TheFilmConnoisseur Reviews

After Hours (I) (1985)

Scorsese's Most Underrated Film!

[10/10 · 29 July 2005]

****Excellent ***Good **Fair *Poor The one thing every human being in this planet has in common is that we've all had days in which everything goes wrong. That appears to be Paul Hackett's problem in this film. Today is just not his day. He begins the day with the usual routine, then he meets a pretty girl at a diner and she invites him to her apartment. That's when everything goes down hill. From that moment on the film becomes an HILARIOUS comedy by director Martin Scorsese. He is a gifted director, so he knows how to push the right buttons and make us pity the character. However, at the same time we must laugh because in a way we can relate to Hackett. Even though his problems are extreme we cannot forget that this is a satire. So, no matter how extreme his situation is we can still laugh at it because we can relate it to our own bad days.

RATING: 4 stars (****)

The King of Comedy (1982)

What happened, Marty?

[5/10 · 29 July 2005]

****Excellent ***Good **Fair *Poor There are aspects of "The King of Comedy" that work and there's parts that don't. The character of Rupert Pumpkin (played by Robert De Niro) is what works in the film. I like how he is extremely obsessed with becoming a famous celebrity and will do anything to appear on Jerry Lewis' talk show. The other parts of the film do not work for me. The whole kidnapping of Jerry Lewis sub-plot didn't do it for me. I wish I could give a better reason for it not working. It just didn't and I felt that hurt the film a lot because it is a MAJOR part of the film. When a MAJOR part of a film doesn't work it hurts the whole picture.

RATING: 2 stars (**)

Raging Bull (1980)

"I could have been a somebody."

[10/10 · 24 July 2005]

The best boxing films are not about boxing. Raging Bull is no exception. Aside from it being a great bio-pic of boxer Jake LaMotta it is also a great story about the fall of a man. The rule of gravity is that whatever goes up must go down. This rule applies to life as well. No one knows that better than LaMotta. He went from a great boxer to an ex-convicted comedian. Life throws a lot of surprises...doesn't it? That is why this is such a great film. We can all relate to LaMotta. We have all had our ups and downs. Then again, just cause something goes down doesn't mean it can't go up again. That's what LaMotta experienced with the making of this movie.

The film features great performances by Robert De Niro (who won an Oscar for this film) and Joe Pesci. Among some other countless performers. The cinematography by Michael Chapman is amazing and the editing by Thelma Schoonmaker is amazing as well.

RATING: 4 STARS (****)

Taxi Driver (1976)

"Someday a big rain will fall and wash all the scums off the streets."

[10/10 · 24 July 2005]

Travis Bickle is perhaps the darkest character director Martin Scorsese has ever dealt with and perhaps his darkest film as well. This is a character and film with a lot of hate. Some consider Bickle to be a loner, but sometimes he appears to be a man with a lot hatred to his surroundings. Could it be a political or social statement by Scorsese? Or perhaps that Paul Schrader was going through depression when he wrote the script? Whatever the answer might be, all I can say is that this is a very powerful film. If you are like me when this film is over your mouth will be wide open. Bickle (in a perfect performance by Robert De Niro) is a scary character. Although his motives are positive (sometimes) the way he gets results is a little extreme. Then again it was the '70s. I'm sure there's a lot of Travis Bickles out there. And they would probably love this movie as much as I do.

RATING: 4 STARS (****) The film is a little too dark, but in a way thats why it's so awesome!

Mean Streets (1973)

You do not make up for your sins in church!

[10/10 · 24 July 2005]

CONTAINS MINOR SPOILERS

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

The whole idea behind "Mean Streets" is that just because you go to church every Sunday doesn't mean God forgives your sins. And, going to confession doesn't count either. It's what you do in your everyday life that counts. God watches you in your everyday life and keeps a record of what you do. That is basically the message Martin Scorsese is trying to get across. In a way I sort of agree with him.

Before Scorsese decided to become a filmmaker he thought about becoming a priest. So, because of that fact we can conclude that religion is a big part of his life. And a big part of this film as well. As an early effort he is making something a little more personal, since his previous film, Boxcar Bertha, didn't really do anything.

I applaud the film for being what it is and I love every moment in this film. And I especially love the scene in which Harvey Keital places his hand on the surface of a small fire. The character knows he is a sinner and wants to know if he can handle the flames of hell.

