Category: Uncategorized

THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK (1998)

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Written & Directed by: Randall Wallace 
Based On The Novels “Vingt Ans Apres” & “La Victome De Bragalonne” By: Alexander Dumas 
Cinematography: Peter Suschitzky
Editor: William Hoy

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Gabriel Byrne, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gerard Depardieu, Judith Godreche, Anne Parillaud, Peter Sarsgaard, Edward Atterton, Hugh Laurie, Laura Fraser, Leonor Varela 

Paris is starving, but the King of France is more interested in money and bedding women. When a young soldier dies for the sake of a shag, Aramis, Athos, and Porthos band together with a plan to replace the king. Unknown to many, there is a 2nd king, a twin, hidden at birth, then imprisoned for 6 years behind an iron mask. All that remains now is D’Artagnan, will he stand against his long-time friends, or do what is best for his country?

I remember being excited to see this in theaters with such a distinguished cast playing the musketeers and Leonardo DiCaprio’s first film right after TITANIC. Filmed before that film I believe but released relatively soon after. While I wasn’t a particular fan of that movie. I was a fan of DiCaprio. Who at that point. Had been gaining a lot of buzzes.

I really didn’t like the film as I watched it in theaters I remember being heavily disappointed and downright bored. It had its highlights but there were relatively few of them. Watching the film years later I have to say it is still disappointing.

It didn’t help that this movie was advertised as having more action than it ended up having. Watching it now even the action scenes aren’t very inspired or all that vivid. They lack any skill or any finesse and look like they are running and wrestling one another.

In fact, the only thing the film has going for it is the cast. Leonardo DiCaprio playing dual roles keeps your attention and shows here that he is much better in villainous roles. As he was on his way up to stardom and making quite a male for himself. This role showed he was more about the craft somewhat than the box office. 

Other than him the actors playing the musketeers are so loved and fun you almost want a separate film all about them. As they bring life to the film and their scenes. Putting a spin on each of their characters. So that they show charisma and can be both funny and captivating often in the same sentence.

The film feels like a movie made to be watched in English classes teaching the book to make the material more vivid for the kids. As everything looks like a set and bland in the background. As the film never displays any real passion or energy. So that it almost feels like reading the book. Which I never have. It comes off as a throwback to classic studio adaptations, Where they just throw stars at the material and hope it sticks in with a certain audience.

The female lead, Judith Godreche really has little to do. She just seems to be a pretty face here. Her character is more put there to be a means to an end. The curse of her character is her beauty which sets everything in motion. As she comes across as a plot convenience and somewhat eye candy. So later the fate of her character never even feels that shocking or dramatic. 

In the end, it feels almost like a school production only with a budget. The film at times tries but misses the target. 

Grade: D+

CANNERY ROW (1982)

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Written & Directed By: David S. Ward
Based on the novels “Cannery Row” and “Sweet Thursday” By: John Steinbeck
Cinematography: Sven Nykvist
Editor: David Bretherton 

Cast: Nick Nolte, Debra Winger, M. Emmet Walsh, Audra Lindley, Frank McRae, James Keane, Kathleen Doyle, Art LaFleur, John Huston 

A depressed section of Monterey, California, known as Cannery Row from its string of now-empty canning plants is the backdrop for an offbeat romantic comedy about a pair of mismatched lovers. Doc is a lonely marine biologist (and former baseball star) who supplies specimens for science labs and classrooms. Suzy is a scrappy drifter who can’t even succeed as a prostitute because of her abrasive manner. When the two get together, it’s fireworks, though not the romantic kind. Not to worry, everything is in the hands of Cannery Row’s resident guardian angels, Mack and the boys, a band of drunken derelicts whose hearts are in the right place, even though their brains are not.

The film is atmospheric and feels enriched in culture but like John Steinbeck’s writing, it is based. It feels dull yet full of depth. It is a particular slice of life. 

The film has certain scenes that are full of charm and feel inventive. As well as a romance that feels like it takes place in real-time.

The character feels full and lived in and not necessarily caricatures. Where you could actually set stories around them individually. Which the film tries to do by giving them each time to shine. 

Debra winger comes off as charming. Especially as we learn more about her as the film goes along.

