sq8188 Reviews

A Very Merry Mix-Up (2013 TV Movie)

Clockmaker's Magic

[9/10 · 20 December 2014]

Gave it a nine because I was not immediately sold on the folk tale told by Alice the heroine at the start of the movie. And the chance meeting (lost luggage) that brought the main characters together (introduce Mark Wielbe) was just so-so. But as the story develops once they got to Wielbe's warm-hearted family, it's so christmasy and a joy to watch. Top performance from the leads. Alice Witt and Mark Wielbe have great chemistry. Who can forget grandpa (Laurance Dane) ? These are all wonderful characters. As much as Witt and Wielbe were made for each other, the always business-first, deal maker fiancé, was the anti- hero. He treats her like the properties he trades. What sets this movie apart is the unassuming, wholesome charm of the female lead, Alice Witt, who is endearing to watch. She is complemented by Mark Wielbe who is humble and trusty and said many funny,down-to-earth lines.

Thank God for Hallmark. We need to get our fill, especially around the holidays for classic love stories that never get old. I also disagree with previous writer who commented the music was too loud. Quite the contrary the music guides us along nicely. We actually yearns for it in a subliminal way. And I appreciate the subtle drum beats when Alice has to make a big decision. It wouldn't be right without the right notes.

Gravity (2013)

A Unique Movie Experience

[2/10 · 26 April 2014]

Unique. I did not say perfect. Sandra Bullock gives a better performance than her role in "Blind Side" but lost to a first time foreign black actress, such is Hollywood. Bullock is tense almost from the beginning. Only a chatty George Cloney lightens her a little, before the space storm hits. She fears, she panics, she gives up temporarily then gets rejuvenated - I won't say how - then overcomes. What made this a unique experience is she is all alone in space, in the boundless void where few human have subjected too. The struggle to survive is not new, but the appreciation of the victory in just being able to walk on Tera firma is universally shared; in fact this is why we go to the movies. Thank God for gravity. Without it we will all be float away somewhere. While there is much to celebrate about the theme, the movie isn't perfect. Bullock's personal background of having lost her little girl is not well developed. And I still have a hard time placing Bullock in a college science lab. Her role as Dr Stone would have been more believable she appears more bookish. George Cloney is too suave. Those are minor flaws however if you just take in a unique movie experience.

By the way someone had mention Rachel Wiez be a better choice. Agree totally. But the bean counters at the studio wanted Bullock for the box office appeal.

At First Sight (1999)

Well-acted, Powerful, Plausible drama

[8/10 · 2 November 2013]

5.7 ! I can't believe how underrated this movie is. This is genuine,powerful drama. The first segment highlights the courtship of Amy and Virgil. It went well and stomped somewhat familiar ground and we thought it would pace the movie into expected and nice conclusion. The middle segment dealt with the operation and how Virgil had to retrain his brain to new-found vision as adult. ***SPOILER*** then the last segment makes an unexpected,tragic and cruel turn. If it was gut- wrenching to watch imagine how the real life "Virgil" for whom this true story was based on must have felt. Then the epilogue and closing remarks about the real "Amy" and "Virgil". This is powerful stuff. Val Klimer I thought was as action kick-butt guy only - was I wrong! He intelligently plays the first blind Virgil who had reconciled himself, then as the sighted Virgil who had to relearn everything as an adult, and lastly the at-peace Virgil again when he went blind again. In between sighted and then blindness he saw his older sister for first time, commented how beautiful she was and how she had given up life to take care of him, having both been abandoned by their runaway dad. His relationship with Amy is more complicated. He needs her but wants to have some Independence, while Amy is all loving and supportive. To provide some irony Amy had brief moment close to submitting to Duncan, the scheming ex-husband who wants them back together again. But it was too brief a moment and Amy affirmed her love to Virgil by abruptly breaking away from Duncam. We see these characters in real life. They are around us. They are us. Just like having doubts about Val Klimer, I had initial doubt about Mira Sorvino who too often associates with light comedy. Here She was caring and devoted to Virgil and shows she never lost sight of who she is. Kelly McGillis' protective, self- sacrificing big sister was believable. "I spent my whole life looking down, checking for pot holes so Virgil wouldn't fall in," she said. The medical staff was convincing. Ken Howard's brief but important appearance delivered the counterpoint. The script was intelligently written and many details about how the blinds adjust to their environment display careful research. This is the movie if you are in the mood for a well-acted and powerful drama.