RATING: 4 STARS (****)

The Aviator (2004)

Howard Hughes for Dummies

[10/10 · 24 July 2005]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

Before watching "The Aviator" I knew nothing about Howard Hughes. I had heard about him a couple of times, but basically knew nothing about this man. So, in a way this film was very educational. I think director Martin Scorsese did an amazing job of showcasing Howard Hughes life as a Hollywood filmmaker and Aviation pioneer. Every once in a while during the viewing of this film I felt as if I hadn't really accomplished anything in life. Hughes lived such a fascinating life compared to that of an average Joe. It is really kind of sad that his phobias got the best of him and he spend the final two decades of his life in isolation. Who knows what he could have accomplished.

As for the performances, they were all amazing. I have never really been a fan of Leo, but I was really impressed with his performance. It was amazing. And the technical team was as impressive. The production design, costumes, cinematography, editing, etc, were all at top level. And I especially loved how Scorsese played around with the color filter to resemble the colorized pictures of the time.

RATING: 4 STARS (****)

The Island (2005)

"The" Popcorn Film of the Summer

[7/10 · 23 July 2005]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

"The Island" is director Michael Bay's first effort without the help of mega-producer Jerry Bruckheimer. And, it proves that Bay doesn't need Bruckheimer in order to make a good film. Bay is completely capable of making a summer action film without the Bruckheimer stamp.

The film itself has a Logan's Run/THX-1138 vibe to it that may work for some and may not work for others. I, myself, liked it very much. It adds to the whole concept of clones being created to supply body parts for when the client needs it.

Ewan McGregor delivers another amazing performance. He plays Lincoln, the hero of the film. His "best friend" is played by the beautiful Scarlett Johansson. While the film delivers in its action sequences and interesting storyline, the flaw is in the romance. The clones are denied sexual contact and when McGregor and Johansson escape they begin to discover their sexual arousals. This portion of the film should have probably been explored more. Nonetheless, the film is a popcorn film and I feel its a good one. If you liked Bad Boys and The Rock you'll dig this film.

RATING: 3 STARS (***)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

[10/10 · 16 July 2005]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

Allow me to begin this review by stating that Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was and still is my favorite family film. Director Tim Burton is one of my favorite filmmakers and in a way I expected this film to top the original. I guess that's the letdown or disappointment of the film. Nonetheless, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an amazing film in its own right. Burton is a great artist and once again fills the screen with great imagery. When I was a child I discovered Burton through wonderful films like "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure," "Beetlejuice," "Edward Scissorhands," and of course the Batman films. With Charlie a whole new generation will discover the brilliance of Mr. Burton.

The other highlight of the film for me was the music and songs by Danny Elfman. This is one of his best work in my opinion. The score was very good and the Oompa Loompa songs were great. And the dance numbers were awesome. You know, sometimes I think Tim Burton should do a musical. He always does a good job with musical numbers. Go watch Beetlejuice and even Batman for more prove.

Now, like I mentioned above, the original is still the best in my honest opinion. One of the reason for that is because of Gene Wilder's performance as Willy Wonka. I love Johnny Depp and feel that he did a great job as Wonka. As well as very funny. But, because of his Michael Jackson approach I think Wilder beats him. I also loved the fact that Wilder's Wonka was a lovable a-hole. Wilder's Wonka was horrible to those rotten kids and very sarcastic to the parents. I liked that approach a lot and he was actually a good person at heart. Wilder's Wonka was just mean to those kids and parents cause they deserved it. To Charlie and his family he revealed the real Willy Wonka. And...even though Depp went for the whole creepy Wonka approach I think Wilder beats him at that as well. How can ANYBODY forget the acid trip?

RATING: 4 STARS

Take your kids or younger sibling. The film is fun and I think everyone will enjoy. Then go and buy the DVD for the original film.

Fantastic Four (I) (2005)

Fun

[8/10 · 8 July 2005]

There are many superhero/comic book adaptations in which humor is included within certain scenes. Fantastic Four is the first superhero film since Ninja Turtles (and perhaps Incredibles) to be a full blown comedy. Believe it or not, Fantastic Four is a really funny movie. I found myself laughing during most of the movie. Mostly because of Johnny Storm, played wonderfully by Chris Evans. However, don't be scared because Fantastic Four as well includes what made the comic so good; the family aspect. Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny are family. Sometimes they might have their bad moments but by the end of the day they are a good family that works together and loves each other.

