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Movies I've seen (recently) and what I remember thinking

I don't honestly think anyone is going to read this, nor do I think that anyone who would read this is going to be particularly interested in what I have to say about these movies. A friend showed me a list of reviews which prompted these notes. This is kinda an exercise in pattern matching, as I make an effort to record aspects of my life and examine the records for trends. I'm already noticing some (11.17.01) and recently some more (1.27.02). If you do read them, and if you do notice some (how's that for ambiguous pronouns) feel free to let me know. Decided to enumerate movies I watch at home too (12.18.01). New addition (1.10.02) I reversed the order of the titles...less scrolling.

Drumline (?.??.03) Never ever see this movie. I like movies like this, and this one was SO awful i felt like paying for the tickest of everyone i brought with me to see it.
The Hours (?.??.03) This movie dissapointed me. It was a 'what was the point' movie. Seemed written acted and directed to get oscars not for any other purpose.
Alex & Emma (?.??.03) I thought this one was cute, but it lacked something that most chick flicks have: the idea that this is an experience that could happen to you. Not one i'd want to own, but worth seeing.
Anger Management (?.??.03) I thought this was really funny. Laught out loud funning, but something they made a joke for longer than i thought was funny.
Bend It Like Beckham (?.??.03) Great movie. Fun. Encouraging. From what i know of Shikism from Inderpal and Savraj, they misreprested the religon though. Also, i didnt just not find the coach attractive, i found him repulsive.
Big Fish (?.??.03) What a treasure. This movie was passed over by way to many people this year. The trailers didnt do it justice. GREAT MOVIE. SEE THIS ONE!! OWN IT!
Bringing Down the House (?.??.03) Funny, but not *that* funny. I think i saw it on a plane, and may have seen it in person too.
Bruce Almighty (?.??.03) Pretty Darn funny. I think it really captured a few points of Christianity: that because we have free will the one thing God wants, and cant make happen is for us to love him. A little newagey, but funny and overall sweet message.
Cold Mountain (?.??.03) I like happy endings. I dont like movies that are contrived to get oscars. Not bad, but it didnt have what i liked and had what i dont.
Down With Love (?.??.03) What a well done movie. Very funny. Clever (thats high praise from me). I loved the ending!
Finding Nemo (?.??.03) I never want to see animated pictures and the ones i see always surprise me by how good they are. Great movie!
Freaky Friday (?.??.03) Funny. A genre that i always see and rarely love. Still, it was cute and well done.
Holes (?.??.03) I must have just missed knowing this book as a child. It was really cute. The story wrapped up pretty nicely and was well represented on screen.
How To Deal (?.??.03) UGh. didnt like this one. What i remember most is Mandy moore's hair cut. (which i like). All i remember about the plot is that it was REALLY REALLY lame.
Chasing Liberty (?.??.03) Again i say, UGH. Mandy's movies look like they could be cute, but they just suck. This one wasnt *so* bad, and the president was the body guaryd taht CJ liked on West wing.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (?.??.03) Didnt hate it, didnt love it. Can barely rememeber it
40 days and 40 nights (?.??.03) Lame. This was one of the worst movies ive ever seen. SO SO SO lame.
Hulk (?.??.03) Didnt suck as much as i thought it would. Having never read comics, i enjoy the overarching plot of most of them way more than i though. Annoying in parts
Intolerable Cruelty (?.??.03) This one i thought would be amazing. It was only okay. The prenups were a weird plot device.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (?.??.03)
The Life of David Gale (?.??.03) Wow. This was a movie that presented an issue without being preachy. Well done.
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (?.??.03) Wow. i didnt love LOTR til this movie. WOW.
Love Actually (?.??.03) Another movie i expected to be amazing. But it wasnt. Cute. Loved the music. too many plots. I dont like it when people like married people.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (?.??.03) Long. Okay, not great.
Matchstick Men (?.??.03) I liked this one. A few twist and turns i couldnt predict. id watch it again.
