pnc777 Reviews

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

*Sigh* I am in love....

[10/10 · 23 May 2005]

I am one of those people who think about movies for days afterwords in any moment of solitude I have free . I can day dream about a good movie for quite a while. I saw this yesterday and I haven't stopped thinking about it, even when I shouldn't! (sorry work!) I have never been exposed to the Phantom in any form, so this was new to me. I am overcome with emotion, the beauty for my eyes, ears, heart and mind is too great! I am truly inspired. Purists with whom I have discussed this film have held firm that certain aspects are different from the book. I believe them, but you must understand that each director must make it his own. His love with the film might change it, or keep it strictly to the book...depending on its style. I must have much passion in anything I make, so I believe it so with others.

I have to admit, I've changed my desktop theme and am currently listening to "Angel of Music" while I write this. That is how much it moves me. Please, if you would like an emotionally rich adventure in which you can almost cry at the feelings of the characters...give this film a go.

On to the plot, an opera house is "haunted" by the "phantom" who falls deeply in love with a young woman who learns from his experience in opera. The woman is a fragile beauty, wide eyed and naive, orphaned by her father as a girl, she was told he would send the "Angel of Music" to her. She sees the Phantom as he. The Phantom has a disfigured face on one side...though honestly he is beautiful even without the mask. The girl is then reunited with a childhood love she knew before her father died. She is torn between the darkly passionate love for the Phantom and the more innocent and safe love with her "hero".

I see no choice at all but alas, I am not Christine ;o) With love deeply, Olivia

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)

FINALLY!!!!

[26 June 2004]

Being from Dallas, I got a bit of a head start seeing for myself what an idiot Bush is. Not enough people followed his time as Governor of Texas. Perhaps if they had he wouldn't be President of the United States.

This movie is strong in every way. I am not a republican or democrat...just a girl who votes on who I think would do the best job. I'll let you in on a little secret. *whispers* It's not Bush!

I was deeply moved by this movie. I really respect the way Moore handled 9/11 in the film. The screen went black and you heard the explosion of the first plane hitting the tower, then the aftermath and then the second plane hitting. You heard the screams and the explosions sounded like it happened 500 feet in front of you. It was more chilling to me than watching them hit again.

There were parts that I couldn't hold back the tears at and there were parts that made me laugh uncontrollably, particularly when Ashcroft was singing. UNCLE already! UNCLE!!!!

Seriously though, Moore stated the facts and they can't be denied or argued. I am overcome with resound shame that the American people have been so duped. I am overcome with rage that our somewhat good name as a country is tarnished. I am horrified that our leader is so incompetent. I am outraged that to disagree or even question Bush is to have my patriotism questioned. In Bush's words "Well, a dictatorship WOULD be easier" *shudder*

A word for the active republicans out there, if you want to change the minds of all of the people who are going to vote against Bush this election, go see this movie. Check the facts. If you can debate those facts then do so. If not, you might have a better idea of who your president really is. *note* I say "your" president because I have great pride in my country and I refuse to recognize this power hungry wolf in sheep's business suit as anything but akin to the merchants that Jesus kicked out from the house of God in the bible. I suppose they think that because he sells it in a holy place then he too must be holy? Wake up.

The Missing (I) (2003)

Don't waste your time!!!!!!

[7 December 2003]

This was the most tedious movie. It dragged on for forever it seemed! The actors did ok, but the movie's special effects were painful and it was as blatantly grasping at shock factor as Marilyn Manson. I want my money back!!



SMALL SPOILER!!!!!!



IT is HORRIBLY violent and graphic and contains torture sequences and it shows a dead baby and a woman shooting herself in the head. Also, pieces of bodies and a dead man's face frozen in a grimace of struggle and pain. DO NOT TAKE CHILDREN TO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Wild Thornberrys (2002)

SOOO cute!!!

