Tag: 2001

ALL OVER THE GUY (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Julie Davis

Written By: Dan Bucatinsky 

Cinematography: Goran Pavicevic 

Editor: Glenn Garland and Mark Morrisey 

Cast: Dan Bucatinsky, Richard Ruccolo, Adam Goldberg, Sasha Alexander, Lisa Kudrow, Andrea Martin, Joanna Kerns, Christina Ricci, Michael Harris, Doris Roberts

While the flame of Jackie and Brett’s attraction intensifies, Eli and Tom, the unlikely pair they attempt to bring together, appear destined to spiral out of love rather than make any sort of progress toward becoming a genuine couple.

I can remember seeing bits and pieces of this film before I don’t know if I’ve ever watched it from beginning to end, but now that I have watched it from beginning to end, I have quite a few thoughts and things to say

The way this film is edited for some odd reason. The cuts seem to be perfectly made for a TV movie, which shows you how deep the film gets.

This is ironic, considering this is a gay romantic comedy that has a couple in it that I am guessing helps certain audience, members or allies feel a bit more comfortable in the film or seems to want to parity or be irony of how gay relationships are in straight, romantic comedies where they’re given Very little to do except either be support Relief or help set up the main couple and get them back together in general.

Hear the Straights portrayed by Sasha Alexander and Adam Goldberg feels so predictable in their own way and stereotypical playing the straights or the street best friends of the couple at the heart of it seems to be intentional

This film is filled with irony as it either condemns or criticizes, other gay romantic comedies at the time that are more mainstream while itself being kind of light when it comes to the material that at least gets deeper into the characterization and sex lives of its gay characters 

Maybe, because it takes place in Los Angeles major city it seems like none of the films is all that controversial everybody accepts everybody for who they are. There is no prejudice, which is nice as it has a positive supportive message while working that is obviously taking place in the 90s, maybe early 2000s and all of the culture of that time is on full display if it had been made modern-day and at that time it would be accused of over saturation of a time. Because this is totally a time capsule, including the leads and the situation they find themselves in OK because it’s supposed to be a comedy so it works within the perimeters. It doesn’t get too deep, but it is entertaining for what it is.

No color whatsoever like an Ally ship movie it’s written and produced by its star Dan Bucatinsky and a lot of the big-name members seem there to help fill out the cast list, but obviously seem here more for support or doing a favor someone associated with the film because it’s their roles are pretty much cameos as they are not too much to shine in except for maybe Lisa Kudrow And Andrea Martin, who seems to can’t help but be funny when she’s in a film or show, though she has a big role that most of the other big names and she ends up being the most memorable part of the movie. S they get the best material. Especially Doris Roberts’s monologue near the end 

No, I am highly critical of the movie watching it through modernize. I’m sure at the time it made its Mark as it was one of the few mainstream, independent gay romantic films back when that was still considered either controversial taboo or strictly for the art housing oh, how the times come, even though the material feel so basic.

The only depth of the film seems to be in one character’s alcoholism, which is more dealt with in the background, than as a major part of the film.

Not to mention a bit of top culture in the form of the Planet of the apes obsession, which gives it a kind of Tarantino tint, and also just helps the geek culture

What are the problems with this film? Is that one character seems to of course, be the more manly and messed up character from years of alcoholism and his family, and not getting along with his parents, or as the other one more uptight, even though his parents have been nothing but supportive, and this is the usual character type in romantic movies, everybody, obviously everybody has a reason for why they are who they are but yet, once a couple seem to be attracted to each other and their basic personalities or even at their worst, but must go through before they can be happily together, which is probably the truest part of these films. 

look everyone deserves love, but it’s not that interesting watching too such bland characters. Take their time and finally come together and get their issues in order to try and accept love and have a romance. it seems like you’re asking for much with this film and maybe it’s just me. I just really found these characters not that interesting.