3 stars out of 4

War of the Worlds (2005)

Relevant

[10/10 · 4 July 2005]

***CONTAINS SPOILERS***

Most of the great science fiction films are relevant to its time. Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds is no exception. I know that most fans of HG Welles' novel might be somewhat disappointed, but I think Spielberg and the writes made a smart decision. Notably because there are many images that are close to home. For instance, a scene in which Tom Cruise and his children are walking towards the ferry, we can see a wall filled with pictures of missing families. I don't know about you, but that reminded me of 9/11. Then there is another scene where we see that the Martians are trying to turn Earth into Mars with red fungus. I don't know about you, but doesn't that remind you of what the United States is doing right now. Aren't we trying to change everyone? Whether you agree with the films politics or not I applaud it for being relevant.

In addition, I loved how Tom Cruise was not the hero. Under the wrong hands Tom Cruise would have saved the world. Here Spielberg decides to have Cruise save his children from the Martians. This is a character who isn't interested in saving the world. He is only interested in saving his children. I find that refreshing in a world where Will Smith has saved the planet countless times.

Overall, I think this is probably one of the best films of the year. It is smart and relevant. Of course the film isn't flawless. Like many I thought Robbie should have died. It seemed to convenient for Cruise to accomplish his mission without some loss.

RATING: 4 STARS

Batman Begins (2005)

Fans can finally rejoice!

[10/10 · 17 June 2005]

With Batman Begins we get a film that is truly for the fans. I do not know if the general public will react to it as strongly at the 1989 picture. But, if you are a fan of the comic books then this is the film for you! It is a film that explores Bruce Wayne and how he became the Dark Knight. Something the past four films mostly failed to do. My predication is that fans will LOVE it and audiences will gain a new understanding of the character. I congratulate everyone involved on this picture. They did a GREAT job!

4 stars! So far the best picture of the year!

I do, however, have one nitpick. The fight scenes were a little disappointing. There was no master shot, so you can barely see what's going on. The fight scenes pretty much contained close-ups of the actors. I don't know why director Christopher Nolan decided to do that.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

The Passion of the Mad Max

[10/10 · 28 February 2004]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

Last night I attended a screening of Mel Gibson's latest controversial motion picture, The Passion. I myself do not consider this film to be anti-semitic, but I can understand why the Jewish community fears this movie. The scene depicting the Jews demanding Jesus' crucifixion can be misinterpreted by some viewers.

Aside from that this is a very powerful film. A film that serves its purpose to provide an accurate account (according to the gospels) of the last twelve hours in Jesus life. Twelve hours that changed the world. Twelve hours that resulted in the horrible death of a great man. A man who lived to bring peace to this world. Regardless of whether you're religious or not this is a film that will touch your heart and put tears in your eyes.

RATING: 4 STARS

WARNING: This is not an easy film to digest, it is extremely graphic, so I don't recommend it to audiences who can't handle images of graphic natures.

Red Dragon (2002)

Outstanding. The Best Hannibal Lector Film YET!

[10/10 · 19 October 2003]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

Director Brett Ratner shocked everyone by proving that he can handle a well crafted suspense thriller with a superb cast and crew. "Red Dragon" in my opinion is the best of the three Hannibal films (four if you want to include Manhunter). The film doesn't include unnecessary violence and gore like Hannibal, but the well-developed suspense from Silence of the Lamb. This element of suspense over gore once more proves that it's the best formula for a Hannibal film. It worked great in Silence and in this film as well. Now, what allows this film to be superior from its predecessors is the Red Dragon himself. This is a well-developed and acted character. He is without doubt what makes this film the best.

RATING: FOUR STARS

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

The third motion picture of it's kind, OR the first if you think about it. (May Contain Spoilers)

[10/10 · 3 July 2003]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor



THE GOOD

When `For a few Dollars More' (which is superior to Fistful of Dollars) was released it was the turning point in the trilogy. Clint Eastwood and director Sergio Leone had turned this Man with no Name into there creation. Giving him new characteristics and setting. After the success of that film they needed a back story to there creation. A prequel was made, possibly the first ever or the first successful prequel ever made. It is rare for a sequel to surpass the original and it is even rarer that the third one surpasses them all. This is how the notion that Leone gets better with time started. I am one who strongly disagrees. Not only is this Leone's best picture but possibly the greatest film ever made!