Identity Thief (2013)

Modestly Entertaining

[6/10 · 13 October 2013]

Not nearly as bad as many critics have it. It begins promisingly and seems to have a good story line until lead character Sandy Patterson (Bateman) conceived an implausible plot to gain back the confidence of his new boss. The female lead (McCarthy) is a blabber-mouth con artist who is fairly devoid of sympathy from the audience. She has many talents besides stealing identity and living it up at the victim's expense. Despite being repugnant her time on screen is entertaining because she is fast-action compare to the boring and lethargic Bateman. To draw more tension, the unlucky pair is chased by an inept hit team ordered by a prison crime lord who has past grievance with McCarthy, and a lone bounty hunter. Never quite sure who the bounty hunter works for. The other female character,Amanda Peets who plays Bateman's wife had very little to say or do and appear absolutely anorexic for a mother of two. A more normal sized woman to play opposite the full-sized McCarthy would be more fitting. Near the end, McCarthy softens up just a bit to end the story in a positive way. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours and we did learned one thing - the law is too lax-ed toward this new type of criminals and better law enforcement coordination is needed.

The Game (1997)

Just A Silly Game

[2 May 2013]

** SPOILER **

Is it possible everybody in this movie was "in on it" ? Every accident, every "death" was staged. There was no deep rewakening, just a lot of silliness. Some how after 1.5 hr of phony plots, I wish Sean Penn and the lawyer were really in an evil plot to take over Mike Douglas's business empire. The film is well-made which is a waste; you'd get tired after seeing everything was a spoof. Who is being made fool here? Example of this silliness would have Mike Douglas jumped off a sky scraper after another staged scene, thru a cathedral glass ceiling,onto a marked landing balloon to the applause of an awaiting dinner party. Of course, they know the exact spot Douglas will jump and therefore aligned the landing perfectly.

Find some other more intelligent game to play.

Giant (1956)

Something to Appreciate

[8/10 · 28 April 2013]

Giant 1956

A movie to see even with its flaws. Movie of that era, and stars of that era are never to return. They seemed bigger than life which coincidently was also the movie's title. This was a time when adult men get up for hostess at the dinner table; this was a time when there was no gender confusion - women know how to be women and men would be men.

You see a pristine Elizabeth Taylor and brawny handsome Rod Hudson. They make a very attractive couple on screen. Robert Mitchum was also considered but would be a bad choice because he lacks the appeal of Hudson to match the beautiful Taylor. The early scenes were the best, Taylor flirting with Hudson at her father's house when he came to purchase her prized stallion. In contrast to the rich verdant fields of Maryland, the Texas ranch where Hudson returned to with new bride Leslie (Taylor) appears almost desolate, absent of any vegetation and strewn with rolling moss. But Taylor did not seem to mind and looked genuinely determined to make a new life there.

Hudson's Bick was laconic,actually a simply man, steeped in tradition. His sudden transformation to total acceptance of the "lower" Mexican class was not apparent. Director Stevens could have used Taylor's successful effort in providing health care to poor Mexicans as a boon for change in Bick. That did not happen.

Taylor is in her full glory here. Lively,eastern-cultured turned Texan, she is smoldering and lifts the whole story. How would Grace Kelly do had she been casted no one knows. But I personally think a tall cool blonde is not what is needed here.