The film offers itself up more as a slice of life that feels like not too much happens. Thought the film will have A scene that will wake you up and then go back to being mundane. As the film in exchange for feeling lived in, never decides what or where it wants to go or to be.

Frank McRae plays another stereotypical mentally simple role but is meant to be more the lovable giant. This might be one of the first times he played the type. Before moving on to angry police captains in other films. 

The film feels like POPEYE the movie spin-off with a whole new set of characters but leftover similar sets.

As the film feels episodic. The film feels like a set of short stories coming Together to tie together the ensemble and focus on friendships and relationships.

Each character is lived in and feels like they have more to offer. As the film has scenes of absolute slapstick ingenuity and a hard-won romance.

One can see why the film might not have been a success, but also easily can be seen as a product of a bygone era. Even as the time period shows this more as a character-heavy periodic, episodic, and ensemble finding the story, character and themes 

This film works like that invention from the beginning of PEE WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE. Where we see the invention and its mechanics, the nuts and bolts of it all, and are amazed at its assembly d how it works as it seems to put in a lot of synchronization for it all to work at certain intervals. 

Even entertaining to watch themselves until finally at the end. All of that for something so simple. Where the mechanics are more interesting or captivating than the act. A lot of work for something basic, that is how this film feels. 

GRADE: C+

JUDY MOODY AND THE NOT BUMMER SUMMER (2011)

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Directed By: John Schultz 
Written By: Kathy Waugh & Megan McDonald
Based on the JUDY MOODY Series of books by: Megan McDonald 
Cinematography: Shawn Maurer 
Editor: John Pace 

Cast: Jordana Beatty, Heather Graham, Paris Mosteller, Janet Varney, Kristofer Winters, Jaleel White, Cameron Boyce, Garrett Ryan, Preston Bailey, Dean Cameron 

Young Judy Moody is very excited to have the most thrilling summer of her life with her brother Stink who is a huge believer in Bigfoot. Her goal is to get as many thrill points as possible for every dare she does on her list of summer dares.

Based on the popular book series. I will admit The film is enjoyable for the most part. It’s simple, it’s cute, and has an inspiring female lead character.

It’s nice to see a children’s film actually aimed at girls. That in Its own way inspires not only reading but also a message of staying away from video games, television, and other distractions that never involve thinking or imagination. Interact with others and have your own fun-filled adventures. Where you might actually learn something.

It also isn’t a movie trying to sell a product or a series of toys which is refreshing. 

It’s nice to see Heather Graham on the big screen again also. Here she is such a warm and goofy presence as the artistic ethereal aunt. She truly needs more work. Even seeing Jaleel white in this Film is a surprise and a pleasure.

It’s disappointing that this film wasn’t the hit it deserved to be. As we all age. Seen worse become hits. Especially when this film for all of Its shortcomings has a positive message. Hopefully, it gets discovered by crowds someday.

There is really not too much to say. As the film achieves what it aims for. 

The film has enough sharp cuts in the editing to give you a seizure if you are a more sensitive viewer. I’m guessing it will appeal to children’s attention spans. Though viewing this film might inspire ADHD in them. The bright colors constantly don’t help calm the visuals at all. 

One of the better children’s Films. Though it doesn’t do much to truly distinguish itself.

Grade: C

JEFF OF THE CINEFILES & UNFINISHED BUSINESS: HALL OF FAME – FILE #0069 – D.A.R.Y.L. (1985)

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Directed By: Simon Wincer 
Written By: David Ambrose, Allan Scott & Jeffrey Ellis 
Cinematography: Frank Watts 

Cast: Barret Oliver, Mary Beth Hurt, Michael McKean, Danny Corkill, Amy Linker, Kathryn Walker, Colleen Camp, Josef Sommer, Ron Frazier, Steve Ryan, Hardy Rawls 

A young boy is found wandering without any memory of who he is. A family takes him in and begin to look for clues to help him find his way home. In the meantime, they notice that the boy seems to have certain special abilities, not usually found in kids his age, or even fully-grown adults.

This film is a hidden gem. One that has a special place with me. It immediately takes me to a special place. Some might call it nostalgia, but some might call it a breakthrough 

I will admit this is a film I loved when I was a kid and watched quite a bit with the film CLOAK & DAGGER. I am quite glad it still holds up.

This was the film that introduced me to how great Michael McKeon is as an actor. While watching this film I admired his performance. as he reminded me of mine. 