The Matrix Reloaded (?.??.03) Hmmm. At this point i think theres still hope.
The Matrix Revolutions (?.??.03) Hmmm. At this point i learn i was wrong.
Mona Lisa Smile (?.??.03) Not as cute as id hoped. One i dont regret watching, but not one i want to really see again.
Open Range (?.??.03) Im surprised that i like movies like this but i do, pretty good.
Paycheck (?.??.03) I liked this one, but i think the book would be better--its so much easier to suspend disbelief in books than i movies. I loved the concept. I should read this.
Phone Booth (?.??.03) I love keifer sutherland's voice. Neat movie. Neat concept. Only okay realization. Must have been a really low budget--what with only 1 major set. and three sets at all.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (?.??.03) Awesome movie. Makes me want to talk like a pirate.
Radio (?.??.03) Hmm..im usually disapointed by movies like this. This one was okay. Better that it was based on a true story
The Recruit (?.??.03) Neat concept. A little contrived. Fun to watch
Seabiscuit (?.??.03) A little long, but a good summer movie.
Spellbound (?.??.03) Great movie, well done documentry.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (?.??.03) So right before watching this i saw the other two for the first time. GREAT SERIES. If you didnt see them close together you prolly didnt appreciate it enough. They left it open for a sequel (you may not have noticed) but i bet the Govenator is busy.
Timeline (?.??.03) Much better book. Again because it was easier to belive in print. It lost some of the magic somehow.
Uptown Girls (?.??.03) I dont like Britney Murphey but i do like Dakota Fanning. Cute movie. Weird symbolism.
View from the Top (?.??.03) What a lame movie. Im dissaopinted in Gwenth
What a Girl Wants (?.??.03) This one was fun. Love Colin Firth. What a lame line about "she has my eyes" when their eyes look SO different.
X2: X-Men United (?.??.03) Another good movie. Makes me want to read teh comics, though i know i never will. I cant belive the one chick is wearing body paint only!u
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2.1.03) This was really good. I dont understand why some guys havn't liked it, because i think it appeals to both sexes. This was a fun movie to see with an audience, because so many parts were laugh out loud funny. This one lived up to its reputation.
Recruit (1.31.03) A bit predictable, but still fun. Good action flick.
Tuck Everlasting (1.25.03) I think this movie captured the essence of the book. It was slightly period, slightly enchanting. I didnt love the story as much as i remebered, but i still thought it was good. Children will like this more.
Rabbit Proof Fence (1.22.03) This movie was really cool. It was a touching story that was well done. I reccommend seeing this one.
Adaptation (1.17.03) This was a truely unique movie and was enjoyable because of it. Some movies are unique and just plain weird. This one was really fun. Admidatly i could have passed on most of the last 20 minutes, but other than that it was funny, and insiteful and cool.
Chicago (1.10.03) This one was really good. I really enjoy musicals, especially as movie productions. since I saw it, the songs keep popping up in my head. THe coreography was amazing, and the movie worked as a movie, while capturing the spirit of the original musical. Definatly worth seeing.
Antwone Fisher (1.0X.03) This movie was just kind of there for me. Its been several weeks since I saw it and it doesnt really stand out in my memory. It was really positive movie, about finding your self inspite of your surroundings. Worth renting, but prolly not owning.
Two Weeks notice (12.30.02) This was a bit of a let down. It was fun, and Hugh Grant was adorable, but this kind of movie is supposed make you happy the people got together, not questioning the readiness of one of the characters. Not the kinda of chick flick i want to see again and again.
Cheaters (12.29.02) This was the kind of movie that made me glad I wasnt in the situation. It was the kind of movie that was about dealing with consequences, which isnt fun to do and is internally frustrating even to watch others go through.
Winslow Boy (12.29.02) I like that this movie didnt find it necessary to wrap up all the loose ends. It had the feel of a good book (upon one, it was apparently based). There were times the language barrior kept me from understanding hte plot (as most of it was explained through dialouge, not actions).
