mbat19 Reviews

American Anthem (1986)

a horrible dismount..

[21 October 2011]

Coming off the highly successful 1984 summer olympics and seen as the hearthtrob of the games, Mitch Gaylord took his shot at the movies with this pic. The plot, such as it is, has Gaylord playing a gymnast, quite a stretch, who meets the new girl in town Janet Jones who is the only thing worth looking at in the movie, as they train for the olympics with a strict coach. Guess what, they fall for each other too. Obvious plot, dumb writing, clichés everywhere. Only if you are a fan of gymnastics, Mitch Gaylord, or Janet Jones and even then there are other choices out there. This and Kurt Thomas' Gymkata were the two and thankfully the only 2 gymnastic movies released. We were spared a Mary Lou Retton and a Domonique Moceanu movie luckily... My rating is one only because there is no zero

All the President's Men (1976)

historical drama at its finest..

[21 October 2011]

when a reporter covering what he thinks to be a small time break in at democratic headquarters, realizes that there is cia and federal govt involvement, he prods deeper and with his partner uncover a cover up that leads all the way to the oval office. Based on the bestselling book, All the Presidents Men, moves with such a quick and exciting pace, it seems like good fiction. That it is based on truth makes the movie that much more watchable. Redford and Hoffman ARE Woodward and Bernstein. The two have such great chemistry together as does the rest of the cast. Robards does a great job as publisher Ben Bradlee who lets the young reporters run with the story, seeing where it will go and advising the youngsters with words of wisdom. Overall, a very well done version of the events of watergate and the reporters who broke the story

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

a classic that still resonates today

[24 September 2011]

At the start of world war one, young German schoolboys are excited to go off to war, for the glory. Their professor gives an impassioned speech to save the fatherland from the invaders. The reality becomes very different however with trench warfare, mud, rats, trench foot, disease, sickness, boredom offset by bloody violence. After returning for leave and to visit his sick mother, he returns to visit the profesor and his students. The professor, expecting him to proclaim the glories of fighting for the fatherland, is shocked and horrified when he tells his true horror story. Of course no one believes and the professor goes on his propogandanistic rants. In the end he goes back to the front and in one of the classic finales spies a butterfly.

it is shocking to find out that this book was banned at one point as was the film, because it sends the message, the true message of what war is and the hell that it brings. the movie itself is a classic. Be careful what version you see as this film has been butchered in the past with editing. Look for the complete film.

Try Seventeen (2002)

young man finds his way..

[23 September 2011]

Elijah wood plays a college student who after dropping out after his first day, moves into an apt building. He soon envelops his life in the lives of a few of the residents, including a photographer, Famke Potente and a self absorbed actress (redundant?) Mandy Moore. While he tries to figure out his life, a car crash makes him focus and do a reality check. The movie is a nice slice of life coming of age film but it seems that there is no there there. The acting is OK and the story is OK but slow. In the end it seems like the movie just sits there and doesn't really say anything that the viewer wants to hear.if you are a fan of the actors it is a passable way to waste a hour or so, but they have done better

Alien vs. Predator (2004)

it sure isn't casablanca..

[23 September 2011]

From the get go with a title like Alien vs Predator, the viewer knows it isn't going to be seeing a classic of the American cinema. Alien vs Predator is one of those movies that you leave your brain at home and just go with it. That's how I went into this movie. Surprisingly, it was better than I was expecting it to be. The plot is passable and the action is entertaining. The acting is of course wooden but i have seen a lot worse. The movie does keep your attention and of course the final battle between the alien and predator keeps your attention though the scenes are a little tough to see. Overall a harmless time waster that is good to watch if you are a fan of either series or there is nothing else on.

All About Eve (1950)

just desserts..

[23 September 2011]

All about Eve has everything a good movie should have great acting, outstanding direction, brilliant writing and one of the top movie stars of all time. Bette Davis stars as an actress used to the top and awards while anne baxter plays her anxious and enthusiastic, perhaps too enthusiastic admirer. she worms her way into her life and asks her to apprentice her and give her advice. Reluctantly, Davis' character does so feeling sorry for her though some of her friends think otherwise. In the end, Baxters character gets what she wants through whatever means necessary. this could be a real life story and i am sure it mirrors some Hollywood stars rise and fall. the movie itself is a classic that should not be missed

Alien (1979)

Of Space and isolation...

[26 August 2011]

The trailer from Alien let you know you weren't in Kansas anymore: In space, no one can hear you scream." Released on year after Star Wars, Alien became the antithesis of the blockbuster film. While Star Wars, emphasized good versus evil with the good guys winning, Alien brooded darkness and claustrophobia.