The film offers no real surprises, but at least it’s fun

Grade: C+

TROUBLE EVERY DAY (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Claire Denis
Written By: Claire Denis and Jean-Pol Fargeau
Cinematography: Agnes Godard 
Editor: Nelly Quettier 

Cast: Vincent Gallo, Tricia Vessey, Beatrice Dalle, Alex Descas, Florence Loiret-Caille, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Raphael Neal

Shane and June Brown are an American couple honeymooning in Paris in an effort to nurture their new life together, a life complicated by Shane’s mysterious and frequent visits to a medical clinic where cutting-edge studies of the human libido are undertaken. When Shane seeks out a self-exiled expert in the field, he happens upon the doctor’s wife, another victim of the same malady. She has become so dangerous and emotionally paralyzed by the condition that her husband imprisons her by day in their home. It is Shane’s chance encounter with this woman that triggers an event so cataclysmic and shocking it might just lead him to rediscover the tranquility he seeks to restore for himself and his new bride.

Not going to lie, the whole reason I wanted to see this film is Beatrice Dalle. Who has had me captivated since her role in Jim Jaramusch’s NIGHT ON EARTH and have been catching up with her roles from the past to the present ever since.

So it was her being in a vampire film before that seemed to become a trend In The 2000s and also Vincent Gallo is in the film and he usually makes whatever he is in a little more vibrant and interesting.

This is a movie that tries in modern times to present a fable connecting vampirism to lust. The character played by Beatrice Dalle is insatiable and seems to constantly need to feed. So much so that she has to be kept locked up and away. As she is a beast that Can’t be contained. Her raw female sexuality comes out while she gets her prey by seeming more innocent yet confident in her sexuality.

She is sloppy, scantily clothed in a nightgown stained with blood like an animal but she still contains beauty.

The longing for blood comes across as more sexual with an extreme fetish the participants only find out about too late. 

Vincent Gallo is her old lover who has moved on and has a younger wife. He has been able to contain his vampirism and come off as a regular Joe. Though he is drawn back to her. Even as she has a husband who never quite knew what he was getting into, but accepts his responsibilities and tries to help the love of his life in his own way. Hoping she will become satisfied and normal. 

The film is brutally violent and contains a lot of anticipation that never quite lives up to the promise. 

However, it does show a romantic side as in the scene where Dalle’s husband is cleaning the blood off of his feral wife after she seduces and attacks another victim. Shows a devotion that goes above and beyond. He loves her so passionately that she eats her partners. He supports her. Even as he knows he can’t be with her intimately or it will be the end of him. He also knows and worries about who will take care of her if he leaves or something happens to him.

As he knows no one will be as devoted. Yet he continuously longs for her and has made his own kind of sacrifice for her. The epitome of a nice guy. Who does everything but doesn’t have that spark and still wants your old lover who you both were bad for each other but still carries a certain bond. 

The film leaves you in the audience to pick up on details and read into the film what you believe may or may not be true. 

We watch as their acts are made attractive and delectable. More part of the act of pleasure that goes along with it.

I’m not going to lie, this was my first time watching a Claire Denis film. So I didn’t know exactly what to expect. So by the end, I was disappointed immensely and a little confused. Since then I can’t say I have watched much more of her work. I believe only two other films. Only one can I say I truly was mesmerized by  35 SHOTS OF RUM

Ultimately the film’s promise seems wasted. As we wait for major parts of the story to move or more action that never seems to come.

Nor is any of the setup really acted upon dramatically. As it is never touching or moving really. Unfortunately, it comes across as boring and like it wants to mean something and say something but ultimately doesn’t.

Grace: C-

JEEPERS CREEPERS (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Victor Salva 
Cinematography: Don E. FauntLeRoy
Editor: Ed Marx 

Cast: Gina Philips, Eileen Brennan, Justin Long, Jonathan Breck, Patricia Belcher, Brandon Smith 

A brother and sister driving home through isolated countryside for spring break encounter a flesh-eating creature that is in the midst of its ritualistic eating spree.

When it comes to this film it will always come surrounded by controversy. Not only because of the director’s past crimes and their horrific nature of them but also because he has continued to make films for the general public. Not to mention in his work since he got out of jail for his crimes. His films have alluded to or given a showcase to his fetishes so to speak. At least that is what those who know of his past have been able to notice.