Catch me if you can (12.28.02) This was the best movie i remember seeing this year. it was excellent. It was funny, it was intelligent, it had a strong cast and script. This was one of the rare times i left the movie wanting to own the dvd.
I spy (12.27.02) I liked that this movie didnt take itself seriously. There were some plot holes, but it was fun.
Big Fat Liar (12.30.02) This was pretty fun. It wasn't amazing, but it was enjoyable. THats all i have to say.
Joe Somebody (12.30.02) This was an awful movie. It lacked a plot, and a connection to reality.
Jonah (12.23.02) This was a fun movie. I enjoyed the way they incorporated familiarities into a new movie.
Maid in Manhattan (12.20.02) As far as chick flicks go this was pretty good. I think the reviewers were off base with some of their reviews. Obviously you dont go into this expecting an oscar performance, its just about a good time. They avoided some of the typical, annoying close calls and misunderstandings.
two towers (12.18.02) Most of the time I try to ignore previews of movies Im interested in seeing because i dont want to know what happens. This was a time when i wished Id known the plot ahead of time so i could just enjoy the movie with out trying to keep people straight. Nonetheless this was a particularly well done movie. Excellent, seamless CG.
ST: nemesis (12.15.02) This was good because of my familiarity with the characters. A few holes in the plot (as most sci fi pics have, but a pleasant experience. Biggest dissapointment: wesley crusher maid only a brief appearnace, no real acting :-(
8 women (12.14.02) A little to lesbian for me but other than that very amusing. Its french with subtitles. The lipsinging coreography was funny. I liked the resolution though i felt i was ready about 20 minutes earlier for it to end.
white oleander (12.13.02) I went in knowing nothing about this movie. It was pretty good. Michele Phieffer was weird and i didnt like seeing her like that. Its basically a story of a girl in foster care. Definatly one of the horrifing stories but interesting. I didnt love it but enjoyed following it.
stuart little II (12.12.02) It was targeted at kids and therefore a bit cheesy but i was impressed. The CG was great, the voices impressive and overall just a fun trip to the movies.
emporers club (11.24.02) Another good movie in the line of boarding school movies. It didnt resolve its self as well as most though. I left with an interpretation of why he did stuff, but i wasnt sure i was right. I like it because i like this type of movie.
solaris (11.23.02) DONT SEE THIS MOVIE! I didnt care about the caracters and i couldnt find the plot. Trys to be about the relationship but fails. If the movie was like the preview it could have been good.
die another day (11.22.02) Great bond flick. It doesnt leave that much more to be said. Enjoyable.
frida (11.18.02) Kinda artsy (as was to be expected). I noticed that for myself and several around me it stirred up emotions reponces that were not because of the movie itself but because of aspects of the movie that reminded me of myself. that said i didnt not identify with, nor was i comfortable with the lesbion scenes.
harry potter (11.15.02) Better than the first because they didnt have to explain the background. The success of the movie comes from the faithfull ness to the books. Very enjoyable.
punch drunk love (11.xx.02) This one was weird. The most interesting parts of the movie wern't original (like the frequent flier heathly choice scam). THe rest of it was confusing and really not that enjoyable. THe highlight of this movie was the realization that Adam Sandler can do more than stupid comedy.
Austin Powers: Goldmember (10.15.02) Heres a movie that I didnt' expect to like. Mike Myers did a good job of turning my opinion around very quickly. The opening seqence is VERY impressive. Of course this movie has its share of crude humor, but less crude, i thought than the second one. I thought it was actually clever at times despite being predictable.
Ben Hur (10.11.02) Who knew this movie was about Jesus. It was long but good. Powerful even. Sadly the most memorable thing i took away was that what people find attractive really changes because i didnt find Charleton Heston attractive. Oh. And my only real knowledge of this movie came from the Classic movie commercial of the kids play. Thats how i gauaged where were were in the movie.
