated sponge, or Renée Zellweger pandering for more golden attention. Go with National Treasure. Maybe you'll learn something.." (full review) Obviously Disney was going for a good, clean action movie for the whole family. The result is a movie that is about as bland as they come. The structure is there, but there's no real peril, dread or sex appeal. You'd be better off staying home and re-watching RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK".." (full review) "It's highly unlikely that National Treasure holds up to scrutiny in terms of historical accuracy or plausibility, but really, this isn't that kind of movie. As a family-friendly adventure, the film undoubtedly excels - though it's clear the movie could've used a little less adventure and a little more sleuthing.." (full review)
A Very Long Engagement "A Very Long Engagement is easily one of the best films ever made to focus on the effects of war over the battles themselves. If you learn anything from this film, it's that even though war can keep people apart, it can also bring them together.." (full review)
Blade: Trinity "Trinity is fast, funny and fun. The crowd at the NYC premiere was cheering and hooting all through it. This is also the perfect introduction to the Nightstalkers movies. Gone is the gumby like CGI fighting. Beil and Reynolds can kick ass with the best of them and play off of each other well. Also, if any execs are reading, Reynolds has my vote for Deadpool! Withe the impending success of Blade: Trinity, you can be sure hollywood will continue to crank out the Marvel goodness.." (full review)