[31 December 2002]

My fi and I took our 4 year old son and 1 1/2 year old daughter to see this on Christmas. That is the best movie I've taken them to! Our son actually LAUGHED out loud! That is really rare and our daughter actually watched it which is even more rare. I would give this movie a 5 out of 5 for being great for kids and interesting enough for adults too. :oD

Olivia

Equilibrium (2002)

A cross between Matrix and Minority Report

[6 December 2002]

This was an excellent movie with all the right elements. What is it like to feel???? Can you describe feeling? I think that American Psycho's Christian Bale did a SUPERB job of conveying to the audience what he was feeling without words or sound at all. I loved it...I really did. This is, however, in my opinion better than The Matrix...go see it!!!!!!

Die Another Day (2002)

The worst bond film ever..........

[22 November 2002]

Every line in this film attempted to be clever and witty. Instead, they were corny and torturous.

It was awful listening to all of that. For some reason, the movie theatre wouldn't PAY me for sitting in there (what were they thinking?). Perhaps just below "Her Majesty's Secret Service", this movie is horrible.

Wait till video...heck, wait till it comes on TV!!!

No, wait! I guess it's not THAT bad if you take it as a comedy. By the end, though you're laughing uncomfortably and looking at your watch.



SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!































I wanted to give you an example of the jokes:

Bad guy punches bond. Then he says "You get the punch line???" *evil laugh*

Someone throws a knife...it lands in the bible, pinning it up to the wall. Later it's used to stab someone in the chest. Then come the horrifying "READ THIS, BIOCH" and "I BROKE THEIR HEART" UGH!

Then the innuendoes....I get the THRUST (lame pause) of it.

And a martini served on the plane...bond says: good thing it's not stirred....

Remember all the lines are impossible, but I can tell you this...its bad!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

What a movie! They did it again!

[15 November 2002]

They have once again captured the ...well magic (really, no pun intended ;oD) of Harry Potter. I think it was WELL worth the trouble of seeing an advanced screening last night (Thursday, November 15)because I was shocked and pleased at the performances once again.

Daniel Radcliffe (harry) has grown up quite a bit since seeing him last and now is startling, what with the same eyes but the voice of a man. Rupert Grint's (ron) voice what changing through the film and I can tell he had quite a bit of trouble with some lines (especially where asked to show fear). Emma Watson's (hermione) hair has turned back to her natural dirty blonde state...with more of a perm than before. Her acting skills have greatly increased, but I think she overdid it a lot. In several scenes there were tears in her eyes...some where they would be unexpected. Richard Harris did an EXCELLENT job in his last performance as Albus Dumbledore (Rest his soul).

Alan Rickman(Prof. Severus Snape), however, was less scary and poised and more freaking out, unorganized and less certain with himself. Kenneth Branagh did an splendid job as Prof. Gilderoy Lockheart, the new defense against the dark arts teacher. He seemed to BECOME his character.

Christian Coulson (Tom Riddle), well, lets just say he's a perfect match.

And enter Jason Isaacs (Lucious Malfoy)...PERFECTLY cast and just as stuck up as the books make him. Dobby, however is taller than I imagined him, sweeter, but the special effects for him are unblemished.

Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) was A LOT more scary in this one and he too has grown!!!

I don't think the music was as good, however. With William Ross, there's just not the level of standards. For some reason, however, I didn't see him accredited in the movie. Hummm..... anyways, it sounds like a broken record sometimes (playing the same verse over and over again like 5 times until moving on) and becomes a little annoying

SEMI SPOILERS************************

Frankly, I think the sword really ruined it a little. It seemed cheap and flimsy and with Daniel sporting it, well he just lost his innocence in my eyes. He didn't seem a young boy playing against the odds.

There are LOADS more to tell about this movie, but I'll cut to the chase. It was worth it, every second of it and I can't wait to see the next one.