Sweet Home Alabama (10.20.02) This movie was less than I'd hoped. I dont like when a person leaves a good thing in the present for the idea of something else. I just feel bad for the person they left. That being said, 'guy from her past' is really likeable. This movie left me wanting.
The Barbershop (9.27.02) This was an interesting movie. I prolly would have liked it better if I had been able to under stand all of it. Like i heard "go ahead and get your free cone" instead of "go ahead and get your freak on" and was really confused. Mostly i just couldnt understand cedric the entertainer. I thought things worked out a little *too* easily. i also didnt understand some parts of why he would be held to the contract if he hadnt signed anything. Is there a cultural barior to me "getting" this movie? Why do movies/tv shows target (and tend to, fairly exclusivly, appeal to) segregrated audiences???
Four Feathers (9.20.02) I left this movie feeling like they had this idea for a movie with 4 subparts but that they spent 2/3 of the movie on one part, 1/3 on a 2nd part, a 3 minute flashback on the 3rd part and the dénouement on the 4th part. It was during the second part that i decided there were 4 parts and it was then that i worried about the length of the movie. I liked it, though I thouhgt it could have been more.
Simone (9.19.02) This movie was a good idea that failed to be realized property because of special effects. There were some believablity problems like how the guy used the computer so well and how ambibilant the daughter was. The idea of this movie was good enough for me to enjoy the movie.
The Rookie (9.7.02) This movie was a little ill timed. I dont mean that it came out a at a bad time, rather that certain parts lasted longer than they should have and other parts were too short. The movie seemd a tad long too. I liked it. I liked that it was about adults with a kids rating. I didnt like the part about the nuns.
Glory (8.22.02) Why do i keep watching war movies. Im glad this one didnt have the 'girl at home who loses somebody' content. I enjoyed watching the interactions between the men. I also liked seeing m.brodrick's character grow. This movie made me think a lot about what it takes to be a leader.
XXX (8.17.02) When i first saw the previews i didnt want to see this one. Then i started to want to see it. It had its plot flaws, but it was fun.
Blue Crush (8.16.02) So i didnt really want to see this movie, but i didnt mind it at all. When i dont want to see a movie, i read the reviews first. I think that helps when a reviewer likes a movie because then i look for the parts they liked. Sure it was predictiable, but it was still funny and enjoyable. My biggest complaint was a few parts that were a little gross.
Signs (8.3.02) This movie was about the suspence. I really appreciated that it was scary with out being grusome. I also liked how completly everything came together at the end. I also like how the focus wasn't about whether or not there were aliens. really that wasnt the point at all. This was a well done movie.
Gosford Park (7.25.02) This was really good. I thought the beginning was long but necessarily slow. It's the kind of movie you have to set aside time to watch and focus on and then you will be rewarded. Unlike others i thought the ending was the appropriate length. I wish i were better at solving mysteries.
Harts War (7.21.02) I know...i went and watched yet another war movie. I liked it. I thought a few parts were weak, but i enjoyed b.willis's acting and character. Not sure if i liked or disliked the ending.
The Majestic (7.19.02) Everybody disliked this movie but i thought it was fine. I thought a few parts were poorly executed and lacked power. Maybe i appreciated it because of a collection of stories i've heard about hollywood and the red scare. Still, I liked it and appreciated that it didnt fall in to some typical movie blunders (like the girl hearing from someone else that he wasnt who people thought he was).
K19: Widowmaker (7.20.02) Fun action movie. I was totally grossed out by the radation. Enjoyed h.ford and l.neeson. I need to stop watching war movies as i'm obsessing about the draft.
Road to Perdition (7.18.02) So i went in hearing that this was amazing and just didnt agree. This one looked like the kind of movie that is trying to win an oscar instead of existing for the sake of the story. It was fine, and t.hanks (looks like thanks never noticed that before..he could sign thanks, t.hanks hehe) was good.