Here the character of The Man with no Name ( or Blondie as he is nicknamed by Tuco) has an interesting origin. He is not the hero we met in the first two installments, he is conceivably a criminal. He journeys the hills as a bounty hunter, captures bandits and helps them escape so he could get more money in another town. One day he has the misfortune (or fortune) to capture the wrong bandit, Tuco.

`Such ingratitude after all the times I saved your life.'

THE BAD

'I'll ask the questions!'

Lee Van Cleef made a career of playing villains. In 1965 he had the opportunity to play an hero in For a Few Dollars More, most likely his finest performance. Here he proves why he made a career of playing a villain. He is a menacing, ruthless paid assassin who always seeks his job through. He is after Bill Carson who hid $200, 000 in gold coins somewhere and Angel Eyes is determined to find it.

`But you know the pity is that when I'm paid I always follow the job through.'

THE UGLY

`I'll give you a good idea where you can put it.'

The character of Tuco, played perfectly by Eli Wallach is the man who steals the show. He is a bandit with 115 counties of crimes. He like Blondie has the misfortune (or fortune) of meeting one another. His character is unique, not in a Paul Newman and Robert Redford type of unique but unique in the sense that he's a religious man. There is a fabulous scene in the film where Tuco confronts his brother, who's a priest and they have an argument on how one had the choice of a being a priest or a bandit. That is one of the best scenes in the film because Leone is showing us the portrait of life in those times. How being a poor immigrant left you with little or no opportunity.

`If you're gonna shoot, shoot don't talk!'

THE BLUE

The Yankees portrayed in this film are not like any other captured on film before. They symbolize America in the `60s. They are reluctant to fight yet they have no choice but because of it they are depressed and want this whole war to end and live in peace. The drunk General is such a great character because it shows how drinking is the only thing that has kept him alive, for a while that is.

THE GREY

Since this film takes place in the West it is obvious that the Confederates are the ones mostly depicted. They are shown as a weak and dying race. Leone actually makes you feel sorry for them. Like in the scene where Wallace is beating up Tuco and the young confederates soldiers are playing the Story of the Soldier. Beautiful scene.

`More feeling!'

THE CIVIL WAR

To understand the Civil War in this film you must understand Leone's past. He grew up during Mussolini's empire and World War II. He is familiar with the tortures of war and you can see it here. The war is brutal, sad, and chaotic, something the generation of the `60s could relate with. In addition most of the soldiers are young and perhaps poor. Another reality of war.



The Questions, The Answers, and the Showdown

As the film progress Clint Eastwood slowly acquires his trademark outfit. The irony in it is that during the whole picture Tuco is the star of the picture and then in that scene in the cemetery when Eastwood first appears in his poncho he shows who's the real star of the movie. There for the first time we see The Man with no Name we fell in love with in the first two films. But how did he turn that way? The war, the war had a lasting impression on the man. At first he didn't seem very concerned but after witnessing the event for his own two eyes it has an impact on his life and he decides to use his talent for good instead of his selfish needs.

The title, The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly has become a cliché but there is meaning. The Good and the bad are simple but the Ugly has more meaning then meets the eye. We have a man who's good at heart and had the opportunity to be good in life but because of society and the way non-Anglos were treated in those days he was forced into a life of crime. That's one of the reasons why Blondie doesn't kill him at the end of the film. The partnership between Blondie and Tuco is humorous in the sense that we love there partnership and it is obvious that they enjoy one another but they still at the end screw each other up.

Film Critic Roger Ebert once said that a real movie lover's favorite film was a film that reflected there own life. While I myself still haven't found that film this is the closest there is. Hence why this is my favorite film of all-time and such an influential film in my life.

It is a real shame that the Hollywood community have underrated this film. Just like Leone's other projects. This deserved every Oscar there is. The picture is outstanding, equally outstanding is the direction, writing, music, cinematography, costume, sound effects, editing, special effects, and above all the acting. Especially from Mr. Wallach. It is great that moviegoers have discovered this masterpiece and have given it the respect it deserves.

RATING: 4 STARS (****)

"You stinking son of a Aaaahhhh!

Duck, You Sucker! (1971)

"I used to believe in many things, all of it! Now, I believe only in dynamite."

