February 27, 2004
Movie Updates!
Click below for an updated list of movie reviews, including The Passion of the Christ and Jersey Girl! DO IT NOW, DAMMIT!
I didn't find anything controversial about this movie except it's excessive violence. The film is so intent on portaying the suffering that Jesus endured during his final days that it loses sight of the larger picture, which is why he endured it. The use of slow motion becomes annoying after the 20th time it's used, especially during the 30-minute climb to the top of the mount with cross in tow. Personally, I think it would have been a far more interesting film if there had been more focus on the dramatic (the socio-political issues surrounding the events) instead of the brutalilty. But, then again, I'm not Mel Gibson.
It's just another run-of-the-mill crime thriller. Ashley Judd has just become a detective, but a new string of murders all point to her as the cheif suspect. The acting is above average for this type of flick: Ashley kicks up the intensity a notch, Andy Garcia turns on the weirdo factor, and Samuel L. Jackson just plain kicks ass no matter what he's doing. In fact, Sam Jackson could do a 4 hour program on gardening, and I would be entertained. It's got some twists and turns, as per usual, but the final twist is a bit confusing and comes out of left field. I say wait for video...maybe HBO.
This is an awesome movie. It's a horror comedy, but not relying on cheesy parody like the Scary Movie series. The employees of a tropical resort are getting killed off, and it's up to the remaining few to solve the mystery of who's behind it. There are some really good scary slasher moments, and the comedy is abundant. Bill Paxton as a washed-up Jimmy Buffet rip-off is hysterical. I highly recommend this movie as the one to see this weekend.
This movie is still a month away from being released, but I got to go to a special preview last night. This is Kevin Smith's first writing and directing gig after the Jay and Silent Bob oeuvre, and I have to say that our little Kevin has finally grown up. The film is about Ben Affleck's character having to juggle his career with being a single father after his wife dies during childbirth. The movie could definately be labeled a comedy, but it has it's serious moments, too. Overall, it's very heartwarming and delightfully charming. Ben Affleck proves that he does have acting skills. George Carlin rocks, as always. The little girl, however, steals the show. When this movie is released at the end of March, overlook the marketing and go see it. It will be worth be it. I promise.