Men in Black II (7.11.02) This was funny. Certainly not as funny as the first, nor did it have the watch it again and again quality of the first, but it was funny. Good whole family will like it film. I didnt recognize the girl from law and order, and by i mean i knew it was her, but i didnt see the other character in this movie. Fun consepts like the worlds within a locker.
Minority Report (6.29.02) I liked this one. There are plenty of movies that make me frustrated with plot holes but i was able to look past this one. I liked that it had the kind of technology interpretaqtions that make you excieted for the future. Not amazing, but a good summer flick.
Mr. Deeds (6.28.02) I thought this was laugh out loud funny. Not clever fuhnny, but good old fashioned, good-guy wins funny. There were some not so tastefull parts, and by no means was this clever, but i laughed with the audience and felt good for that. I think its important to judge this movie for what it is and tries to be as opposed to judging it as if it were an oscar canidate.
The Devine secrets of the Ya Ya sisterhood (6.20.02) No boy will ever see this movie, and thats ok since its not meant for boys. It got bad reviews but i didnt think it was as bad as they make it out to be. It was sad at parts where the mom is having the break down and the kids suffer as a result of it. I'm a sucker for soilders who die at war, and they just flashed a picture of someone who died, and my eyes watered. Its weird that there I am the only one moved by that, and later the whole audience is crying (including the girls on either side of me) and i dont see what the big deal is. See it if you're a girl, you'll laugh (and prolly cry). If you're a guy dont laugh at me because i saw it.
Bourne Idenity (6.14.02) THis movie isnt inherently bad. Its actually quite enjoyable. The problem is that the action of the movie doesnt resolve the conflict. The conflict is resolved indepenantly of mattdamon's actions. Thats was the problem. The blond girl, from the teen movies...she seemed to young for this role. Still enjoyed hte movie though.
We Were soliders (6.13.02) This movie made me sad when all the women were left behind and hte men were heading off to war. I'm so sensitive to this now. Kinda predictable, you knew who would live and who would die ahead of time, but good.
Panic room (6.11.02) Not very suspensful at all (less than the preview). I liked it though. I felt bad for the kid who looked like a boy. Decent movie.
Sum of All Fears (6.1.02) This was good. Solid plot. Lots of action, kept my attention. I think i must have turned my suspence mode off, b/c i saw stuff coming alot (and maybe you were supposed to) and i did respond, but i didnt jump. I liked it more than people probably think i did. I didnt get any of the names though, 'cept ryan. And i was confused by which Harrison Ford movies were Clancy ones b/c i thought he was married with kids...must be confused.
About a boy (5.26.02) Loved it! Didnt want it to be over, but thought the ending was good. I want to have some of the characteristics of the kid. Still wondering if this tranceded chick flicks or not.
Star Wars Episode II (5.18.02) Good! Solid. Less Jar Jar (good). Some of the acting seemed more like they were jsut saying lines. Laughed when the mom died...didnt get my empathy. Why doesnt it bother Amidala that Anickan is a whining baby who wants a girlfriend and thinks he deserves one. And what is this "so actually its like we're encouraged to love" there are easier ways to get a girl to make out with you. Still I liked it and was satisfied.
Spiderman (5.11.02) Good. How do you hide your girlfriend (or your job) for that long? Cool ending. Fake CG.
The Sweetest Thing (4.24.02) This was really funny--the kind of laugh out loud funny that usually only happens when you watch a movie in the middle of the night and are 85% slap-happy. But, it was gross too--there were parts that tried to be funny, but just ended up making me long for the scene to be over. There are some movie that try and make you think they've implied one thing (like that a certain character is engaged) while subtly remaining vauge in their language (he never says 'my brother is getting married') so that later they can turn the tables on you, and introduce a new conflict. This was one of those movies. Only I guess what was going to happen, and noticed that why they had technically never said the initial premice, they implied it so strongly that to turn the tables seemed deceptive.