Now about Dean, never understand his dislikes of the Benedicts. The movie does little in explaining that conflict. If Dean is envious of Bick he is doing little to get out of the mode he is in. Not until he inherits a piece of land bequeath to him does he finds incentive to improve himself. But then he only manifests it in front of Taylor and no one else. Why was Dean's role necessary ? It only comes to light the day after I saw "Giant". Dean was there to draw a difference. He is destroyed by his sudden riches. Bick, on the other, laments the past when his family ruled a cattle empire, but he adapts to the future and makes peace with himself, even when he lost a fight with a bigoted ex- army cafe owner. That, my friend is priceless.

Something needed to be said about other considerable talents here: the great Rod Taylor no relation to Elizebath used only sparingly in the first scene. He could have provided some counter punches when Hudson comes to steal his love interest. Sal Mineo as grown-up Angel whom Taylor helped when he was a sick baby had barely any speaking part.

Yet overall you want to see "Giant" for its grandeur and big-ness, and to appreciate a past era and the fledgling, social, economic change for that time, which would give way to the psychedelic years of the 60's and beyond.

The Man in the Moon (1991)

A Nice Little Gem

[7/10 · 26 April 2013]

A nice little gem. Every word of it. It is a small picture and it was nice. There ! Idyllic country scene and superb cinematography makes this movie very watchable. It is amazing that Witherspoon probably did her finest dramatic work the first time out. From the first look on, Witherspoon's Danny was absorbing and real. You could understand her. Perhaps you have a niece that went through similar experience, perhaps you were her in your adolescent years. Fine example of art imitating life. Jason London, the subject of her adolescent love, was also excellent in his role. Sam Waterston as the father in rural town showed perfect nuance of characters in that era. The only miscast was Tess Harper,who was wooden. It might not be her fault as there were hardly any lines written for her role even though it was a woman's screenplay. Overall very touching and we got the resolution we expect in the end.

Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

Well-made and Satisfying

[8/10 · 23 March 2013]

Critics are crying lack of originality. You might say a cheeseburger lacks originality but you'd go back to it if its well cooked. Same here. From the opening sequence - well crafted and nuanced - which sets up the theme for the rest of the movie to conclusion, yes it did feel like one long-take, maybe there ought to be some pauses or cut-aways, but overall it is a fast ride and gratifying and a cut above recent genre. There were few minor misses. I looked for Morgan Freeman to show his usual calm under duress but here he looked dejected. A departure. The main action hero agent whats his name did not displayed any sense of fear while playing in den of deadly foes who occupied the White House, he simply wondered around room to room, sat in the Oval Office and made calls. Hard to believe. Oh, the movie commits a major crime in killing off the first lady / the lovely and talented Ashley Judd within the first 10 minutes, that had me tearing my hair out. They could have used some pretty but no-name actress but not Ashley ?

8 out of 10 for exciting action, realism and just sit back enjoy the show and don't ask too many questions.

The Piano (1993)

Not Everything is Art

[5/10 · 13 January 2013]

Agree with others there is not a single character here that is likable or you want to care about. In Hunter, her main character is walled-in and obnoxious to say the least. She made no attempt to relate to anyone except her daughter, then suddenly she's found this great affection for the perverted, scheming Mr.Bain, the neighbor. It was not believable. As for the husband, who for a moment looks like Robert Wagner in a rain hat in an early post, only to revealed to be the inexpressive,aloof Sam Neil whose appearance in any movie is guaranteed flop; maybe the bad attracts the inept. The young daughter is equally repugnant with her own brand of contemptuousness. Lastly director Jane Campion who was New Zealand born, bored a haughty supremacy attitude toward the natives - a third character in this movie. There were no worthy diaglog written for them and they were collectively a servitude with low intel, from the way they were portraited.

If Hunter's only expression comes from playing her piano, or so the underlying theme and the title tells us, you'd wonder why there are not more varying pieces? It is the same piece over and over again except one brief underscored occasion. Could Hunter feels the same mood all the time, which appears that way actually with her dour complexion.

