Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban "What's interesting about Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is that it is both darker and funnier at the same time than the earlier films. There are many more jokes, one-liners, and physical gags than in the previous movies. For example, a scene where the students face off with scary creatures in a class ends up being really hilarious (I won't spoil it here). Hermione's mothering of the boys is played up in little moments here and there. Draco Malfoy and his goons are also the butt of many jokes and beatings. But as silly as the film is, it is also quite intense. The Dementors will probably frighten small children as well as a werewolf and a large dog. The themes of revenge and growing up are also emphasized in this film amid its dark setting. 9/10..." (full review) "I heap a lot of praise on Alfonso Cuarón for the success of the film. It bears his signature style in every frame. This film would have been completely different under someone else's direction. It might have been better, but the results are undeniable. Azkaban works on every level, accomplishes every goal, and stands up under repeat viewing. It is the first great film of the summer and will likely be in my top ten list for the year. Harry Potter stalwarts and casual moviegoers are in for a real treat this weekend. 3.5/4..." (full review) As a laymen who has not read any of the Harry Potter novels, as someone who didn't particularly care for either of the two previous movies, I can safely say that the third part of this children's series is certainly the most accomplished in terms of its look and atmosphere, but also the lamest in terms of its story, development and conclusion. "Sirius Black escapes from prison and is out to get Harry". That's basically what we get from the film from scene one, and a long 140 minutes later, we are given an extremely anti-climactic and tepid resolution, that doesn't only let down any sort of basic build-up that had come before it, but left me feeling very little closure. 5/10..." (full review) "Still a film based on a book will rarely be able to compete with the source material and this remains one of the better conversions. The books are getting consistently longer and so the scene for scene structure of the first films can not continue. Cuarón manages to cut a fair amount from the book and yet somehow manages to flesh out the characters and find time to show every one of the films many twists and turns without anything feeling like it came out of the blue. 4/5..." (full review) "In a summer of overwrought special effects films like Van Helsing, and sledgehammer wit aimed at jaded adults in Shrek 2, Harry Potter offers just the right balance for children and grown-ups who've forgotten what being a child is like. A fairy tale from the far away lands of the English Boarding School system where magic can really happen -- if you get the right people -- and have nature on your side. 3/5..." (full review)
The Chronicles of Riddick "Overall I think its probably one of the smartest sci-fi films to come out in quite some time, and I certainly hope it launches a new wave of great films with space-ships and planets and strange creatures and cool characters. Because Star Wars died quite a long time ago, if my watch is right. So I recommend it if you're a sci-fi fan, but if you're more into ridiculous action and heads blowing up, just see Van Helsing, because Riddick actually has a brain..." (full review)
What's It All About, Alfie "The remake of Alfie is very well acted. Terrific turns by Marisa Tomei, Susan Sarandon and especially Jude Law. That said ... this will not be a major studio release. Jude Law starts out as a lovable rogue, but as the movie progresses, it becomes more and more evident that he's an ass. He's all flash with no substance. So, is that good acting and a good character arc? Sure is. And the way the movie ended actually made me appreciate it. But it's not a movie folks are going to eat up. And there's not enough sex in the movie to make up for it..." (full review)
Open Water "Hitchcock lookout- The terror looms below! We can't see it, but we all know it's there - and there isn't a damn thing anyone can do about it- not even Daniel and Susan! Chris Kentis' Open Water is a deeply emotional flick that plunges us into a vacations worst-case scenario and makes you re-think any plans you might have made for summer break..." (full review)
Napoleon Dynamite "Napoleon Dynamite makes me think of all those 80's films, where the movie was fun because of the characters- all of the Cusack films and the 'Breakfast Club' films, is there ever a time when you're not in the mood for one of those? If what I described above to you sounds like you could find it funny, I would highly recommend this film- it's easily one of the funniest things I've ever witnessed. Great performances, colorful characters and hysterical situations make Napoleon Dynamite one for the ages, a movie you'll be begging to have on DVD so you can watch it with some hot quesadilla's from Taco Bell and maybe a bottle of Tequila..." (full review)
Around the World in 80 Days by 'Chad' "I just got back from a screening for Disney's AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS - which I had very little interest in seeing - the posters and TV commercials I've seen recently make it look like typical Walt Disney family crap. I have to say though, I actually liked the movie.
First off, the movie is HUGE. Lots of locations (obviously, since they have to go around the world) and big-name cameos that the audience loved. Everytime someone new popped up on screen, the audience couldn't help but laugh. Jackie Chan is really good in this movie (but he's usually good, I think). There are no big fights at the very beginning of the movie but then things pick up action-wise - there's a fight in China where he does stuff we haven't seen him do since DRUNKEN MASTER 2, including bench fighting. Thankfully, they didn't over-edit this stuff so it's allowed to show Jackie in all his kung fu glory. Phileas Fogg is played by an English actor named Steve Coogan (who I had never seen before) but he's really good. The girl in it is this French chick and she's hot, so that never hurts. She's pretty good, too. The relationship between these three characters works the best - by the end you really want them to win. Cameo-wise, Arnie got the biggest reaction (probably because of the crazy wig he's wearing.) He's good, though he's a little creepy after all the stuff that came out about him during his campaign. He plays a Prince who wants to marry the French chick and won't take "no" for an answer. I had no idea Rob Schneider or Luke and Owen Wilson were in the movie either, so there cameos surprised me. Kathy Bates plays the queen of England in the last scene. The lead villain, a Chinese woman, is okay but the weakest link among all the lead actors - a bit over the top (she dresses sorta like Catwoman, and not the "good" catwoman either!) The tone is kind of all over the place at times - it's sort of trying to be everything at once - a comedy, a romance, a kids movie, an action movie - and there are a couple of parts early on where the movie slows down, but overall I thought it was entertaining and fun to watch- there was always something going on. Anyway, I think it's the first Jackie Chan movie that works for younger kids. And better than sitting through VAN HEL-CRAP again, which is just noise and CGI blasting across the screen for 2 hours"