Clockstoppers (4.9.02) I saw this one because the guy from Bring it On was in it. This wasn't a deep movie, nor was it particularly consistant (fast-forward time seemed to vary in speed). But, it was cute and enoyable.
Death to Smoochy (4.3.02) This one was weird, but I liked it. It had a suprisingly strong cast. I liked the songs the hosts sang, particularly the step dad one: "my stepdad's not mean...he's just adjusting" (the tune helps it be funny, as does the warning to call 911 if your stepdad ever abuses you or your mom which follows.) I recommend it. It doesnt remind me of anything i've seen recently. I can expand on this thought, but it didnt surprise me to find out that Danny DeVito directed it.
40 days 40 nights (3.1x.02) Ewe. Ewe. Ewe. Lets be honest here--when you walk into a movie like this, you obviously aren't expecting much (nor do you have particualarly high standards...) This was gross. Never see this movie.
John Q (3.x.02) It was kinda preachy, but it effectivly pulled at your heart. I resented it less than AI which also attempted to get at you emotionally. I learned about HMO's and left wondering what should have happened.
I am Sam (3.x.02) I liked this. The girl is soooooo cute. Havn't we had a lot of movies like this before though? I left realizing that I so wanted Sam to win the case, because why should he have limited access to his daughter, but at the same time, I recognized that he wasnt able to take care of her.
Black Hawk Down (2.20.02) I didnt so much like this one. Not enough of a plot. I felt like I should feel for characters not because the story line set me up to, but because their name was big in the opening credits. I didnt like seeing the severed body parts (but i'm a girl and thats to be expected.) It could have been more.
Crossroads (2.16.02) The Britney movie. Well it wasn't awful. She's not a great actress though, and she seemed to be playing herself so much of the time that the dialoge seemed unbelieveable ('honey you're the valedictorian' i rest my case). I want her abs. That's what I got most out of the movie, and its an opinion I had before. I think that's my over all opinion of the movie--i didnt leave with anything I didnt have before.
A Walk to Remember (2.15.02) a.k.a. 'the mandy moore movie.' I thought this was a lot cheezy and a lot predictable. A review correctly pointed out that this was not just another 'teen-movie' in the genre of American Pie, and I guess I do apprieciate that. Unfortunatly it seemed that it touched too many things in the same old way. I wasn't moved by this, though 90% of the girls in the audience we're crying when we left. Granted, I've never been much of a cryer at movies but I left this movie thinking, man that wasnt so great but everyone else was crying, and then the reviews i read were all good too--did i miss something? I almost want to see it again now. (almost). I thought the minister was too strong of a characterization. And m.moore's character seemed close to what i wanted to be (and in a movie, maybe that's really something) but still lacking.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2.15.02) I liked this movie. I say this alot of times, and immediatly follow with "but it wasn't great". Ok-so--this wasn't great either but it was different (artistically) in a good way and had alot of qualities that make great films. It made me laugh. It made be empathize with characters. This movie was alot about characters--and that was cool. There was a style to the movie that was unique and enjoyable. It was constantly making clear progress towards something. I liked the quirks. (and the epitath).
Beauty and the Beast (2.2.02) It was cool to see this, not just on the big screen, but on the IMAX. IT was so big-- you could see the lines. I was more aware of the 'this was drawn' aspect of animation than i can remember. I could also recognize other artistic parts of this that I hadn't seen before. It was clear what was the background and what was being animated on top of it. I didnt quite go for the new song [though i found out it wasn't cut at the end of production of the original movie--it was an origial song, but was cut from the score and never animated. It was only recently animated for this release.] Everything was so big, that I initially feared it would interfere with my enjoyment, but it was only a minor distraction and I was (for the most part) oblivious.
Count of Monte Cristo (1.15.02) I liked this movie alot--it was quick. It was happy. It was involved. It (to a degree) kept me guessing. It made statements about time--how much can be accomplished when one is not afraid of embarking on a long journey.