Especially when it comes to scenes such as him sniffing the boy’s underwear and seemingly intent on hunting the male lead down more than anything.

When it comes to Victor Salva he is a talented filmmaker. His film before this POWDER seemed to come across as a thinly disguised apology and a kind of begging for forgiveness about his past. Like this film, it was a surprise hit. Even though it was more of a family drama.

Here he gets to sink his teeth into an original tale. Where he even created a new iconic horror movie monster for a generation. The film definitely goes for jump scares and the element of surprise as it builds up the tension and sense of dread. As it is a film the audience has to have patience.

The protagonists of the film use back roads to avoid traffic. Which also sets the film’s mood of desolation. As we barely see any people other than The leads and the monster for plenty of stretches.

The film is a low budget yet still feels like a movie that could have been made in the 1970s or 80s where there is an emphasis on the special effects which are practical but it stays somewhat a mystery and instead focuses on the characters. Mainly the two leads who are playing siblings and as the film goes along.

The brother played by Justin Long goes from being more the happy-go-lucky joking character to the most haunted. As his sister becomes more and more tough and protective. 

The film is almost like THE PREDATOR. Not as action-packed but it is essentially a film about a monster hunting its prey.

One scene In Particular truly saves the film And is truly noteworthy the police station massacre. As this is a film that whenever there is the action you are thankful as the film truly becomes exciting.

The film truly never offers too much information on the creature; it could only go two ways. Part one in a series that will get into the origins of the creature (which it did) or remain a mystery as a one-off film (which might have been better. Especially for it having a more lasting legacy)

This is a film that is more In tune with watching it in a theater or the closest to a theatrical experience that you can manage to get its full impact. 

The film is seen as a classic by a few. As the scares are original yet feel cheap. It doesn’t help that the film was followed by two sequels that felt somewhat needed but didn’t do anything to deepen the lore or impress that they needed to be told. 

The other aspect that made me enjoy the film is it’s dark ending. Which really feels like a gut punch. 

Grade: C

NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Joel Gallen 
Written By: Michael G. Bender, Adam Jay Epstein, Andrew Jacobson, Phil Beauman & Buddy Johnson 
Cinematography: Reynaldo Villalobos 
Editor: Steven Welch 

Cast: Chris Evans, Chyler Leigh, Jaime Pressly, Eric Christian Olsen, Mia Kirshner, Samm Levine, Ron Lester, Joanna Garcia, Sam Hunnington, Randy Quaid, Lacey Chabert, Eric Jungmann, Cody McMains, Nectar Rose, Samaire Armstrong, Beverly Polcyn, Ed Lauter, Paul Gleason, Mr. T, Molly Ringwald, Cerina Vincent

A sendup of all the teen movies that have accumulated in the past two decades. After breaking up with his girlfriend, Priscilla, a popular jock, Jake Wyler makes a bet with his friends that he can’t make ‘ugly girl’ Janey Briggs into prom queen. After spending more and more time with Janey, Jake really starts to think whether he wants to keep the bet on or not.

The first thing you’ll notice about this movie is that it looks ugly. The sets, the film everything looks washed out but still dirty, heaped, and grungy. One remembers how heavily this was advertised primarily by MTV at the time

The scenes never look Natural or even nice looking. The actors look like they have either bad hair dye jobs or bad wigs. The actors are all obviously too old to play teenage characters though that is part of the spoofing.

While this film has Its moments and makes a point here and there nailing its targets it still needs a major overhaul. A lot of jokes seem repetitive and are not clever, they are nasty. Just to be nasty. The film is not as smart as it likes to think it is.

The film feels like a rushed product. Like it is speeding along not aware of its Many flaws. As it seems fast and loose and doesn’t pay any respect or seem to have more than a general understanding of the films it is parodying.

The cast is likable but this film will only serve you with a few chuckles, but hardly a laugh. Even as a spoof this film needed to be better thought out. Like THE SIMPSONS or the NAKED GUN series of films. Which could be lowbrow and funny but still had a lot of well-thought-out and set-up jokes.

