po5mrk Reviews

A Walk to Remember (2002)

Hopelessly Touching

[10/10 · 25 January 2002]

Honestly, the movie was amazingly sweet. At least for me, it touched my hopeless romantic heart. Very different from the book, but I expected that going in. I found myself comparing the two alot even thought I tried not to, but in the end, it really didn't matter. Shane West was the perfect choice to play Landon Carter, and while I had my doubts about Mandy Moore, she came through with a great performance for the most part. At times, I felt the story was a little jumpy and that it could've developed more. But the meaningful, heartfelt moments more than compensated. Might I also add that the music in the movie is amazing, great soundtrack. A Walk To Remember is a teen movie, without the usual staples. It definitely sways the audience with maturity, instead of with gross out humor or sight gags. A Walk to Remember does for the romantic movie what Nicholas Sparks did for the romance novel.

Empire Records (1995)

Perfect...Well, not quite Perfect

[10/10 · 11 August 2001]

For me, Empire Records is a very conflicting movie. On the one hand, it's hysterically funny. On the other hand, it attempts to make great revelations about America's youth. Somehow, though, it all works! Sure, there are some "sappy" predictable parts that you're not sure whether to laugh or cry at, but the timing of these scenes is fantastic. One thing that really struck me about this film is the amazing use of music. Certain songs can be heard repeatedly throughout the movie which really help to distinguish parallel story lines. All in all, I think it's great.

Get Over It (2001)

If you don't like teen flicks, Get Over It!!!

[7/10 · 9 March 2001]

OK, yes it's your basic teen comedy, but it's got its finer points. For starters, an excellent cast! You've got Kirsten Dunst (2001's Teen Queen), Shane West (Once and Again and Whatever it Takes), Colin Hanks (son of the ever wonderful Tom Hanks and Roswell resident), Sisqo, and the return of a loveable actor: Ben Foster (popular on Disney's Flash Forward!). Not to mention a hilarious Martin Short as the "youthful" theater director and Swoosie Kurtz as a very open minded mother. Add in some great one-liners, an adorable romance, Shakespeare and some musical numbers, as well as a few dance sequences, and you've got yourself one of the most original teen comedies to hit theaters since the 80s.

Sweet November (2001)

Bittersweet, it had its moments.

[7/10 · 16 February 2001]

Sweet November is a romance, plain and simple, but with a twist. Romance in a bizarre scenario makes for an interesting, if not bittersweet movie. Of course, the romance aspect was well, romantic, but the story was a little far fetched. Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves had little authentic chemistry, but both are such wonderful actors, that they faked it well. All in all, the movie had it's great moments, sad, funny and sweet, but the story can cloud them up a bit.

Head Over Heels (2001)

Romantic Comedy at It's Best!

[8/10 · 3 February 2001]

Weary of just another chick flick, I saw this movie in order to have a good time with friends and get my share of Freddie Prinze Jr. Fortunately, I was wrong about Head Over Heels! It had an more interesting plot that most romantic comedies and pushed the limit with its humor. The only bad thing I can say about this movie is that it might depress you if you are a single female. Freddie Prinze Jr's character is The Perfect Guy: smart, sweet, funny and romantic. But he's not too perfect, and to find out why, see the movie!

The Wedding Planner (2001)

Perfectly Precious!

[9/10 · 26 January 2001]

The Wedding Planner is the must see date movie of the year. It's a romantic comedy with all the right elements. But it goes above and beyond the standard chick-flick with so many lovable characters that you can't decide which one you want to win at the game of love!

Matthew McConaughey is Prince Charming as Pediatrician Steve Edison, a successful yet sweet man about to marry the "ideal girl". Jennifer Lopez is fantastic as a wedding planner who can seem to find herself a good man so she obsesses over everything else instead.

I give this movie 5 stars and two big thumbs up! To sum it all up: it's charming, funny, sweet, sentimental and just down right pleasant.

Miss Congeniality (2000)

So cute you'll laugh out loud!

[8/10 · 27 December 2000]

Ok, so maybe Miss Congeniality wasn't the most original movie, or the funniest for that matter, but it still offers an enjoyable distraction from your everyday life. Every girl who wanted to be Miss America, but thought she couldn't will enjoy this flick. Hey, I went to see it with my dad, and even he laughed! Sandra Bullock is charming as usual, and Benjamin Bratt was adorable. Cain and Shatner (2 men I'm not terribly fond of) earned my praise with their hysterical "prissy" antics. I don't want to give anything away, but the final pageant scene had me ROFLMAO....All in all it's a very amusing flick!

Bounce (2000)

Dealing with yourself: You've got to Bounce

[10/10 · 18 November 2000]

Have you ever felt disgusted with yourself, thinking that you're an awful person? If yes, then you can relate to Bounce. Bounce is a sentimental look at the ways we deal with ourselves. Ben Affleck gives probably one of his most powerfully touching performances as an ad exec who realizes what he's become when the plane he was supposed to be on (but gave the ticket away) goes down. He spins in a downward spiral of alcohol abuse, and while recovering decides to contact the wife of the man who took his seat on the doomed plane. Gwyneth Paltrow plays a widow who blames herself for her husband's death. The chemistry between Affleck and Paltrow is phenomenal. Some could argue that the movie is slow at times, but I believe the pace allows you to sense the character's thoughts throughout. There are some really cute moments in the film, sure to get a good laugh. All in all, it's worth the eight bucks for a ticket.

