mattyd-5 Reviews

U-571 (2000)

If it was made in 1962, you'd have seen it 10 times by now.

[8/10 · 20 April 2000]

Just as "The Hurricane" should not be discounted for historical inaccuracy, nor should U-571. It is a good and entertaining film, despite being a big, loud, Hollywood production full of special effects (note Wild Wild West). Not the best war film (see All Quiet on the Western Front or even Sgt. York), not the best WWII film (The Great Escape is a better example), not even the best WWII German submarine film (hey, Das Boot). Still, it's a good one, and if this film had been made in 1962 starring Steve McQueen as the XO (McCaughnahey's role) you'd have seen it at least 10 times by now.

This one is worth seeing in the theater and it's worth full fare.

28 Days (2000)

Believe it or not you might actually like this flick

[7/10 · 30 March 2000]

Given the recent string of Sandra's films I went into this one expecting to hate it - wanting to hate it. Should you be reeling from the likes of "Hope Floats" or "Forces of Nature", fear not, "28 Days" is a decent film (and if you head in with those low expectations you'll surely come out smiling). Some might view it as a lighter version of "Girl, Interrupted" and that seems fair. Sandra plays a convincing party girl (this film is clearly all hers). While this is an obviously upbeat peek into the struggles of rehabilitation, some of the portrayals are remarkably accurate (trust me). There is, of course, a romantic storyline but this is predictable and only the resolution is of any real interest. Steve Buscemi is uncharacteristically sane in his role as a counsellor. How much you want to spend to see this movie is a personal choice. Let's just say that if your sweetie really wants to see this one you can smile and go without complaint.