One of the good things in this movie is a lockable cast. Especially actress Chyler Leigh as the female lead. She is the only thing that shines bright in the pit of despair of this film. Also the abundant nudity of actress Cerina Vincent as the foreign exchange student. Which is like a work of art itself. On the opposite spectrum, it is sad to see Randy Quaid in this film. As he is a better actor than the material and he gives a bad performance. Then again he doesn’t have that much to work with.

Just like the characters, it highlights the film seems a bit too juvenile as it is obsessed with sex and nudity. Of course, the characters are but it feels like that is the main interest of the film Also. Which leaves it for only a certain kind of audience

When it comes to spoofing. Too many go for the easy jokes that they are supposed to be about, but a truly strung spoof will somehow raise above what they are spoofing to be a strong comedy in their own right and that seems to be a rarity. This is why when it comes to films such as these they never rise above a certain level

I can give the film credit that it hits all of its marks, but unfortunately not in a very clever way and all the cruder. At least not as bad as it seemed like a lot of spoof movies at the time that just tried to be year-end send-ups of whatever was popular or trending, this was better as it was more focused but barely. That seems to have needed a team of comedy writers to make skits and sketches and form into a story 

Grade: D+

ROCK STAR (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Stephen Herek 
Written By: John Stockwell
Cinematography: Ueli Steiger 
Editor: Trudy Sharp 

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Aniston, Dominic West, Timothy Spall, Dagmara Domincyzk, Jason Flemyng, Timothy Olyphant, Matthew Glave, Michael Shamus Wiles, Beth Grant, Stephen Jenkins, Jason Bonham, Jeff Pilson, Zakk Wylde, Colleen Ann Fitzpatrick, Amy Miller, Rachel Hunter, Heidi Mark, Carrie Stevens, Carey Lassard, Kristin Willits 

The lead singer of a tribute band becomes the lead singer of the real band he idolizes.

This is a film built off of wish fulfillment and watching the life and fantasy most members of the audience dream of, sort of like those entertainment shows that show you the houses and yachts of celebrities to impress you even though you might never actually get a chance to actually see or experience it and better yet this is based on a true story.

So while the film is showing someone else living it up. It feels within arms reach for the audience. Like voluntary torture with a story. A real-life fairy tale with a moral to it.

It’s the old talented being careful what you wish for because you get what you want but you might not be prepared for what it entails and what you have to do to maintain it

An all-American dream movie that shows the dark side and in the end is a happy ending that lets the hero stand on his own Terms. Yet ends up feeling cheesy

Mark Wahlberg is strong. Here as the devoted fan and Everyman who won’t bend in his fandom and cover their songs but when he gets the chance to be part of them finds he has to constantly make compromises

He sees the dark side of stardom and the same type of doctoral behavior he had with his cover band he notices it’s the same way in the actual band

There are many scenes showing the access of rock-star life the lifestyle and legendary parties but also the toll they can take and how they can change you and practically make you a slave or zombie to it. Change who you are and who you are to people how flexible your morals can become

Jennifer Aniston is sexy but  the outfits they give her are made to be flattering but they also, unfortunately, show the limitations of her body and for some odd reasons  make her appear older than Her co-star

This is one of the folks that showed his appeal and has a prepared audience for his more Everyman appeal yet who they would want to Be. Watch him have good times and imagine themselves there.

This seems like a film that would have more of an impact when it is set more in the 1980s or even 90s to show how bloated that period of time was. Watching it now it seems to deliver more an obvious message as well as trying to be a kind of throwback that feels out of date and a satire with little to say about the time. Instead of just throwing in hooked jabs of Jokes

The casting of Mark Wahlberg seems ironic considering his past as an overnight music star as Marky Mark in his teens. So while his character here is in a different genre of music. You can’t help but think if he dealt with some of the same issues when he was a music star rapper.

Based on a true story it stays entertaining and funny at parts but seems to try so hard for something that is more of a minor tale. 