As this film is more of a family film but it is also a science fiction film that doesn’t talk down to the audience. As it involves technology that is advanced and comes off a bit like wishful thinking or a fantasy, it still feels plausible.

Even as it seems much more aimed at a younger audience. It has a story and characters that any member of the family or any age can identify with. 

Though not an Amblin movie it feels like one as it has wish-fulfillment galore throughout including an ending where a kid flies a jet. It also doesn’t talk down to kids. It’s not goofy or stupid at all and shows children being natural having Adventures making mistakes and even being in danger. Keep in mind this was made in the 1980s so even for a family film it has some course yet innocent use of language. 

While the film is science fiction it doesn’t drag The film down into it. The film here is more about emotions and being human. All that is decent and good. Of course, the military comes off as the villains to a certain degree and the scientists slowly learn to have hearts with their inventions and discovery. 

I will admit to a small bias as this film to me is charming as hell and as it goes along with Daryl learning and getting used to his surroundings. While gathering information and forming emotions. We are kind of brought into that world and learn as he learns. Even though we already know some things.

It also gives plenty of time and scenes to the adults of the film and their reactions to him and his behavior. How it feels at times to deal with a kid who comes across as too perfect that he doesn’t even seem to need them or seems more advanced and emotionally distant from them. 

Though the film does include the usual kid hijinks and mistakes of turn of phrases and blurting out information and secrets at the wrong time. 

It also seems partially an allegory though maybe not meant. A kind of film for children who are autistic or feel that way. Also, a film That tries to dramatize what it might feel like to be a parent of one.

Grade: A

KENNY & COMPANY (1976)

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Written, Cinematography, Edited & Directed By: Don Coscarelli 

Cast: Don McCann, A. Michael Baldwin, Jeff Roth, Ralph Richmond, Reggie Bannister, Clay Fuster, Kenneth V. Jones 

 A coming-of-age story about the lives of a teenage boy and his friend as they traverse the highs and lows of boyhood in the run-up to Halloween.

Sure it’s a very dated film, but it is also one of the last movies I have seen in a long time that has a genuine innocence about it.

As this film seems to stay sympathetic to children and view things from their point of view and there is nothing sinister about it. 

Anytime you think you know what’s going to happen or who has a secret agenda or fear. It’s going to turn down a dastardly road, it doesn’t, it stays sweet and sincere. 

This film could never really be made today. It’s not as easy and simple as being a kid today. There seem to be so many fears and safeguards now. Back then it was all about discovery and how one incident could shape the person you become.

Now it seems kids have so much access and information. They know way too much before their time and are on such tight schedules to be successful. They hardly have time to be kids. Use their imaginations more instead of being told what to do, that is why I like this film so much. It was barely released because the studios wanted a skateboard movie originally.

They didn’t realize what a jewel they had in their hands. As it was hard to market. 

The film is an ultra low budget but still looks just as impressive as movies that were made during that period. This film will put a smile on your face and the real shocker is that it was the first movie made by the future master of horror Don Coscarelli of PHANTASM fame. A few of the actors from that movie appear in this film. 

This was writer/director Coscarelli’s second film. The haunted house sequence affected audiences so strongly that it inspired him to make his next film PHANTASM. 

If you haven’t seen this gem, please go out and find it. If you have children watch it with them. If not with your family or someone you are close to. It might seem cliche, but the film is magical

GRADE: B- 

VIRTUOSITY (1995)

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Directed By: Brett Leonard 
Written By: Eric Bernt 
Cinematography: Gale Tattersall 
Editor: Rob Korbin & B.J. Sears 

Cast: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Kelly Lynch, Stephen Spinella, William Forsythe, Louise Fletcher, William Finchter, Kevin J. O’Connor, Costas Mandylor, Kaley Cuoco, Mari Morrow 

When a virtual reality simulation created using the personalities of multiple serial killers manages to escape into the real world, an ex-cop is tasked with stopping its reign of terror.

The director of THE LAWNMOWER MAN seems to be obsessed with virtual reality as he has made another film based on technology.