Overall the film moved too slow, too bleak and without substance for much of the first half. There were genuine moments of importance in the finale but I feel the screen play could have a much better outcome if it is handled better or differently, perhaps with more sensitivity.

Argo (2012)

Score One for the Good Guys

[8/10 · 29 December 2012]

Never thought Ben Affleck could act, or direct. In his latest work ( I have not watched the acclaimed "Gone Baby Gone" or "The Town" ), he has shown me he can do both, quite well. Filmed with gritty realism like in "Munich", Argo is taut, tightly-scripted and made the 2 hr run time seems like 1 big take. There were genuine suspense and tension. Small misses - I would like to see how the six Americans got out of the ambassy. First you see the iranian thugs and zealots storm the ambassy, Americans were taken hostage and blind-folded, next six Americans were walking the streets free. But overall this is only minor fau paux. My only other complaint is a humorous one - why does everyone wear those huge,outsize, Hilary Clinton at Yale type glasses ? Definitely look for more good movies to come from Ben.

2016: Obama's America (2012)

Worth Seeing for Both Sides

[8/10 · 28 October 2012]

Having gone into the theatre without reading anything about it, I am struck with how scholarly it is. Here we are in the confine of a dark movie threatre with total attention to the screen, unlike if you see this as a news special at home with all the distractions, has the advantage that it totally focuses you to the Obama controversy. It is undeniable we are the product of our upbringing. What we learned in our formative years shaped us in ways good or bad. There is no controversy about Obama's connection from early age to marxist ideologs and radicals. Obama may see America as imperialist in same lens his father Barrack Sr did on Great Britain. It is not to say Obama is right. America has taken very few outposts throughout its history. Far as we know Hawaii,Puerto Rico do not want to bring away from the Union - this is the key test. How Barrack Jr sees America as this great evil is still mystery. His actions does show he wants to radically transform America to something our founders not envisioned nor wanted by the majority of Americans. A greater mystery yet is Obama Jr insists on pursuing the transformation of America despite major opinion to the contrary. Given that chance, in his own words he'd be free to do much more in a second term, 2016 could indeed be freightening. And once you have sold a significant population to the promise of communist utopia, it maybe too late to turn back. They would not give up the spoils taken from the backs of so-called "rich" without a revolution.

The Vow (2012)

Refused to Be Ordinary, A Good Find

[10/10 · 16 June 2012]

I don't hand out 10s easily but I could not find any flaws to this wonderful love-story. It could have been a standard, formulaic loss-of-memory plot but it REFUSES TO BE ORDINARY and delivered believable but dramatic turns. After the first lead-in part, you would think the movie is about falling in love with the same woman again - that itself would be fair and acceptable - but the screen play went a different direction and offers some intrigues. By the ending you'll agree with the new direction and all the subtle hints it lay along the way made sense.

The main characters hit the right notes as were a fine supporting cast. Cudos to the director who paced the story sensibly and measurably. Personally I like the male lead (Tatum) the most. Everything he did was honest and believable. The female lead (McAdams) played someone who was justifiably confused and acted as should be. Great cinematography and memorable snow scenes. This movie isn't more highly rated could be because it lacked the glamorous stars. I rated it 10 out of 10 and highly recommended.

Firewall (2006)

Modestly entertaining, had hope for more

[6/10 · 1 September 2006]