Though pretty much of ItMs time and more disposable back then. This film plays much better over time. Still ridiculous but more heartfelt. An earnestness of the modern era That is kind of missing in most modern films of these times. 

Grade: C+

SOMEONE LIKE YOU (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Tony Goldwyn 
Written By: Elizabeth Chandler
Based On The Novel “ANIMAL HUSBANDRY” By: Laura Zigman
Cinematography: Anthony B. Richmond 
Editor: Dana Congdon

Cast: Ashley Judd, Hugh Jackman, Marisa Tomei, Greg Kinnear, Ellen Barkin, Donna Hanover, Catherine Dent, Nicole leach, Peter Friedman, Colleen Camp, Mirelle Enos, Veronica Webb, Naomi Judd

After being jilted by her boyfriend, a talk show talent scout writes a column on the relationship habits of men which gains her national fame.

Way before the ADELE song on the same name. This movie came around when Ashley Judd was getting used to being a star. This was the film where it would really rest on her shoulders.

The problem is that this film is so generic. That even at the time it came out there felt outdated. It’s one of those films that came out in the 90’a and while you can tell it is a studio film it still comes across as no-frills. As there is no particular style everything’s made to look bland. So that when something that looks sharp in style and person. It is jarring. The film feels like it could have been a storyline on the television show FRIENDS rather than getting its own movie.

It also feels like everyone is too for their roles and especially to still have the character’s mindsets.

This film is disposable. So disposable I watched it recently and don’t remember much of this film. I know enough that I would never watch it again.

Hugh Jackson plays a cad who somehow becomes roommates with a co-worker played by Judd. She has recently broken up with her boyfriend and at first, they can’t stand each other (then why live together in the first place. It is New York after all so I guess desperate measures) slowly but surely, of course, they fall in love and he changes his ways.

I enjoy Hugh Jackman a lot. He is like one of those classic leading men from the 1940s and ’60s and at least the film in a scene shows why his character is so jaded and cruel as a ladies’ man. Though here he rarely has any chemistry with his female co-stars which really doesn’t help if you are making a romantic comedy. (Nor does the theory of double negative where the chemistry is supposed to be bad that it comes off charming eventually) Though there is something innately watchable about him.

Watching this film less for the romance and more for the comedy. As there is already little romance and more talk of it than anything. The comedy also never really comes other than some catty one-liners more from Jackman than Judd

At least Hugh Jackman seems to know he’s not in a necessarily good movie. He is just biding his time until each scene ends and is happy with the work. Not to mention a paycheck.

One can’t get mad at this film totally as it fits its conventions and lets you know what type of film it is. It doesn’t try to misdirect to make itself seem like it has more depth or one-of-a-kind filmmaking. Still even for its genre while competently filmed it is majorly disappointing in most aspects.

By the end, it also makes it obvious that the main character needed the break-up to happen for her to grow. As she would have been noted and settled into marriage with the wrong person in the first place and Even Though would have been happy. She also would have been bored and stuck 

The film is strictly painted by numbers and off the assembly line. I don’t even have that much more to say about it.

Grade: F

DOWN TO EARTH (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Chris Weitz & Paul Weitz 
Written By: Chris Rock, Ali LeRoi, Lance Crouther & Louis C.K. 
Based on the original screenplay “HEAVEN CAN WAIT” By: Elaine May & Warren Beatty 
Cinematography: Richard Crudo 
Editor: Priscilla Nedd-Friendly 

Cast: Chris Rock, Regina King, Chazz Palmenteri, Eugene Levy, Frankie Faison, Mark Addy, Greg Germann, Jennifer Coolidge, Wanda Sykes, John Cho, Mario Joyner, Laz Alonzo 

After dying before his time, an aspiring black comic gets a second shot at life – by being placed in the body of a wealthy white businessman.

This was Chris Rock’s Big starring movie in the lead after he had a resurgence as a stand-up comedian and came to be a comedy all-star. So a lot was expected with this film. Again virtually a black version and update of HEAVEN CAN WAIT. Starring a Caucasian actor originally Warren Beatty.