A beautiful Mind (1.15.02) R.Crow's accent got on my nerves. My favorite part of this movie was the passage of time which i thought was subtle and consistant. It reminded me of watching Forrest Gump but less pointed, and thus somehow more real.
Kate and Leopold (1.9.02) This movie made me to train my brothers to have such manners! While I wasn't immediatly attracted to leopold, his character (both meanings) grew on me-fast! Not a great film, but a fun movie. Didnt love m.ryan as much as i have in other movies. There were a few scenes (like the speech at the end) that i wouldnt want to sit through again. Some really funny parts too.
Sing-along Sound of Music (1.06.02) If you ever get to see this--GO!!!! Interactive classic where we were encouraged to yell at the screen. Can't beat that.
Lord of the Rings (12.21.01) When i saw vanilla sky i was afraid it was going to end before i understood, or was ready for it to end. With this I was confident that since it was based on a book and was so long, that wouldnt happen. So in what definatly seemed like less than 3 hours, the movie just ended. The hobbits didnt look small, they looked like camera work had tried to make them look small. I'm convinced that Patrick Stewart was in this movie (be it under a different name!) I dont like Liv Tyler, and she didnt get on my nerves here. Definatly liked e.woods.
Last Castle (12.18.01) I'd been wanting to see this for a while and finally found someone to go with me. I liked it. Robert Redford was good. Dont remember a military prision movie before--allowed some issues to be ignored, i think. They managed to get a lot of supplies though...too many. I like when movies aren't afraid to have bad stuff happen. Warden was just unrealistically mean.
Zoolander (12.6.01) I wasn't planning on seeing this movie. I can't come up with the catagories of comedies, but this falls into one that i like (as opposed to the catagory i assume scary movie and another teen movie would fall into.) I didnt mention in Behind Enemy Lines--but how do I ignore that Owen Wilson's nose is CROOKED??? I'm into his voice though (also distinct).
Vanilla Sky (12.5.01) I was tense during the middle hour of this film--not because of the plot--but because I was afraid the credits would role at any minute and I would be left wondering what was true. I loved that they didnt rush the explanation. I like when movies ask a question [matrix: which pill? sixth day: if a stream of consiousness splits to form a clone--who is the original?] and the question here was interesting--would i chose a life that i create and know will be happy--or the only life i can't create--the future? Most I've liked Tom Cruise in a while. Still dont care for P. Cruz.
Ocean's 11 (12.16.01) Ahhh- eye candy is great...and a quick-paced film is the perfect place to watch it. I like the idea of choosing people (a set number) for a mission--be it a robbery or a phone-a-friend list. I liked the use of two of the 11 to wear funny costumes (always matching) to do the leg work. I liked that the relationships between characters were of varying length and that this was reflected in converstaions. Was it realistics that Tess came back? I didn't like the last 30 seconds of this movie.
Sidewalks of New York (12.5.01) I liked this movie. Parts of it really captured the feel of a documentary. I've never liked Heather Graham before. I couldn't place Ed Burns for the longest time...until imdb.com reminded me he was in 15 minutes (which i also liked). I thought the movie tired to show a spectrum of sexual experices but conservative Annie wasn't the virgin I think the movie needed to really be complete.
The Princess Diaries (12.4.01) Sometimes its fun to go to a movie where no thinking is involved. To say that i was dissapointed with the acting almost implies that I was expecting real quality preformances, so I'm not going to say anything about it. [At least Julie Andrews could act...wasn't she good in The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins???]
Life as a House (12.3.01) I really liked this movie. There were some parts i didnt like [mom sleeping with girl's boyfriend...girl kissing dad...boyfriend is a pimp...yeah....] but really I think everything i didnt like was unnecessary or could have been toned down. Maybe I'm wrong here. I wanted this movie to be touching with out losing touch with reality...and maybe if it had been real it would have been boring or something I've seen before. And in some way the absurity made it mean something. It allowed you to strip away all the weird stuff and remember a beautiful story that might not otherwise have been appriciated. note:I thought the second husband looked like a news anchor...eerily so.