The Master of Disguise (2002)

If you don't get the jokes in this movie...check your

[3 August 2002]

hearing aid and glasses, because it's served to you on a silver platter, with neon lights and showgirls in gold paint repeatedly singing the joke to you. This is a movie for those who really don't pay that much attention to movies, they might like the jokes, however...it gets really monotonous after a few short minutes. I thought that only one part was good, and that was after the hairy guy. You'll know what I mean when you see it. The rest was boring and stupid. As for jokes being over your head...I suppose you are mentally very short. I wouldn't waste my money unless I brought small children...then I would be able to give just the right ammount of attention to the movie to actually enjoy it.

Olivia

Eight Legged Freaks (2002)

The biggest crock ever!!! Don't see this movie!

[3 August 2002]

Ok, for you guys out there who stick to reality, don't bother with this movie. I didn't pay, but I wanted a refund. This movie cloned the old fake looking horror movies. The people in the movie were really stupid, reminicent of Scream. I keep tarantulas, and while, yes, it is about a very cool spider...the orb weaver...the facts about them are sorely mistaken. Did you know that spiders pant?? NOT. Spiders have book lungs, and they have no pump like humans or mammals for breathing or pulse. They have no muscles at all, however, they do move with blood pressure. They have clear blood composed mostly of water. In the movie they make the classic "dinosaur roar" from Jurassic Park, yeah right...spiders don't make noises. Also, their blood was green globby throw up looking goop. They had a pink toe start it all...um, hello, I don't think so. The pink toe would be on the ceiling, not on his back, and it certainly wouldn't attack him without provocation or him being small enough to fit into it's abdomen. And this arack attack...yeah right. Everyone knows when you put three tarantulas together that you have two dead ones and one very big one. Unless, however, they were from the same egg sac and never separated...which these are not. The movie in general is stupid, and no one seems to have ANY common sense. I hated almost every minute of it...and some how afterwards, felt jyped. UGH. Don't bother with this movie.

Olivia

K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)

A very good movie

[3 August 2002]

I really liked K19:The Widowmaker, however, there are parts that weak stomachs should not see. There is a throw up scene...which made me a little queezy (sp?). Anyways, I won't tell you anything about it, except go see it. It think it is very worth it, and a movie to ponder for some time.

Olivia

Men in Black II (2002)

Amazingly well-crafted for a sequel

[7/10 · 6 July 2002]

It made me laugh, it made me cry...no no, wrong review. While MIB II isn't Star Wars or anything, it was a great movie. I have to say that I am in an uproar that the love interest isn't scantily clad. There was so much natural beauty that skimpy clothes were not necessary. Now, yes, the bad guy(girl) WAS dressed in a Victoria's secret style, it was truly not the normal guys drooling over her and such.

There were A LOT of funny jokes in this one, and even a time when it was sad, which was totally unexpected, but I have to say that I think this one is much better than the first.

I suggest viewing this movie, if only to see for yourself, but whatever you do, don't eat gummy worms when watching this...yuck!!

Oh, and there are several cuss words, and some very, well, gross scenes, I do not suggest taking small children.

ENJOY!!

The Boondock Saints (1999)

Love it or Hate it

[10/10 · 1 June 2002]

This is one of those movies that you will either love or hate, both with a passion. I personally, that is to say, as a person, loved it and watch it quite often. I think that it is a work of art, a show of dreams on film that you have to actually think more about what it's trying to say and less about the story. Lots of action, not a kid flick...definitely funny.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

The best movie ever!

[10/10 · 16 May 2002]

For all of you boys and girls who grew up with Star Wars, this is a dream come true. This movie was everything the first trilogy could have been, and everything PM should have been. A golden work of art on the part of Lucas. The camera angles were reminicent of the first trilogy, and there was eye candy everywhere. Cast was great and there were enough subplots to keep an active mind busy. I want to watch this several more times today, but first.....MUST SLEEP. I stood in line for 6 hours for the best seat in the house (which I got) and it was worth every second. Can no one understand the passion behind waiting for something really great? I was so amazed at this movie. I came in with high expectations, very excited, and even so, my ever wish was fulfilled, I couldn't have asked for more. George Lucas has outdone himself again. If you should see one movie this year, this decade, ever, this is it.