[10/10 · 27 June 2003]

American on wagon: You'll pay for this! I'm a citizen of the United States of America!

Juan's father: To me you are a naked son of a b---h.

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

This is director Sergio Leone's weakest film yet it remains a great one. The chemistry between Rod Steiger and James Coburn is excellent. They should have done more films.

The problem with Duck, you sucker! (A Fistful of Dynamite, Once Upon a time...the Revolution) is that Leone tackled most of this material in the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Leone wasn't the type of director who would recycle but expand. Here he didn't expand.

RATING: 4 STARS

PS

I'm still waiting for my DVD!

For a Few Dollars More (1965)

The Man with no Name is BACK!

[10/10 · 27 June 2003]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

My teacher once said that when you're starting your career it's great to imitate someone just as practice or to gain experience because if you can be as good as them you could be better! And that's exactly what happened to Sergio Leone.

After the success of A Fistful of Dollars a sequel was underway and that gave Leone and Eastwood the opportunity to make this character into there own. Here Eastwood is a bounty hunter not a simple gunfighter like in the original. He teams up with another bounty hunter played by Lee Van Cleef who both are after Indio for two different reasons.

In this film Leone emerges as an artist. When this film was released times were changing. The new and old generation were in a battle. The vietnam war had just begun and hippies were taking over the country. By pairing the characters of Eastwood and Van Cleef there was bound to be conflicts.

"They usually end up shooting themselves in the back."

From their partnership they understood and learned from each other. Meaning there is something new to be learned from each generation.

RATING: 4 STARS

A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

In his own way he is perhaps, the greatest character ever created!

[10/10 · 27 June 2003]

"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. You see, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughin' at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it."

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

The year is 1964, the third and greatest installment in the Bond franchise, Goldfinger has just premiered and just when you thought things couldn't get any better The Man with no Name explodes into the big screens.

I personally am not a western fan but I completely fell in love with this film. What is ground breaking about it is that it's realistic in the sense of violence and surrounding. The John Wayne films were too patriotic, with bandits and the south breaking away I think the west was probably the least patriotic part in American history. We had a civil war and half the country didn't want to be part of the United States. Not to mention laws being broken in every town and bandits running lose. And racism was at it's highest.

The appeal I found in a Fistful of Dollars were the characters and style. Clint Eastwood and director Sergio Leone made this film what it is. Sure it's a remake but it feels like a rebirth in the western genre and in the film industry as well.

The character of Man with no Name is perhaps the greatest character ever created because he is legendary. The character is like King Arthur or Robin Hood, with the exception that he's more of an archangel. He comes in to this town where he witnesses these feuding families (more like a mafia) who together are tormenting this town. He saves the town and disappears. Who is he? Why did he do it? Who knows but like a legend his stories will be around millions of year with each generation exaggerating his story.

RATING: 4 STARS

X2 (2003)

X-Men was only the introduction, this is the REAL story.

[9/10 · 23 June 2003]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

"Mutation. It is the key to our evolution. It has enabled us to evolve from a single-celled organism into the dominant species on the planet. This process is slow and normally taking thousands and thousands of years. But every few hundred millennia, evolution leaps forward."

There is a scene is X2 when Iceman goes to visit his family to confront them about his true identity. And his mother asks him `Have you ever tried not being a mutant?' This is what the X-Men symbolizes. Like an old science-fiction film it hides it's true message through all the fantasy.

While the film is fun and inspired I had a few problems with it. For one thing where is Gambit? Where's Beast? And why is Rogue with Iceman instead of Gambit?

RATING: 3 STARS

While those details upset me a bit I did enjoy the love triangle this time....

SPOILER





....resulting in the appearance of Phoenix.

Daredevil (2003)

"I'm not the bad guy!"

[8/10 · 23 June 2003]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

If you are a fan of the Daredevil comics then this film is for you and you alone! This is what upset me about this film. Sure as a Daredevil fan I enjoyed the film but this is not a film for the general public. The director does a horrible job of making an impression on the audience. This is perhaps the first time many people will see Daredevil and instead of giving him a big entrance he doesn't. People always say that it's important to make a good first impression. Obviously the filmmakers here didn't know that.