He not only stars but helped co-write the script, also directing the film were the Weitz Brothers. Who were fresh off the surprise hit film AMERICAN PIE. So this was a big important opportunity for them at the time. They even cast some for Aathe actors from that film in small to supporting roles here 

While a bit of watering down the material for more of a crossover appeal for audiences. Rock’s humor and It are still there but a bit buried. There is also a lack of bite. As the story seems to be more based on him with his character being a stand-up comedian here. Rather than a football player in the original. 

Unfortunately the film isn’t that memorable but it is entertaining enough while watching it.

Though some scenes of the movie would be funnier if we saw the character who he is on the body of so some do the behavior he does. As they are funny in theory and in glimpses when we do see him as everyone else does. Though Mostly it’s a quantum leap situation where Chris Rock is on the screen representing the character. As he is the star so It’s Expected. Though not as funny.

Though if he wasn’t would he really be the star unless they set up a kind of WHITE CHICKS prosthetics which would cheapen the movie

It shows Chris rock to be a capable enough actor and leading man. It also allows racial humor and observations to work. The film also allows the supporting cast to be funny and ridiculous too especially Wanda Sykes (here you see why so many people found her hilarious. As her comedic skills are on point. And sharp) and Jennifer Coolidge as the more outrageous ones. Hit their marks.

Though they try the Heaven Chazz Palmenteri and Eugene Levy material seems too formulaic and partially takes you out of the film and reminds you of the cheesier parts. Though at least they try to class it up and show another existence. It also feels more in tone with the weak comedy.

The film has a lot of human moments and works as funny and even romantic when you see Chris Rock in the scene that becomes like the show QUANTUM LEAP where you forget who he is supposed to be or at least look like and is more believable even when it is just him in whatever situation.

The film just comes off softer and lighter than you might expect and want.

GRADE: C

HEIST (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: David Mamet
Cinematography By: Robert Elswit
Editor: Barbara Tulliver

Cast: Gene Hackman, Rebecca Pidgeon, Sam Rockwell, Delroy Lindo, Danny DeVito, Ricky Jay, Patti LuPone

Joe Moore has a job he loves. He’s a thief. His job goes sour when he gets caught on security camera tape. His fence, Bergman reneges on the money he’s owed, and his wife may be betraying him with the fence’s young lieutenant. Moore and his partner, Bobby Blane and their utility man, Pinky Pincus find themselves broke, betrayed, and blackmailed. Moore is forced to commit his crew to do one last big job.

Writer/director David Mamet isn’t necessarily interested in the action and spoils I war as much as the audience is. He is more interested in the characters and the before as after of their thoughts and actions. He is in love with the art and construction of the con and the plan.

There isn’t some gargantuan score to keep us riveted. The film keeps things small scale and subdued. Not filled with reaction sequences. Not that the older cast can’t take it. They are in the classic mold of tough guys, but they are older and established. They don’t need the headache of the bigger score. Also don’t need as much. They treat the scores as more I do a job, but they get off on the excitement and intrigue more than anything. Beating supposed smarter and tougher men.

While it telegraphs much of what will happen the film still holds a few aces of its own sleeves. 

While one if the off moments of the film could be Rebecca Pidgeon as the Femme-Fatale of the film. She is the directors wife and has a more common look. Not the typical bombshell you would expect. That is what works for her. In real life when you see the person some guys risk it all for. They might not be everyone’s cup of tea. That is the power in the relationship. They are so unassuming you don’t see them coming. A Jennifer Lopez or Charlize Theron you sense something is up. A Julia stiles you don’t and they use their power once they have you. To lead you down a road you, not ally would never take. It makes it all the more real. Think about some couples it’s always the one least likely. Not a centerfold, but as you get to know them and appreciate other aspects of them it accentuated their looks as overall appeal until you have fallen under a spell by the name of love or lust.

Rebecca Pidgeon usually plays the female lead of his films or at least an important role in them. She is a talented actress though at times feels a little too staged in her performances.

Sam Rockwell is good though his mustache does most of the character work for him it seems as his slimy character is easily transparent. Like a cad from a bygone era.