When the crew of the ship Nostromo receives a distant signal they go to investigate, but the signal turns out to be a SOS. When they get there they are slowly systematically and individually attacked and killed by an unknown force. The first time we see the alien up close is in a shocking scene, now a classic that lets the viewer know you are in for one hell of a ride, so sit back.

The difference in space movies in one year is quite a thing to see. With influences from the thing, Alien plays on our isolation, loneliness and claustrophobia. Much of the film is set in darkness and tight spaces. Then the attack comes, most of the time unseen and only briefly heard. Quite the thing when sitting in a darkened, enclosed theater.

Director James Cameron, later of Titanic fame, takes these human weaknesses and fears and makes you sit in a theater for 2 hours and want more.

Aliens (1986)

Ripley's back.

[26 August 2011]

In my review of Alien, I mistakenly said James Cameron directed Alien, obviously i was mistaken. Whitley Streiber did Alien, Cameron directed the sequel in which Ripley, awakens after 50 years, finds out the planet was colonized but now all contact has been lost. the company goes in to find out why and grudgingly Ripley agrees. Of course, she warns them of the danger but they don't listen.

Aliens is one of the rarities: a sequel equal to or surpassing the original. Sigourney Weaver is back as the heroine Ripley and the Alien, more visible this time are truly frightening. This is not a film for the kiddies. While a little overlong, Cameron builds the suspense and keeps you at the edge of your seat.

Aladdin (1992)

it's all about the genie..

[26 August 2011]

The early 90s were a great time for Disney with Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, and Aladdin. Of all of these popular Disney movies, Aladdin has the least punch to it. It starts out slow but once Robin Williams shows up as the Genie, it gets kicking. Robin Williams is a tour de force in this feature, basically carrying the whole film. The casting of Williams was genius. Roger Ebert wondered in his review which came first - the drawings or the voice, because Williams improvisational skill is shown off impressively here.

The rest of the film is unfortunately predictable. Boy meets girl. boy can't get girl b/c he thinks he isn't good enough. Boy tries to be someone he isn't. boy loses girl. boy saves the girl and wins her back by being himself. Oh and there is a cute sidekick and a mean villain too.

For the kids, it's a great movie and they will want to watch it over and over again. Having the genie in it will make it much easier.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

frustrating futuristic tale

[31 July 2011]

When one imagines a movie combining the exemplarly skills of Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick, goosebumps could appear. Unfortunately, in this tale, it falls very frustratingly short. Osment plays a futuristic robot - one that has actual feelings. Adopted by a couple with a child that has a seemingly terminal disease, things go well a first. Then a cure is found for their 'real' child. They leave Osment out on the road as if he was a piece of litter in a very emotional scene. osment is left on his own to fend for himself and with a lot of questions but few answers. Along the way he meeets Jude Law and tries to find answers.

What is frustrating is that the viewer always seems that there is more to come that the movie is holding back that something is missing. maybe if Kubrick had the chance to complete his vision, it might have been in place. as it is, it is in essence two movies: Kubrickian and Speilbergian..

Airplane! (1980)

Laugh a minute

[31 July 2011]

Airplane! has so many jokes and one liners it is one of those movies that you need to see more than once just to catch everything. The movie has the Robert Hays character besmitten with his ex following her on an airplane where she is a stewardess. They had a falling out after a term in the peace corps - he wanted to reenlist she didn't. While on the plane, food poisoning strikes the crew and the passengers -and with the crew out they need someone who can land this plane. Over this backdrop the hilarity ensues. The movie has been an influence for a plethora of movies and TV shows in the 30 years plus since its arrival and made the zuckers household names. Films like scary movie and naked gun are obvious influences. It also resurrected the career of leslie nielsen.

While some of the jokes fall flat, there are so many of them coming at you so fast, it is hardly noticed. Definitely one of the all time funniest i have ever seen

Airplane II: The Sequel (1982)

second verse same as the first..

[31 July 2011]

The inevitable sequel to the surprise blockbuster spoof movie airplane is unfortunately a sequel in every aspect of the word.

The first five minutes gives us all a faint sense of hope and works marvelously but afterwards our hopes are dashed. A lot of the same jokes get rehashed - almost to the letter. While there are still a lot of funny moments there there is not a lot else there. William Shatner does great in his role and hams it up like only Shatner can.

This time a space shuttle is in trouble and Hays is called forth to land it safely. There is a lot of the same cast and zaniness but it feels unfortunately like deja vu all over again.