The film itself I felt was good. Could have been better if the studio wouldn't have cut the film so much to avoid the R rating but it was good enough. The performances by Ben Affleck as Daredevil and Michael Clarke Duncan as the Kingpin were great. What disappoints me is since this film was produced by FOX the Kingpin won't make an appearance in the Spider-Man franchise. Now my favorite performance was by the sexy Jennifer Garner as Electra. Her chemistry with Affleck was decent and the scene in top of the building on that rainy night was beautiful.

RATING: 3 STARS

Hulk (2003)

The Nick Nolte Show

[9/10 · 23 June 2003]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

Director Ang Lee successfully makes this a comic book movie but not a movie! With the exception of Spider-Man what has bothered me a bit about these Marvel films is that they don't feel like a movie. A comic book like a television show and book series keeps it's audience anticipating each new chapter or episode to see what's the latest or the conclusion in the adventure of it's hero. Comic books work the same way but a film however only has two hours to capture the imagination of the audience and keep them thrilled and excited. A film is like a rollercoaster ride. It's quick but exciting. Where Tim Burton's Batman, Richard Donner's Superman, and Sam Raimi's Spider-Man succeeded is in taking you to this fantasy world full of adventure and imagination and strapping you for the ride. With fascinating scenes, over the top characters, and unforgettable moments.

Ang Lee does a great job of exploring the world of the Hulk and he creates moments of beauty and rage but never magic. There's never a fascinating moment in the Hulk where like Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man you feel like you're in another world with larger then life characters. This film like a comic book keeps you anticipated for the next installment but doesn't fully allow you to enjoy it's world. And another flaw the film has is the CGI Hulk which looks as bad as the Scooby-Doo CGI. Perhaps that could also affect the film.

What I enjoyed the most about the Hulk is the performances. Eric Bana or Banana like the kids call him these days does a magnificent job as Bruce Banner and his chemistry with the beautiful Jennifer Connelly is magical. However, the BEST part of this film is Nick Noltes performance. He practically steals the show from the Hulk and makes it his own. He gives a great Oscar performance.

RATING: 3 STARS

Now while the Hulk was a good movie it could have been better.

Spider-Man (2002)

Whatever life holds in store for me, I will never forget these words, "with great power comes great responsibility." This is my gift, my curse. Who am I? I'm Spider-man.

[10/10 · 23 June 2003]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

After years of development, most notably by director James Cameron Spider-Man finally makes it to the big screen. Like it's predecessors Batman and Superman, Spider-Man is released in it's 40th anniversary and with the help of director Sam Raimi and screenwriter David Keopp the film makes a magical leap into the big screen. Raimi successfully takes us into the world of Peter Parker/Spider-Man and makes this a fun, exciting, and loving story. The phrase `With Great Power comes Great Responsibility' is what inspires the film. And we see how much responsibility Peter Parker has by not only saving the city but protecting his family and love Mary Jane. At the same time battling his best friends father.

The film is magical and captures your imagination but what I found a bit interesting was all the references to Batman and Superman. True that the character of Spider-Man himself is a combination of the two like for instance both Spider-Man and Superman work in a newspaper company: Daily Bugle, Daily Planet. Both Batman and Spider-Man became motivated after the death of a love one and they both fall in love with a cat: Black Cat, Catwoman. Who both happen to be a thief

Some of the references are the attack in the parade. When the Green Goblin blows up the building and Spider-Man has to save Mary Jane who's falling off. Another is when Peter attacks the robber, the way he appears from the shadows is very similar to the opening sequence in Batman.

Also like Batman and Superman the film is full of great performances by Tobey McGuire, the sexy Kirsten Dunst, and Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin. What I loved about this film is that when I was viewing it I felt like a kid again. Watching the film reminded me of when I was a kid and I would watch the TV shows and read the comics and be fascinated with his adventures and the problems he faces and how he solves them. Like Tim Burton's Batman and Richard Donner's Superman. Sam Raimi successfully puts you in the center of his world and makes you understand who Spider-Man is and what he stands for.

RATING: 4 STAR

X-Men (2000)

X-troduction

[7/10 · 23 June 2003]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

As a fan of the X-Men I was joyed to see these characters up on the big screen but as a movie fan I was disappointed. What disappointed me is that this film is only an introduction to the characters and the X-Men world. Nothing more! The plot is good for Magneto's first scheme but the film really has no moments. The only moments are it's characters. There is no moment that captures the imagination of it's audience. All that the film is, is an introduction. As a fan I enjoyed it but as a movie fan I didn't.