You thought the baddies has a plan when they burst in crack-team fashion with techie monitoring equipments. Turns out that was nothing thing more than to just watch the kidnapped mom and her 2 children. But the major flaw was (amusing) this highly-train cracked team didn't have a plan. Their simple modus operanti was to hold the family at bay and asked the husband to figure out something. I thought they were criminal masterminds? Other obvious problems have already been mentioned. Does Mary Lyn Rajskub (Cloe/24) has to live in a dump and drive a wreck? It is disappointing to not hear Harrison Ford apologize once for firing her, then takes for granted that she will obliged to help him, not to mention putting herself directly in the sight of the baddies. I think also Rajskub is not advancing her career by simply replaying Cloe/24. Ford's children, especially the daughter are just props. It would be mildly interesting to have the daughter get a thing for one the younger more agreeable hoods. The fact that wife Madsen is an architecture and designed her own home, one with an escape plan has not been setup for the audience at all. And the entire state of Washington is so wi-fi ready also stretches our imagination. Lastly why didn't Ford wear a rain coat on this many trips to the office instead of drenching in the rain in his expensive executive suit. Natives of Seatle should know better.

Perhaps the biggest problem I have is lack of technical knowledge on display in what is being premised as movie updated for 21st century technology. The producer could have hired techie advisors to inject the right amount of technical jargons into the dialog to overcome liberal arts screen writer's lack of depth in this area. Sadly not much was done there.

On the plus side, the movie does pickup somewhat half-way through the movie and keeps pace toward the predictable finale.

White Nights (1985)

Flawed but still a nice piece of work

[7/10 · 10 September 2005]

Not enough is said about Helen Mirren's superb performance as the former lover and balerina. Her Russian affectations are perfect. And nice legs too. About the flaws there are 2 major ones. First off, the whole movie was building for a grand finale in which Barishnikov will give one grand final performance never happened. Second, through out much of the movie, Hines and Barishnikov argued and bickered with each other to the point of antagonizing each other. Yes it's supposed to be clash of culture. But it went too far. Then suddenly near the end they turned lovy-dovy and cooperated. Hard to believe. If you dismiss these fau pax you will find an refreshing, intriguing movie worth sitting through more than 2 hours to see.

Hero (2002)

Equals to / Might Even Be Better than "Crouching Tigers"

[29 August 2004]

While the similarities are many, HERO goes over the top because it tells a more powerful story. "Crouching Tigers" works on a personal level about how an untamed spirit is honed to obedience and ultimately achieves a higher form of harmony. HERO depicts kings who have to abide by even their own rules. "No one knows me better but an assassin", lamented the emperor. Although it is not new about self-sacrificing for the good of a whole people, but the twist is how it was consummated. Done here with great enguity. Others have already commented what a visual pageantry "HERO" is. See it on big screen first, then buy the DVD and enjoy it whenever you want. Those who have a bootlegged copy from Asian market, do the right thing - see it in movie theatre for all of its grandeurs.

The Virginian (2000 TV Movie)

Well Worth Watching Many Times Over

[5 July 2004]

From the first panoramic scene of galloping horses over the verdant steppes of Wyoming (well its filmed in Canada), I knew this film held promise and it did not disappoints. Deliberately paced, patient personal studies and sufficient screen times between the lead characters builds a believable, human story out of the wild west. Thanks to another insightful poster, this film neither glamorizes nor caricaturizes the western experience and in so doing made many of the other westerns less real now. Pullman does nice job of directing and acting too. Diane Lane delivered the staid school teacher from the North character perfectly. Strong supporting cast especially the Judge. Agree with another poster, the ending ***SPOILER*** would have been more poignant had it ended with Pullman accepting the loss of his love and living with the adjudication that he had defended his personal honour in a way a man was supposed to in those days.

The Godfather Part II (1974)

Michael Corleone losing his humanity (as if he had one)

[8/10 · 24 June 2004]

What's the point here? Michael distrusts everyone and again have most of everyone killed. Michael turned darker and darker as if he wasn't sinister enough already. I like the DeNiro segment much better. At least he demonstrated a person we can empathize with. Not so with Michael. I know of no one (thank God) like him and same for most of us. His is a totally disgusting,inhuman character without redemption. Why should we even watch over half of the movie with him in it if we don't like the character? It was at least interesting in the first movie that we get to witness the transformation of "that's my family (not me),Kate" Michael to cold killer mastermind. Since he had become that, what's the point of watching this character losing more of his humanity as if he had some left. Good thing must be said about the production thought, it was even more sumptuously filmed and choreographed than the original. But that's the only credible thing. By the way has anyone notice Diane Keatin never appear again after getting slapped (a single great shot to the cheek) by Michael?