Agent Cody Banks (2003)

typical youngster flick but entertains nonetheless

[30 July 2011]

Frankie Muiniz plays a secret agent teenager trained in all the ways of being a teenager except one - talking to girls. In what sounds like a Disney movie plot, he goes on a mission involving a pretty girl of course and has to learn on the job. The movie is what it is a movie for the younger tween crowd and fans of the malcom in the middle star and fans of Hilary Duff. It is not bad and is entertaining mindless fare that you can watch with your brains off with your kids. Just don't expect anything great. Muniniz and Duff do a pretty good job with the material and it is always good to see law and order veteran Angie Harmon .

Æon Flux (2005)

Aeon sucks..

[30 July 2011]

Based on the MTV anime, Aeon Flux came on to the movie scene with high expectations for the fans of the show. Unfortunately, the movie falls way short in answering those expectations. Charlize Theron is a good choice for the title character though, playing her role the best she can. The problem is however, making a movie out of the anime series itself. The series featured very scantily clad Aeon and wasn't all that cohesive. The movie isn't much better. The plot is lacking and confusing. The characters aren't drawn out that well and there is no interest at all in their lives or what is going on in the movie itself. the plot on paper seems interesting but it loses all translation on the big screen. The one scene that is truly cool however is the literal blades of grass. Sadly, that is the only thing i remember out of the whole thing.

After Hours (I) (1985)

A man tries to find his way home in the pre cel pre ATM 80s

[30 July 2011]

Griffin Dunne does a good job in this Scorsese flick about a man who goes on a date and ends up in a series of adventures that wont let him get home to sleep. The movie features an all star cast with Rosanna Arquette, Linda Fiorentino as roommates, the latter being a dominatrix who shows off her wares to him. Tommy Chong makes a brilliant cameo as well. The movie however, shows its age these days. Younger generations who watch it will think right off the bat, where is his cel phone or why doesn't he just go to a MAC machine. This is set in the good old days before such conveniences. Scorsese does a fine job directing this low key and although i gave it a 5 it is underrated and entertaining to watch, just that is about all there is too it. It is a little too wry too dark too understated.

Against All Odds (1984)

aging footballer goes searching for friends gf and finds trouble

[30 July 2011]

Jeff Bridges plays an aging down on his luck footballer who is cut. Looking for work and money, he helps a friend in a shady proposition: tail his girlfriend. He follows her down to Mexico and finds her and of course falls for her. Her motives though are questionable and she heads back to LA and her boyfriend. Bridges follows her and tries to find answers and ends up in a bunch of danger.

Best known for the title song by Phil Collins, the film has some good points going for it : Jeff Bridges and James Woods do good jobs acting and Rachel Ward is definitely simmering in this movie. The car chase scene is a classic but overall thats about it. The rest is your standard noir film without much more to recommend it

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

The swashbuckler of all swashbucklers

[30 July 2011]

The very definition of swashbuckler and adventure film, Errol Flynn stars as Robin Hood the saxon who robbed the rich and gave to the poor. The movie is as classic as you can get. It has the action and suspense, a brilliant musical score, outstanding bright and lively colors in a time when color was still in its infancy. A great cast in Errol Flynn, who is the comparison for every Robin Hood before and after. Basil Rathbone, who later went on to play Sherlock Holmes, as the villain. Olivia De Havilland as the lovely maid Marian.

Of all the Robin Hoods there were, Flynn is still the definitive version. While the movie was remade several times and probably will be again, this is THE one and only - Robin Hood

Addams Family Values (1993)

and baby makes even creepier and kookier..

[30 July 2011]

At the end of the first film, the Addams' welcomed an addition to the family. as the film starts, there is just a bit of sibling rivalry going on between pugsley, Wednesday and the new little one Pubert. While their dastardly deeds are deterred, loving parents Morticia and Gomez send the little ones off to summer camp. Wednesday, again brilliantly played by Christina Ricci, has more of a summer camp nightmare when she stays true to herself and refuses to fit in is forced to watch Disney movies over and over. In a classic scene her and pugsley along with the other outcasts do a reinterpretation of the first Thanksgiving dinner. Meanwhile, the Addams hire a nanny, played by Joan Cusack, who seems a little too good to be true. Fester falls for the nanny but Wednesday seems to think there are alterior motives at play.

Sequels aren't usually better than the first one and while this one isn't exactly better, it is still up to par with the first one with its own classic moments and great casting. Every now and then there is talk of another Addams movie, and for a while there was some on television with Tim Curry as Gomez. The untimely death of Raul Julia though takes away part of a great cast that is almost impossible to match.