SPOILER*****************

I just want to say that Yoda is SERIOUSLY kickin' butt and I LOVED it. C3PO is still making those corny lines, R2D2 is still just as courageous, and WE GET TO SEE YOUNG BOBA FETT!!!!! Enjoy this movie you will.

Spider-Man (2002)

SPIDEY ROCKS!!

[10/10 · 6 May 2002]

This wonderful film adaptation of Marvel comic Spiderman (duh)was just what the dr. ordered. With a perfect balance of fun, action, drama and fantasy, I was overwhelmed with joy. The fact that there hasn't been a worthy film with comic book origins in decades...the last one being Superman, left me with expectations lower than usual about a movie that I was so excited to see. I mean, FINALLY they got it to the big screen. The general public has not earthly idea how long it took to get this out of the corporate politics and into a good directors hands. This movie was shockingly stunning in photography and they took the time on every scene to make it what it should be. The result is tragically beautiful. If this film was a rose, it has just bloomed. I would not hesitate to take children to see it, my son being 4 and he has no problems. Thankfully there were no cusswords, especially unnecesary ones (The word B*tch in The Grinch, as if that was needed AT ALL, especially since mostly children went to see it)and the only thing I would worry about is one scene in particular where the Green Goblin (William DeFoe) seems especially creepy. The casting was perfect. I cannot think of anyone better to play the main characters. That they brought Spiderman back to humanity (I mean his behavior) was wonderful and much needed. He makes mistakes just like we do. He has downfalls...failures and it makes his character all the more charming. If I were a movie critic, this one would have all thumbs up.

GO SEE THIS MOVIE AGAIN AND AGAIN! You will not regret it!

TTFN!

Jason X (2001)

DON'T EVEN BOTHER!!!!!

[13 April 2002]

I just saw a rough screening of it, and I have to say...THIS SUCKS!!!!! The lines were corny, the acting extraordinarily bad, and the film itself had an identity crisis. What was it? Action, thriller, horror, comedy? I don't know, it was so bad that I just couldn't tell. I know one thing...I didn't pay to see it, but I still want my money back.

The Sweetest Thing (2002)

This IS a sweet movie, just not what I expected

[10/10 · 12 April 2002]

When watching this movie, I am reminded of American Pie. That's the nature of the gags here, but the truth of it is, that it's true. This is as close as most guys will get to knowing what women are like when they aren't around. Most guys are like "women aren't like that". How little they know. The conversations of women are much more gross and straight forward then men may think. I think this was one of the funniest movies ever, and I have to say that it really put our view into perspective for men. I liked that it had little details, like how the heels of high heels get stuck in the grass.

I LOVED that Christina Applegate was a brunette in this film. It gave her character a credibility that she hasn't had in previous films.

All in all: Men will most likely be forced to see this movie with that special someone and will have such a good time that they forget that they aren't "supposed" to. Women, will a)be grossed out(men too) and/or b)LOVE IT...probably both.

NOT A MOVIE FOR KIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Definitely a date movie.

Merry Movie going!

p.s. go to the bathroom before this movie, you will laugh REALLY hard.

Panic Room (2002)

Inticing

[10/10 · 29 March 2002]

With the current standards for film, this is very impressive. I saw the screening last night 3-29-02 and I have to day, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It gives me butterflies in my stomach thinking about it. Now, for those of you who get anxious easily, take caution...for those who don't, you will. The entire movie is a strong build up to a climax. However, at one point in time, when it builds up so much and you are sure that there is so much suspense that something is bound to happen, black screen and another shot. Believe me, you won't guess which climax it is until you are done with the movie, that's how many there are. A very well chosen cast, the performances were above average...Now, I have to say that the coolest part about the entire movie are the camera angles. Such wide and continuous sweeps are unorthidox and make the movie seem cutting edge, though we know we are capable of much more. From cameras in coffee pots to cracks in the walls to the typical camera in the lock routine, it's all blended together in a concoction of mystery. Though it's atempts at comedy are somewhat mislead, the intent was good, and the over all movie was excellent.

