Assault on Precinct 13 (script) "The action scenes were tense yet predictable. Still, the closed setting/stand-off scenario is one that I enjoy despite having seen it done in everything from Zuluto Dog Soldiers (and, obviously, in Rio Bravo and the original Precinct 13). Assault on Precinct 13 was a page-turner but I was nevertheless disappointed in its reliance on stock characters. Here's hoping that a talented cast and an unconventional choice to direct will elevate the material above its genre conventions..." (full review)
Van Helsing (script) "A Stephen Sommers film, as he has come to make them, through and through. With The Mummy, he revisited numerous old monster films and instead of reinventing them, he simply updated them. He kept it light, but he made it flashy. Once again, Sommers takes the very familiar, but this time he assembles a story based on some far more recent movies, and though he doesn't keep it quite as light, it's every bit as simple and by-the-numbers as his last film..." (full review)
Secret Window "Secret Window is a film that's success really only hinges on Johnny Depp's current star power. If he wasn’t in the film, there would be no reason to see it. Likewise, if you’re not a Depp fan, just save yourself some money and check out Romero’s version of The Dark Half, or better yet, pick up a copy of King’s book at the local library..." (full review) "Overall, Secret Window is one of the more enjoyable thrillers of the past several years, boasting some terrific performances by Depp and Turturro and cementing Koepp as a filmmaking force to watch. And despite its tendency to spill its secrets somewhat too early, this is one window that audiences should look through again and again and again..." (full review) "Of course, there is a last minute twist to all this intense labor. Instead of being gently massaged into the framework of the film, Koepp simply drops the surprise like an anvil on the narrative, as if to say, "OK, enough is enough. Let's just get this beast over with." Pay attention to "Secret Window," and you can guess the twist pretty easily. Sleep through most of "Secret Window," and you're likely to figure it out just as easily..." (full review) "The film is entertaining and Depp shows that he is a talent that is finally being appreciated by mainstream Hollywood. Depp has been know as a master of portraying bizarre and complex characters and is now being given the chance to shine in mainstream films without sacrificing his integrity. For Depp alone, I suggest seeing the film..." (full review)
Jersey Girl "I understand that the guy is trying to make a sensitive comedy and recent fatherhood and marriage have probably brought this out in him. That's good, I encourage that and am eager to see him make those kinds of films. But no something so generic, so boring and so dumb. He needs to stop writing these films himself, go back and study visual film technique and fashion a film that will appeal to no only his die-hard fans but everyone. I have faith in the man...as long as he gets rid of "DareDevil". You guys aint Scorsese and DeNiro..." (full review) "While it's definitely intended to be a departure from his previous films, JERSEY GIRL ends up as nothing more than pabulum for the soft-hearted date crowd and Garfunkel-esque parents who aren't usually the main audience that attends Smith's movies to begin with. You can't blame him for wanting to make something beyond his trademark "Snootchie bootchie!" fare...it's just too bad he settled on feel-good sap du jour..." (full review)
Spartan "Spartan is an insanely ridiculous and implausible political thriller, with way too many characters and twists that are as embarrassingly predictable as they are unbelievable. The poor quality of the storytelling and most of the acting does not help matters, making for a painfully unentertaining experience. If anyone else directed this film, it could easily be brushed off as Hollywood tripe, but considering that Mamet has been making movies for the last eight years, the poor quality of this movie is surprising and utterly tragic. We can only hope that he realizes this movie didn't work and that he returns to familiar, and preferably lighter, territory for his next movie..." (full review) "The biggest test of any thriller is its ending. A film can orbit Earth with gonzo plot twists and outlandish motivations, but as long as it lands a forgivable ending, all is well. "Spartan" sets itself up with a complicated situation to get out of, and Mamet delivers an resourceful and satisfying conclusion, which comes as a big relief. "Spartan" is a steady, gripping, and exciting kidnapping tale, reviving a stone-dead genre, if only for a brief moment. It's one not to miss..." (full review) "David Mamet favors complex situations in his works as a writer and director. He rarely gives his characters easy choices. From Glengarry Glenn Ross to State and Main, across all the genres Mamet explores, the morality of the lead character is the crux of the story. It is the compass that drives their decisions. Robert Scott is probably Mamet's least complex character in some time. I really respect the way Scott deals with the situation. There's no ambiguity once a decision has been made. Mamet knows his character and never cheapens him for melodrama. Spartan is an excellent film. It succeeds as a first-rate thriller and that's hard to find these days in Hollywood..." (full review)
Agent Cody Banks: Destination London "If they decide to go ahead with another "Cody Banks" adventure, I can only hope the producers take their time before rushing into another nonsensical story and appalling supporting talent. Clearly, churning out a sequel in less than a year's time doesn't do the audience any favors..." (full review)