The Addams Family (1991)

perfectly cast version of creepy kooky classic

[30 July 2011]

I am sure that when it was announced that they were making a movie of the Addams Family that a lot of fans of the show were concerned that it would not play well on the screen. This movie proves otherwise because for one, it is perfectly cast. Anjelica Huston makes a perfect Morticia with her jet black hair and Raul Julia a perfect Gomez bombastic and classy with a thing for his 'Tish speaking French. The rest of the cast is well done too. Christopher Lloyd shows again why he is one of the best actors out there..From Taxi to Back to the Future to Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the guy can play almost any role. Christina Ricci plays a wonderfully dour Wednesday. The plot, about how a couple of con artists try to swindle the Addams fortune, is simple and gives the cast a chance to shine. It has its slow points along with its classic bits (the famous girl scouts line has a billboard of Tombstone pizza in the background). It holds up very well to multiple viewings which is always a sign of a good film

Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995)

One of the reasons not to make a sequel..

[17 July 2011]

Ace Ventura pet detective was a surprise hit which of course means it would lead to the inevitable sequel and voila here it is Ace Ventura When Nature Calls. Unfortunately, they should not have answered. While the first Ace Ventura was entertaining light and charming in its ways and was dumb and knew it was dumb and played off of it, this one tries way too hard and the jokes for the most part fall flat and some fall very very flat to the point that the movie is almost racist in parts. If you must see an ace ventura double feature, see the first one twice. My true rating for this is a zero, but their scale does not go that low.. This one is for the birds..

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

Alllrighty then...

[17 July 2011]

Jim Carrey's breakout role was as Ace Ventura Pet Detective who goes out looking for the missing pets that are an epidemic on our society today. he is hired by the Miami Dolphins football team to look for their missing mascot so it can be returned in time for the super bowl. Carrey is a master of disguise and he does a good job in this one. Their is a good well known cast supporting him in Courtney Cox (pre scream and Friends, I believe) and Sean Young, who almost steals this movie believe it or not. Of course, it is a dumb movie and one that you leave your brain at home. But it is also a dumb movie that makes you laugh and has some great bits to it but not enough to last the whole movie

Absolute Power (1997)

Absolute disappointment

[17 July 2011]

Clint Eastwood stars and directs as a cat burglar who witnesses the current president, while having an affair, commit murder. Of course, the game is how Clint is going to prove it and how Gene Hackman, as President, is going to have him stopped/killed. A good cast, with Eastwood and Hackman reunited from Unforgiven, along with E G Marshall. Clint's daughter Alison, even is featured in an early role as an art student.Of course, the plot with a philandering president, is meant as a take off of the Clinton Administration with its Lewinsky/Flowers/Jones scandals.But overall, the film falls flat. With such a good cast, one would expect a more than formula type movie. But that is just what we get, a predictable formula movie, very predictable

The Accused (1988)

Powerful, if not predictable Drama

[17 July 2011]

Jodie Foster is a woman who gets gang raped at a pinball machine at a bar in this based on a true story movie that won Oscars. While at the first trial for rape, the perpetrators receive a light sentence, for what Foster believes to be because of her character and how she was dressed - the "she shouldn't have been out at night or dressed that way" excuse. She hires Kelly McGillis to charge the men again and it plays out in court. The movie gives different POV's and shows graphic details of the attack several times. Foster gives an outstanding performance. The actors who play the perpetrators are stereotypes however and it does diminish a bit from the overall film. The movie is a definite roller coaster ride and will stay with you afterwards. A sign of a good movie

About a Boy (2002)

One of Hugh Grant's finest

[6/10 · 19 June 2011]

About A Boy is one of Hugh Grant's finest - in it, he plays a ne'er do well rich 38 year old boy who invents an imaginary son to attend single parent groups to hook up with women. Along the way he meets up with a 12 year old who shows him how to be a grown up. Grant is at his most charming and the movie is very subdued. Toni Colette plays the young boys mom and Rachel Weisz is the vexing older girl for Marcus. It is this relationship in the movie that brings smiles to the viewer. In the end, Will helps Marcus be a cool kid, and Marcus helps Will mature and be a grown up. The pairing of the two plays perfectly. One wishes Hugh Grant would go back to making these kind of little charming pictures

About Last Night (1986)

A romance of the 80's

[6/10 · 19 June 2011]

Rob Lowe and Demi Moore play a couple who try to make a one night stand into a relationship in the very true to life movie. It explores all the ups and downs of trying to make a relationship work as well as all the doubts and worries if this is the right person etc. James Belushi and Elizabeth McGovern play the role of best friend to Lowe's Danny and Moore's Debbie magnificently. They banter back and forth between each other but you can tell there is a chemistry there between them as well, perhaps even more so than with Danny and Debbie. The movie features Rob Lowe and Demi Moore at their most attractiveness too. They are both very easy on the eyes in this film but yet they still seem down to earth. It is definitely a movie for adults though. It has one of the best nude/sex scenes in my opinion with Demi Moore before her implants. Overall, About Last Night is a perfect date movie for grown ups.