NOT a movie to take a kid to see...some scenes are made twice as creepy with the sound effects (ie: when large objects are used as weapons, at impact, someone breaks a carrot, creating a sickening feeling in the gut of the viewer from their thoughts on how bad the damage done was.), also, like I have stated, it is very suspenseful. When I had my daughter, I started contractions in Hannibal, this movie would certainly measure up in "boo" scare.

All in all, a very good movie.

The Time Machine (2002)

Superb

[9/10 · 8 March 2002]

With the whimsical naivety of a child, a man torn by fate sets out on a mission...to change the past by going into the future.

I saw it at a screening last night, and I have to say...this film has far exceeded my highest expectations. The sheer brilliance left me mulling it over for hours. I became impassioned....very rare for a movie with little hype. Perhaps it was low expectations...or perhaps this will be considered a classic by critics....most definitely by me.

Rest assured that this work of art will surprise even the most skeptical. I have to say that I am impressed. The language that the Eros (?) speak was actually translated....they DEVELOPED a language according to Samantha Mumba (the futuristic Planet of the Apes type chick). Very few directors go to such lengths to make a seamless movie.

I have to say...the last scene is what really got me...and I'm not going to tell you...you just have to wait! Believe me..you'll thank me for it. Their world was very believable..and most of the characters did a very good job. The visual effects were not new, however, with the circumstances involved in the movie...the contrast between the "now" (for him) and the "later" are mind blowing.

I was also amazed that both of the main female characters came across as beautiful and alluring, without being sleazy...as they are normally cast. It was indeed refreshing.

I didn't hear any cuss words...and this seems an ok kid movie...except perhaps one scene in the dungeons of the monkey type people. And in that scene...well, it was truly disgusting. The film had high production values, which really makes it eye candy at times. I was so amazed and delighted that I give it a 9...which I have never done before. Go see it.....trust me.

Queen of the Damned (2002)

The book is always better than the movie,

[8/10 · 22 February 2002]

however, with this movie, it is quite different. I rushed to screen this movie with the excitement of a kid...and well, it wasn't quite what I thought. First of all, there are MAJOR differences in the movie, like how Maurius supposedly fathered Lestat (a flashback) which, in the book he was friends with Maurius..he was fathered by someone else. The ending happens in a different way, and the characters have much different qualities than those of the book. Basically, the plot is KIND-OF the same...but as far as the characters, they should have changed the name of the movie along with the name of the characters and it might have a chance in the movie theaters. The way it is, however, is going to upset quite a few Anne Rice fans, me included. The visual effects are exciting, but in a few places, it gets really grainy. I feel that the character Lestat needed more background..which is WHY there was a book in between Interview with the Vampire and The Queen of the Damned. There was much too much emphasis on on making the bad guys seem somewhat scary and not enough on development of characters and actual plot. I have to say that Stewart Townsend tried, however, in his failure, I hope he realized that he tried TOO hard to seem cold hearted. The frequent head movements reminded me of junior high girl fights...with the chicken neck and everything. Marguerite Moreau however, was wonderful here. I think she portrayed her character very well and was, to me, quite convincing until the end. The settings were VERY well done, just like something out of a dream, and it was beautiful. Alliyah's last performance was ground shaking. She was most convincing and actually seemed to become the queen, Akasha. However, there are some questions I have about the movie's vampire rules. I mean, every movie has to have them...just what are their limits? And their clothes seem to have a physical connection to their bodies...I would love that to be explained. All in all...don't go in with much expectation...and you'll love it...that, or see the movie, THEN read the book. I think you will enjoy it more. The camera angles were interesting...some different techniques.However, the rotating room/box is boring and they could have done better. I mean, does a vampire's hair flow down his back when he's upside down? Just curious.

Don't take kids to see this movie, please. I know, I'm one of those parents who take my kid to movies that are not meant for his age, and even though he is much more mature than most, I refused to take him, and I'm glad I did. It was gory at times, and unnecessarily bloody most of the time. It's been done before, but I wanted to go home with more than I did. Oh well. I WOULD recommend going to see it, to judge for yourself, but don't expect much and you will walk out happy.