The Patriot (2000)

An Amazing Film

[9/10 · 29 June 2000]

"The Patriot" may very well be labeled this year's "Saving Private Ryan". While the two films are strikingly different, they share the common theme of American patriotism and this country's stand on independence. "The Patriot" gives an idea of the kind of hardships settlers faced in the war for our independence.

The casting of "The Patriot" was brilliant! Mel Gibson once again gives us a moving performance as Ben Martin, a passionate man that is trying desperately to keep his family together after the death of his wife. Perhaps one of the more surprisingly superb performances is that of Heath Ledger (10 Things I Hate about You) as Gabriel Martin, the stubborn oldest son of the Martin family. These two stars lead the cast in teaching such lessons as what it means to be a patriot and a hero, the cost of freedom, and the value of family.

"The Patriot" is a well written story that is guaranteed to give you goosebumps. After seeing this movie, Independence Day will take on a new meaning for everyone.

Private School (1983)

I kinda thought it was cute

[5/10 · 21 May 2000]

Ok, I admit, I have a soft spot for Matthew Modine... In any case I still thought there were a few laughs to be found even if "Private School" was devoid of any real plot. I especially thought that the end was sweet. I would recommend seeing it if nothing else fantastic is on TV.

Center Stage (2000)

Dirty Dancing meets Fame

[9/10 · 12 May 2000]

"Center Stage" gives a powerful look at professional dance that is rarely seen by the public. The plot circles around young dance students, their relationships, trials, and their futures as dancers. A taste of Dirty Dancing will bring back envious feelings and energy is brought to the picture with a splash of Fame. Personally, this movie made me wish I could be a fantastic ballet dancer....and in my opinion it was fantastic.

U-571 (2000)

Fine Film Entertainment

[6/10 · 21 April 2000]

Although not the best war movie ever made, U-571 was pretty darn good. The actions are a bit hard to follow at times (not the plot though), but it keeps you on your toes. The cast was excellent. Many avid movie goers and TV fans may spend most of their time trying to figure out where they've seen those fresh young faces before. Many comments I read say that the movie was too predictable, but I seriously was waiting on the edge of my seat to see the conclusion. If the characters are thought about enough, they reveal depth and personality, but the action will satisfy the less stimulated minds. I am sure the movie is not historically correct by any means, but it sure is a good ride.

Here on Earth (2000)

A Beautiful Movie!

[7/10 · 3 April 2000]

Here on Earth was beautiful. Every actor was superbly cast in their role. The plot was set so I thought there could be no happy ending, but I was content with the final result. This movie was much smarter than other movies that star teens. I loved it!

An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)

A Classic

[10/10 · 16 March 2000]

An Officer and a Gentleman is my favorite movie of all time. It is so romantic. This movie melts my heart every time I watch it. The way Zack acts toward Paula is the sweetest thing I have ever witnessed. They both struggle throughout the movie. The movie deals with hard issues in a mature manner. It is a classic!

Mission to Mars (2000)

Decent start, some good parts in the middle, goofy ending

[6/10 · 15 March 2000]

The ending totally ruined this movie. I was laughing too hard to take any of it seriously. Robbins was touching as Woody, but for the most part there was no character development. The best part of the whole movie was the comedic relief of Jerry O'Connell as Phil. He had me rolling. When it comes down to it, the ending was just too hokie to even resemble something feasible.

Party of Five (1994–2000)

The most touching show in television history

[15 March 2000]

Everyone can relate to Party of Five. The show has dealt with every major or controversial issue in society today, and they have done it with talented scripts and actors. The best thing about the show is when decisions are made, the consequences, whether good or bad, are shown as well. The Salinger family has helped many people deal with their real life problems. They will always have a special place in our hearts, even after they are gone.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Intelligently funny film for today's teens

[9/10 · 6 March 2000]

This movie totally wasn't dumbed down for teens. It was smart and hysterical. The way over the top dad was a riot. The soundtrack's pretty good too. You can't really compare this to Shakespeare though, just because of the huge differences in the movie from the play. Either way, this movie is priceless.

Sixteen Candles (1984)

GREAT romantic comedy!!

[8/10 · 29 January 2000]

Everyone's gotta love this 80's classic! 80's movies rock, this one in particular. No matter your age you've got to be able to relate to someone in this movie. It's got something for everyone. This movie cracks me up, yet it's so sweet. I recommend this to people (especially teens) who need a good laugh!

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

More interesting than most teen centered flicks.

[9/10 · 11 April 1999]

10 Things I Hate About You is smart and funny, but lacking in some areas. It is a fantastic film to see if you view yourself as the high school outcast. Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles had great chemistry as Patrick and Katarina. The film could have been less predictable with fewer stereotypes. While it didn't stray from your typical high school films, it is definitely one of the brighter crayons in the box.