Behind Enemy Lines (11.27.01) Hmmm...predictible. Some times movies are too hard to follow, or stuff comes out of now where...but too much foreshadowing is also a bad thing. Cool camera angles...i liked the effect it gave. Special effects not used effectivly... And i get annoyed when 20 people with machine guns cant hit a single target in an open field.
Spy Games (11.22.01) So I liked it...it wasnt all that great but i liked it. I just like watching Robert Redford be smarter than the other guys. And I liked the challenges (games, not hardships) of the training. It was kinda contrived. RR looked old. I still left with a good feeling, not a bad taste.
Harry Potter (11.16.01) Wow! (not for what you think) I was impressed by the trailers that preceded this movie. One of the better movie adaptations of a widely-read book I've seen. Lacked some of the humor of the books, but enjoyable. Sometimes I'm disappointed when my mental pictures of the characters and sets don�t line up with a movie portrayal, but that was not the case here.
Heist (11.14.01) Some really well done parts like the relationships between some of the long-time robber pals...but how many backup plans is it really feasible to have?....some movies surprise you with how things work out and this one just annoyed me because I was never sure when they were done revealing the plot twists.
Shallow Hal (11.12.01) I left this movie feeling for the actors and actresses chosen to play the ugly people. I thought it said something. I thought it failed to say all that it was trying to say. Hal wasn't attracted to inner beauty, he was attracted to physical beauty and sometimes he was able to see physical beauty as a reflection of inner beauty. Jack Black was charming.
The Man who wasn't there (11.10.01) I liked that it was black and white. I enjoyed both in the preview and again in the feature, the description of various child haircuts. It was depressing.
Run, Lola, Run (11.09.01) For a movie I thought would be long, it seemed short. I couldn't help but compare it to Sliding Doors, and I liked how clear the hinging event was in the latter. In Lola I was amused and impressed by the snapshot future-histories of other lives that were touched.
Amélie (11.08.01) How cute-like wide-eyed kid eating ice cream for the first time. I most enjoyed the smaller aspects of this movie: the recreated pictures with tear-lines mimicking a collage, the he dis/likes text that introduced each character. The arrows that lead her beau around the park (...me and chains of arrows go way back).
Monsters, Inc (11.07.01) Despite some ignored details (pointed out to my by my friend Tyler) this was enjoyable. Some funny parts. Some predictable parts. My favorite aspect of this movies was the trailer that preceded Harry Potter--that increases my opinion of this movie a notch.
K-Pax (11.5.01) Cute-like a story you're reading for the second time. The ending seemed to be both too ambiguous and yet somehow to obvious. The parts I most enjoyed were the same scenes from the preview which prompted me to come.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (10.31.01) Many prior viewings, none on the big screen. It didn't to gain much in larger form. There are some lines I never forget ("its merely a flesh wound") and others I was glad to be reminded of ("we are the knights who say 'nee'!")
Apocalypse Now- Redux (10.21.01) This was a long movie...but good. I left feeling that it deserved to be appreciated in a way that was somehow beyond me. I was sad. I was amused. I was frustrated, confused, angry. I wish I were that person who could leave with understanding.
Training Day (10.xx.01) Hmmm. Denzel Washington didn�t sell me on the bad guy role. Not that great.
Serendipity (10.xx.01) This would have been so much better had I not just seen a short story JUST LIKE IT (and by that I mean the trailers for the movie). There were scenes in the trailer that are from the last 10 minutes of the movie. COME ON NOW! I was relieved that he didn�t leave his fiancé for her. I was annoyed that the audience acted like some magical force (as opposed to a screenwriter) got the couple together.
Bandits (10.03.01) Funny! Long in the middle. Strong (predictable) ending. Weirded out by the shared woman.