That special effects at least makes some kind Of sense though dates the film that is supposed to be futuristic and looks historically dated

This is Russell Crowe’s first big blockbuster film although he is playing the villain and is rather demented and charismatic. He is dressed more as an evil yuppie which at the time seemed to have been the go-to villain archetype. He is memorable throughout as he espouses to be having Fin and comes off more a horror movie villain with a sly sense of humor 

This is a strange film even for a big studio film. It is one of the first to feature Denzel Washington in more of an action setting. Which at the time was why I went to see the film and felt excited. 

Science fiction film that seems dated using technology that was cutting edge then but still seemed on it’s way out 

There is a curious performance by Stephen Spinella playing the inventor of Russell crowe’s character who is just creepy as dramatic for no real reason throughout the film only to lamely come back towards the end of the film

I would talk about action sequences but they are more like continuous chase sequences throughout. That are entertaining but hardly memorable. Where the future is made to look so technical that it feels ridiculous that it is just dressed up in the modern-day. 

The film is Over the top, amped up and hyped by a pounding soundtrack. That never seems to rest. Though the technical elements seem intriguing watching it now. It comes off a little more outdated.

I will admit to going to see this film in theaters and I left with the same questionable conclusion. I was entertained but did I like the film? I recognized it wasn’t good by any means. Though I would watch it again just not enthusiastically. Now I watch the film amazed that it was made as at times it is laughably bad.

Grade: D

AFTER THE SUNSET (2004)

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Directed By: Brett Ratner 
Written By: Craig Rosenberg & Paul Zbyszewski 
Story By: Paul Zbyszewski 
Cinematography By: Dante Spinotti 
Editor: Mark Helfrich 
Music By: Lalo Schifrin 

Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Woody Harrelson, Naomie Harris, Don Cheadle, Chris Penn, Mykelti Williamson, Troy Garity, Obba Babatunde, Russell Hornsby, Michael Bowen, Jeff Garlin, Lisa Thornhill, Kate Walsh, Tom McGowan, Rachael Harris 


 After a successful last score, a master thief retires to an island paradise. His lifelong nemesis, a crafty FBI agent, washes ashore to ensure he’s making good on his promise. The pair soon enters into a new game of cat-and-mouse.

This is nothing but THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR 2, because this movie plays similarly. Even though there is no Rene Russo and the names have been changed. Rene Russo is replaced by the best thing in this movie Salma Hayek who the producers wisely keep in a barely-there bikini throughout the rest of the movie. This is why the film is set mostly in the tropics.

This film plays more like a comedy than anything else, with a little action thrown in. The only thriller aspect throughout the film is the constant double-crosses and seeking of revenge. As well as plenty of heists. Though you are never scared for the protagonist and if he will get caught or not because there is no real tension in the script and the characters already seem a step ahead.

You pretty much know what’s going to happen the whole film. Even as the premise seems to be what happens after the sunset. What happens after the happily ever after. You get a good life that is new but you might still miss the old one that overpowers you.

Everyone in the film looks relaxed and laid back more like this is a working vacation. So it seems like they are having a good time. Playing almost like a plotted home video with sharp visuals.

Even the reliable Don Cheadle pops in to play a villainous heavy (in paycheck mode. Though seems to be having fun as he is always draped by henchwomen) this is his second time and film working with director Brett Ratner. At least he looks like he is having fun What more can one say about Director Brett Ratner. He is the consummate Hollywood playboy, director. His films are all flash with no depth, rapid Editing. No account for paces. Here and usually it seems like giving a Horny teenager who got through film school without taking a film appreciation course. 

Then let him loose with a budget and a camera that is what watching a Brett Ratner film is like, plus he seems like a director who makes films only to new and be around hot women because his films are stocked with them. I’m not complaining but they are there for no reason, other than of course eye candy. If made by a different director the story might have more stayed on track with fewer distractions. Though at least the film has a kind of charming tongue-in-cheek quality that feels like a well-put-together dance.

He seems to have gotten his career riding the coattails of comedian Chris Tucker at first. That is why he seems to be the ultimate Hollywood director. He does have talent but he seems to go against it every time he makes a movie. You can’t give him credit for originality. He’s not the worst filmmaker out there. He is just so typical. Though one can’t hate him even though there are plenty of critics who do. I believe he has one good movie in him. Most filmmakers do.

John Stockwell was originally slated to direct but dropped out of the production in the summer of 2003. Pierce Brosnan and Brett Ratner were hoping to collaborate on the next James Bond movie, but after that fell through with Bond producers, they decided to maintain their relationship, and do this instead.