Braveheart (1995)

Brutal and Lack of Subtlety

[4/10 · 3 June 2004]

Mel Gibson has a death wish and is an exihibtionist - he shows it every chance he gets. He regularly enjoys being beaten to a pulp on screen. Although I am a believer I think he went over-board with the suffering of Christ in his OTHER MOVIE and not enough said about the triumph of Christ and supernatural intelligence that could only be divine. And you have to trace the root of Gibson's penchance for self-mutilation to this movie. In addition,being subtle and thought-provoking is obviously not important to Gibson. The only virtue in this movie is that we get our first look at the beautiful French actress Sofie Marcel, luscious green scenery, melodic score by Horner, but Mel ? No thank you.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Admirable Effort Falls Short

[13 March 2004]

Mel Gibson is a limited actor. Apparently he is even more limited as a film director. Nothing is left to the imagination. If something could be told once or twice he will beat it to the ground. "Passion" tells his version of Christ's suffering, while accurate to most biblical text does he (and all those before him) have to depict Christ as pathetic, helpless and weak to make the point? Take for example the way this film Jesus answered Pilate when the former asked "Do you not know I have the power to free you, and the power to crucify you?", the answered came very faint and weak and barely audible over the loud sound track. I think a stronger statement would substantiate why he was who he said he was. But it is down this path the movie went. More beatings and sufferings ( I am not detracting the pain Jesus must have felt, being made more enormous because he was faultless to made fault, sinless to made sin for mankind's reparation) until a rather quick ending when Gibson has nothing left to say, in this narrow, one-track presentation. See it if you are searching for faith, but balance the lasting image of the mutilated, crucified Jesus with the power of the life he lived.

Once Around (1991)

"A real find, does not disappoint"

[9 March 2004]

With a strong cast of some of Hollywood's best veteran actors and a highly respected director of praised dramas, "Once Around" got what it needs to lift it out of a often used formula. It is wonderful to see such an eclectic cast of characters together making something extraordinary out of the ordinary. Holly Hunter and Richard Dreyfus deserve each other as a highly charged couple. Dreyfus's Sam is a piece of work - brash, manipulative and yet engaging. Hunter is full of nervous energy. Gena Rowland does not disappoint in displaying the power in her character in the scene where she confronts Dreyfus in protection of her husband at a reception. The one character that stood out the most, in my mind,is Danny Aiello's family patriarch. His is a laconic, slightly wounded man, trying to remain dignified while holding the family together. He was overshadowed by the showy Dreyfus. You feel his pains. But when Dreyfus got sick near the end, he would carry him into the house when Dreyfus and Hunter come to visit. What could improve the ending is have daughter (Hunter) and father (Aiello) walk hand-in-hand in the snow, to symbolize her journey home and finds love and support where she always knew were there. 3 of 4 stars.

The Red Violin (1998)

Beautiful Epic with Some Flaws

[7 October 2003]

Stunning cinematography,expert direction with an contemplative pace. There were many scenes of immense beauty and realism. The Chinese cultural revolution period and characters were refreshingly real and energetic. But there are few contradictions that is not easily overlooked. While the old fortune teller woman reading of the cards were adeptly played, and each card symbolized life's great dilemma, why did she declared to the violin maker's wife who asked that she tells everything, that "madame will have a long life" where in fact she would shortly died? Another difficulty I have problem accepting is Sam L Jackson's role as expert artifact authenticator. The delicate instrument looked like a child's toy in his huge hands, and he did not show particular careful handling such a revered instrument would bring. While Jackson has had many fine character performances even including action pics with Mel Gibson,I have hard time believing from his demeanor that he was an art expert. Also short on display was the knoweledge that his character called for. Those who sing his praises are probably more driven by a black man in a non-traditional role than actual merit. Finally,the ending was most troubling. **SPOILER** it should have Jackson tempted to take the instruments (big climax), refrains and walks away, follows by call to his wife from the taxi to the airport and tells her she loves her by doing the right thing. That's the ending it deserves.