RATING: 2 STARS

Superman II (1980)

You'll Believe a Man Can Fly-Again! (May Contain Spoilers)

[10/10 · 20 June 2003]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

`Because most of the work that I try to do has a fairly firm grounding in some form of social reality from which I can take off and go in the other direction. I remember saying, `I don't know how much Lois Lane would pay for her apartment. Or how much a pair of shoes costs in Metropolis. ` That's where I normally write my gags and do my little bits, and I felt I was wrong for it. I've never had a feeling for comic books or comic strips at all.'

When Richard Lester took over as director that is what he added to Superman II. There are many scenes in the film that feature social humor like the crowd witnessing the battle between Superman and the three villains as a spectator sport. And then attack the villains when they think they've murdered Superman. Another good example is the ending when Superman returns to the diner and gets revenge for the beating he received when he had lost his powers.

What differs Superman II from the original is the love story. That's where Lester was strongest. The love scenes between Lois and Clark were some of the most memorable parts in this film and the performances by Christopher Reeves and Margot Kidder were once again extraordinary. And the extreme close-up of Lois Lane gives her a real beauty and makes you understand why Superman loves her.

`We had a scene where Jor-El basically commits suicide, ` says Mankiewicz. `Jor-El touches his son and rejuvenates him and `kills` himself by expelling the last of his energy. That scene was as chilling as anything you'll ever see on the screen. It was shot with Brando and was wonderful, but because they [the Salkinds] would have had to pay him money, Superman says, `Mother, mother` as opposed to `Father, father, ` which is what he should have done and did do in the script. Brando appeared and said, `Even though this will extinguish what is left of my life_I warned you, I told you....` And he reached out through the void. Clark is unconscious on the ground, and it's essentially God touching the hand of Adam. It's a motif I had done at the beginning when Brando sent Chris to Earth and said, `I send them my only son. ` It was God sending Christ to Earth. Brando was just wonderful.'

The first film is legendary because of it's behind the scenes battle between director Richard Donner and the producers. Both films were originally shot simultaneously but because of special effects problems Donner was forced to focus on the first film. Once it was complete go on and finish the second. However, after the dispute Donner was fired and Lester was brought in to finish the project. As a result the film lost a lot of it's epic and fantasy aspect that the first film was full of. This film had the chance to surpass the original but as a result of a lose it didn't. Regardless, the film is still full of excitement and imagination. Still one of the greatest comic book adaptations of all-times.

RATING: 4 STARS

Quotes available from Cinescape.

Crazy/Beautiful (2001)

Kirsten Gone Wild

[7/10 · 19 June 2003]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

Kirsten goes from a cute hyperactive cheerleader to a horny overdosed blonde. The two sides of Kirsten I guess. I honestly don't know what to think about this film. The plot is interesting. We have a rich attractive girl who has a life of opportunity waste her life using drugs and having sex. Then we have a young hispanic who's poor and doesn't have as much opportunity but spends his time studying and having sex with Kirsten Dunst.

WOW! It sounds like an autobiography of that summer Kirsten and I spend together. Who would have known that it would make a good movie?



Okay now all jokes aside I think this is a pretty interesting teen film because it shows this girl who has it all but happiness and this poor latin boy is the only hope she has in life. This isn't a great film but it's pretty good. And the performances by Kirsten and Jay Hernandez are quite good as well.

RATING: 3 STARS

Bring It On (2000)

Dunst & Dushku: Two Reasons to Watch this Movie!

[9/10 · 19 June 2003]

****Excellent

***Good

**Fair

*Poor

At first I just went to see this film because it stars two of the hottest young ladies in Hollywood: Kirsten Dunst and Eliza Dushku. The film does a fabulous job of exposing it's young two stars in a very memorable car wash/bikini scene. And then there is another scene where the two of them sleep in the same bed, which is the scene where many people began to think that they are lesbian lovers.

Anyway, the film however surprised me because it actually turned out to be a cute film. The cheerleading practice scenes were very funny and the actual competition was exciting and hip. In addition all the characters were silly, charming, and lovable.

The film itself is silly but it keeps it in a level of silliness that is charming and enjoyable. This is probably one of the best teen films in the last ten years.

RATING: 3 STARS