The film is your typical, I’m retired but I want to try one last job. Not for the payoff. Just to prove I can do it and the old cop from the past is determined to bust him and the thief’s love interest is all you promised to retire. You do this I’m leaving with plenty of double and triple crosses.

The film is more a fantasy than anything.

GRADE: C

APOLLO 10 1/2: A SPACE AGE CHILDHOOD (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Richard Linklater Cinematography: Shane F. Kelly

Editor: Sandra Adair

Cast: Jack Black, Zachary Levi, Glenn Powell, Bill Sage, Milo Coy, Lee Eddy, Josh Wiggins, Natalie L’Amoreaux 

The story of the first moon landing in the summer of 1969 from two interwoven perspectives. It both captures the astronaut and mission control view of the triumphant moment, and the lesser-seen bottom up perspective of what it was like from an excited kid’s perspective, living near NASA but mostly watching it on TV like hundreds of millions of others. It’s ultimately both an exacting re-creation of this special moment in history and a kid’s fantasy about being plucked from his average life in suburbia to secretly train for a covert mission to the moon.

This film feels more like a loving living memory. That is more an autobiographical look back at childhood in 1969. Nothing about the culture, times, and family life of those times.

As obviously this is a project close to writer/director Richard Linklater’s heart. Where the side plot of a kid experiencing space exploration is to give the film more of a center and a kind of big plot to attract audiences.

That eventually makes good on the promise of that story but is treated more as an afterthought. As not only is it more wish fantasy but also is kind of a metaphor for the last days of innocence before getting older and into not only adulthood but young adulthood where responsibilities pile up and things become more concrete. Though it is handled here as just another episode as part of the character’s youth. 

The film uses rotoscoping animation, a technique the director has used before in previous films WAKING LIFE, and his adaptation of A SCANNER DARKLY. Here it is used more personally which gives the film and its characters a more vibrant life and flexibility that might have been harder to create in live-action. Plus it allows for that time to seem more like an otherworldly fantasy. 

Though its use here is not as outlandish and surreal as his previous projects with it. 

The film is impressive but never quite exciting even though it isn’t designed to be. It more feels like the Billy Joel song WE DIDN’T START THE FIRE. With it being a pop song to groove to but also made up of so many historical references you want to look up the ones you don’t know. So in effect a kind of lesson of sorts also of all that has happened since then. A nice memorial to those times.

Grade: B

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT (1998)

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Directed By: Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner & Simon Wells

Written By: Philip LaZebnik

Cast: (Voices) Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, Patrick Stewart, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Helen Mirren, James Avery, Eden Reigel 

Egyptian Prince Moses learns of his identity as a Hebrew and his destiny to become the chosen deliverer of his people.

This movie really takes me back as I remember it being a big release at the time and a big holiday one at that. I was working at a movie theater at the time of my first job and remember the shows staying packed for weeks full. Almost every show. 

I also remember how messy yet warm and sweet-smelling the theaters would be afterward. Not only that but constantly hear the duet by Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey on the song BELIEVE.

This embezzled that song into my head and anytime I hear it now it reminds of this movie and takes me to a happy place. 

Shocked, it took me so long to see this last film. As one never watched it in theaters and can tell that was a lost opportunity. As this definitely works best on a big screen. As the story is epic, so is the film. Even for an animated movie, it feels majestic. 

It tells such a grand story in a short amount of time with plenty of impacts. 

Not usually a fan of biblical films but this doesn’t feel preachy. It just feels like a story from history with some supernatural elements. Though still is a story about the strength of character and faith.

Watching the film you might prefer fewer songs that make it feel more like a musical without song and dance numbers but montages and memories instead. 

Which also helps counter and explain its darkness in the second half. 

It allows for more stories to be told in a shorter time. As well as showcase their emotions in the moment and at the time of course most family animated films do have songs to keep kids and some adults from feeling restless though for this film. Not to mention it helps embed the movie into memories through those sing-along songs. This is impressive all-around yet more for adults, there could have been less. 

The animation is impressive and has stood the test of time. 

Even in one of the action scenes such as the final battle scenes and the sandstorm sequences and the miracles/plagues.

Grade: B+