The Cutting Edge (1992)

Effective skating scenes along with griping drama

[1 October 2003]

What kept me interested in this movie was the strong love-hate relationship of the lead characters. Perfect chemistry between the stars. Couldn't cast a more perfect couple, even thought they were opposites. They were young and vibrant and head-strong, and make you care for them, and wish they would fall in love in the end. A well-used formula but the difference is in the execution. Director Paul Glaser should play the big league if he is able to turn out sensitive and well-crafted production like this. D.B.Sweeney was handsome and athletic, as was Moira Kelly who was beautiful, talented but temperamental - the only daughter of a millionaire father who lost her mother when young. You get the drift, bring out the knapkins. Apparently they did many of the actual skate scenes. Nice role for Terry O'Quinn (Stepfather). Beautiful winter scenes. What more can you ask for ?

Seth Quinn

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Memorable Performance From a Child, Especially

[19 September 2003]

The first 45 minutes of the film was filled with high energy comedy in the European,Italian fashion. Many times it crossed into slapstick humor. But all is taken well,in setting up the main characters for the second part of the movie, and substantiates the way it ended. The movie is not perfect. Roberto Benigni's rapid fire diaglog is annoying at times. Nicoletta Braschi as Roberto's wife wasn't given much to do. Her most effective scene was when she demanded to board the train for Nazi concentration camp to join her husband. Meanwhile, young Giorgio Cantarini as Benigni's son was perfectly adorable and believable. He acted and thought as a young child who loved and obeyed his father would, and was the key figure in the end. Some question remained unanswered. When the friendly Nazi doctor called to give Benigni "very important" message, we were unexpectedly given something else, totally incongruent to the story. Some people would also object to the light-touch handling of the holocaust,but not every movie having the holocaust as background has to be grim and stupefying. Life is Beautiful gave another interpretation of it, and we have to examine this horrific event in different artistic presentations to understand the totality of what happened.

S.Q.

The Wedding Planner (2001)

Charming,nicely filmed,works for me

[11 July 2003]

What is it about critics and critics want-to-be's wanting to see only something new? If you have eaten a dish you like once, are you never going back again because you had one like it before? JLo is filmed very well in this movie, and due to the media attention she gets, people easily overlooked how an accomplished actress she really is. She grimaces, she cries, she wants and yet does the proper thing against her wish. She's believable. You feel her pain. I am not a Jennifer Lopez celebrity fan. But I am (now) a Jennifer Lopez movie fan. Matt McConaughey does a nice job, and Bridgette Wilson showed some fine moments. Old fashion story. You knows the ending. And you want that ending. Works for me.

Panic Room (2002)

Weak Thriller With Many Holes

[29 June 2003]

"Panic room" is not one of Jodie Foster's better effort. There are too many writer incongruities to make the whole movie plausible. **SPOILER** the biggest fault comes when the robbers held the daughter as hostage, they held all the cards, they could have demanded Foster to surrender her weapon and come to them. They did not or fumbled the idea. Also, it was silly for Foster to give her only weapon to her half-dead former husband while she prowled around in her slender frame with a big, heavy sledge hammer against 2 robbers. Lastly, the biggest fau paux came in form of the prize the robbers came for. Hoping to find cash, they found 22 bonds of a million $ each. Treasury bonds are held electronically. There are statements but no certificates. With saving bonds you have the option of receiving certificates, but they are payable to the registered owner only. There are no such thing as 22 pieces of paper (bonds) of a million $ each that would exchange for real money that one walked away with. The writers obviously did not research their plot well.