oddjob99 Reviews

A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

A Fistful of Quality

[9/10 · 19 July 2003]

This film (and the other 2 in the trilogy) is one of the best westerns ever made. It has a style of gritty realism and expert build-up of tension, laced here and there with some great dry humor. Definitely does not disappoint, despite the shoddy dubbing, mediocre performances from much of the cast, and a few questionable edits. 9/10

The American President (1995)

Clever and charming

[8/10 · 17 July 2003]

Michael Douglas turns in one of his best performances as President Andrew Shepard in this clever blend of drama, romance, and comedy. The film depicts the president and the people who surround him as real human beings - not just icons. The acting is top-notch, most notably from Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen, and Michael J. Fox. Marc Shaiman's quietly patriotic and nostalgic score further heightens the quality of the film. This is one to treasure. 8/10

Hulk (2003)

Fantastic!

[9/10 · 16 July 2003]

Seeing this 2 days after being completely disappointed by T3 was a breath of fresh air. The acting is fantastic, the writing is great, the character development is well-developed, the cinematography is uniqe, and the action is so exciting.

The trailers do not do the special effects justice. Yes, they do look a little unrealistic. But this adds to the comic book style of the whole film anyway. Ang Lee has done it again! 9/10

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

What a waste!

[1/10 · 16 July 2003]

As a HUGE fan of the previous Terminator films, I eagerly awaited this installment. Although, as the release date loomed closer, I began having low expectations for the film. Simply because T2 was so incredible. It was an action film, but not JUST an action film. The action was placed in a story about morality, human relationships, fate, and the possible dangers of the advancement of technology.

While T2 succeeded on many levels, T3 succeeds in none. From beginning to end, I was just sitting there hoping it would get better. John Connor's opening narration/update made me sick to my stomach - Just start the story already!

The acting was terrible from the entire ensemble. Kristanna Loken played her part like she was slapped in the middle of a B horror flick, Nick Stahl was weak, and Claire Danes (who I usually really like) seemed to have nothing to do but scream the entire time.

The writing was awful, making this an "ending" to T2 that just was not necessary. Character development was pushed to the back-burner, as John Connor's character even regressed at one point. The action had the distinct feeling of having been done before.

T3 belongs right next to Mostow's other waste, U-571. In the trash. 1/10...........only because I could not give it a 0

Dances with Wolves (1990)

Beautiful

[9/10 · 16 July 2003]

There are few things wrong with this film. The writing is naturally paced, the acting is solid (with one exception), the cinematography is some of the most beautiful ever put on film, and the sound immerses the viewer in the environment. Kevin Costner's direction is nearly flawless as he gives the viewer a glimpse into the Native American culture and its decline.

One of the only things I do not like about this film is Kevin Costner's inadequate, monotone performance. But that is hardly anything to balk at, when the surrounding material is so well executed. While the 3-hour theatrical version is great, I highly recommend the 4-hour cut. 9/10

The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

MORE HOT CHOCOLATE

[3 November 2002]

This film was a great surprise. Just as good as the first film, possibly even better in some aspects. Tim Allen fits into the role again nicely and the effects are still first rate, as well as the story. 8/10

Red Dragon (2002)

Better than Hannibal - Not as good as Silence

[9/10 · 16 October 2002]

This film was a pleasant surprise. Not that I thought it wouldn't be any good - I just didn't think it would be as good as it was. Anthony Hopkins brings new depth to the character of Hannibal Lecter. We see him with a demeanor that is more of an angry one than what we have seen in the past. Ralph Fiennes brings immense depth to his character. The viewer can't help to want him killed, while at the same time having compassion for him. The film returned to the more realistic atmosphere that made Silence of the Lambs such a great success. It wasn't set in a fantasy-world, as Hannibal obviously was. 9/10

The Shipping News (2001)

Great film

[9/10 · 16 October 2002]

Kevin Spacey delivers a fantastic performance in this drama centered around a man who is struggling with life. From the first 10 minutes, the audience completely gets the message that this man is drowning. The atmosphere in this film is very gloomy through its depiction of Newfoundland as a cloud-draped haven of snow. The rest of the cast, which includes Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Judi Dench, and Scott Glenn, all deliver fine performances as well. Julianne Moore and Judi Dench really deliver in this picture. 9/10

Abandon (2002)

Something unexpected

[8/10 · 14 October 2002]

I wasn't sure what to think of this film during the first hour. I thought it was unfocused and a bit confusing at first. But sit through this one, once you get to the end, you will see there is a reason for the unfocused quality of the film. I will not say anymore about the story than that. Katie Holmes is fantastic in this film, I will watch her movie career with interest. Her acting is somewhat reminiscent of Ashley Judd, but not completely. It may seem to some people that this film is slowly paced, but stick with it. It's worth it. 8/10

Clockstoppers (2002)

OK film for one-time viewing

[5/10 · 14 October 2002]

I expected more out of this film, considering it was directed by Jonathan Frakes. For one thing, there were too many special effects. It just seemed like it was trying to show off a little bit. The story was pretty shallow, but hey, this movie is basically for kids, right? The main thing that brought this down was the script. The dialogue was HORRIBLE. I would comment on the acting, but how can you comment on that when the script the actors had to work with was so awful? 5/10

The Player (1992)

It's like a psychic, cynical, political thriller comedy, with a heart

[10/10 · 14 October 2002]

It is difficult to not be instantly intrigued by a movie that opens with a convoluted 8-minute tracking shot while Fred Ward passes comments like "Film these days. Cut-cut-cut-cut-cut." This is a winning satire on Hollywood. Tim Robbins turns in a great performance as a man who receives death threats and is pushed over the edge. The film features an excellent cast and many enjoyable cameos. The camera work is interesting in this film. It seems like the entire movie is one scene that is just unfolding before the viewer's eyes. 10/10

Snow Dogs (2002)

Enjoyable Family Film

[7/10 · 8 July 2002]

OK, so the plot is thin and the sub-plots are fairly pointless. But I still loved this flick. It featured good performances all around, especially from Cuba Gooding, Jr., and James Coburn. Gooding had a very natural style to his performance and James Coburn had a commanding presence through much of the film as Thunder Jack, the man who has been struck by thunder (?) . . . twice. The story was not plotted out very well and some scenes seem almost random, especially during the first 45 minutes. There is nothing new in this film, nothing that hasn't been seen before with better writing. So why did I like it so much? Your guess is as good as mine. 7/10

Shallow Hal (2001)

A must-see

[8/10 · 7 July 2002]

This is more mature fare than we are used to seeing from the Farrelly brothers, who brought us Dumb & Dumber and Me, Myself, and Irene. If I hadn't known that this film was a Farrelly Brothers picture, I wouldn't have pegged it as such. The crude humor is missing, there is very little innuendo, it doesn't offend on a harsh level by making fun of disabilities, and it carries a very clear moral message. (A message? In a Farrelly film?!?) Gwyneth Paltrow gives one of her best performances in this role. Watch as she walks like she is heavier than she really is, and we get a sense of low self-esteem from her character that we have never seen quite like this from her acting. Jack Black is also very good; I've always loved how laid-back his acting is. And you can't miss Jason Alexander as a self-centered jerk with a . . . . watch the movie, you'll see. Highly recommended. 8/10