Peter Pan 2: Return to Never Land (2002)

Magical

[8/10 · 15 February 2002]

All you need is faith, trust and pixie dust! This is a surprisingly pleasant sequel. The C.G. Tinkerbelle is not as ...delicate as I remember from the first, but she is still made well and is just as spunky! I think they did a very good job on this movie...so good of a job that I would not classify it with normal sequels. I think it will be on the shelf with the other classics. They still have the Tink that turns red when she's mad, and the lost boys haven't changed a bit. Peter is just as I remember him, and in all this they did a great job. And overall, I love this movie. The credits did surprise me. They reminded me of the last page in the Little Golden Books I read as a child. Very similar artistry...very similar lay out.

Also, I'd like to add that the music was actually not torture for me to listen to...which counts for a lot for my opinion of cartoons.

I would not miss taking my children to this movie. It's even a sweet date movie.

I think you will like it.

Hart's War (2002)

Hogan's Hero's

[15 February 2002]

I was quite astonished at the seamless casting of this film. It was quite interesting to weave my way through the plot. I feel that at times it is a kind of unbelievable, however, the acting was so good that you ease up on the plot a bit. It is a bit shocking in the beginning, because a lot of people don't know exactly what went on over there. There are several gory shots and I certainly would not recommend this as a youth or date movie.



WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!SEMI-SPOILER!!!!!!

READ ON AT YOUR OWN RISK!







I feel this movie is rather raw and is drawing quite a bit on shock value. Though somewhat educating, it is also disturbing to see, but I guess it was more disturbing for those who were actually in the war, or any war for that matter. It is basically about a man who's father is a senator and he is sent to war. Along the way he gets captured and winds up in a pow camp that is run by a surprisingly forgiving Nazi. Then two black officers are captured and though they are soldiers, they are given no respect among the men. One of them dies early in the movie and the other believes it a conspiracy plot from a racist soldier who involuntarily shared barracks with the two men. When the remaining black officer is found over the corpse of the man he believed to cause his friend's death the guessing game of who is actually the bad guy starts. There are plot changes and twists that were completely unexpected by me. But all in all it's about brotherhood and honor, loyalty and trust.

I give the movie a rating of four out of five...mainly because I couldn't (without trailers or outside input) guess the ending. That is few and far between in today's films.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

A mindbending movie

[4 January 2002]

This is not a date movie!!!!!! The movie has a lot of unusual twists, Vanilla Sky-esk. I find that the casting was perfect, and they did a good job telling the story realistically....however DO NOT take children to see this movie...also, I do not suggest parents with young children see it....SPOILER WARNING!!!!!!!!





















There is a scene of a drowning baby, which the baby has water up to it's face....and it is making gurgling underwater sounds...it is really heart wrenching, and since I have a baby, I could barely sit through the rest of the movie....I cried the entire time, until I checked on my own baby. I worried about the baby actor and how he felt when shooting this scene...it must have been traumatic, and unless it was computer generated water, which I doubt, I would be ashamed of those parents.

Like I said, don't take parents with young children to see this movie.

But other than that it is a very well thought out movie, with no mistakes I could see.

Rat Race (2001)

Very funny!

[10 August 2001]

I do have to say that, yes, this movie is very funny. However, I predicted just about every single move they made like ten seconds before it happened. It stays within the current "cow jokes" fad, which seems to be getting old to me. I am unsure where they wanted to go with this in the end, but it is a pretty trendy movie, with many popular jokes, and many familiar faces. I personally like the cameo of Kathy Bates, it really is quite funny. All in all it was a good movie, but when you go, try to guess what the next chain of events is, I bet you could make a better movie. In the end you get a happy movie, but some parts were just weird. Note: For those who have seen it, didn't you think the lipstick scene was laugh out loud funny? I was rolling.

Enjoy.