Gene Hackman is a marvel and fits into the film as he is an acting Everyman. Though strangely doesn’t get the best lines. This is one of his last performances and while there is nothing particularly special about his performance. He is as usual strong and believable. He has the grizzled veteran part down pat.

Gene Hackman mentioned in several interviews that he found shooting the film difficult and somewhat uncomfortable because he was so much older than everyone involved. He, therefore, kept much to himself, and in the end managed to draw on that feeling of being an outsider in the group for his portrayal.

The film for all of it’s twist and turns lacks a certain excitement and fells more cut and dry.
While certainly entertaining and commanding. You feels satisfied but a bit underwhelmed. It might be the smaller nature of the film compared to its usual genre companions which are usually bigger productions and more action-packed. This one is more for adults.

Grade: B-

THE ONE (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: James Wong 
Written By: James Wong &Glen Morgan 
Cinematography By: Robert McLachlan 
Editor: James Coblentz 


Cast: Jet Li, Carla Gugino, Delroy Lindo, Jason Statham, Dylan Bruno, James Morrisson, Dean Norris 

This movie postulates what if there is more than one universe. And that all of these universes are held together by one single stream of energy and that energy is equally distributed to every living in each universe and if one of these beings die, that energy is reallocated equally to each other surviving member. And with each allocation, a person becomes stronger. Now one universe has master the ability of crossing into another universe, and a man named Shulaw who believes that if he can kill all of his counterparts, he will become invincible, but there are those who believe that it might have detrimental effects, so try and stop him. Unfortunately, he just has one more person to kill, Gabe Law, but the officers follow Shulaw but Shulaw has committed some crimes and Gabe is accused and is wanted. But Gabe discovers that he has changed and only wants to kill Shulaw not realizing what could happen.

Even for experienced writer-directors James Wong and Glenn Morgan who were also showrunners for THE X-FILES, this film feels especially weak for a science-fiction tale though I realize it is more action. That element could have been played up more. I am not even blaming the lackluster effects. It’s just that everything about this film feels uninspired.
This is a film I have seen beige and pretty much forgotten about until I re-watched it recently and all the old feelings and impressions came rushing back.

It feels uninspired though it takes elements from a bunch of different sci-fi films it never settles to use any of those inspirations to come up with spent anything different and original. I can accept that.

It also seems like a film where the directors were either fans or in awe of the star of the film Jet-Li and seem to just hang back on film ad let him do what he does best. Which would be fine of hey a least set him up with scenes that were somewhat Interesting and set up the action so that we can be amazed by his skills.

For the martial arts aficionados: Jet Li uses two distinct kung fu styles when portraying Gabe and Yulaw. The evil Yulaw uses Xingyi Quan, or “Mind-Form Fist” (loosely translated). As can be seen, when he is training, it is a very linear, offensive style. Gabe on the other hand practices Bagua Zhang, or the “Eight Trigrams Palm”. It is characterized by open palm fighting, with circular footwork. Both styles are two of the three main “internal” styles of Chinese kung fu – the third being Taiji Quan (Tai Chi).

The film LETHAL WEAPON 4 did it and look at how. Underwhelming that film was. He only played a supporting part and amazed audiences with his martial arts skills so much that soon after he was making film after film in the United States though he Barry spoke any English and most of those films while disappointing at least knew how to use him to his advantage and have at least one memorable scene with him.

This is a shame as Jet-li never really found his niche in America sure he starred In many American films though he never found a project that really defined him nor pinpointed his skills. None were truly showcases or even highlights. They all looked kind of like bargain-basement productions and paired him with a musician of some kind. They also seemed more to advertise him to more of an urban audience. (CRADLE TO THE GRAVE, ROMEO MUST DIE) Though usually, the films were multiracial. Though the films he made just as always from overseas were usually excellent to passable (HERO, FEARLESS)

This film feels like it could have been written for any action star. To use their skills in the role only here it happened to be martial arts. Truly this could have started anyone that is how much the lead character and the villain have no real personality or general-purpose other than to fill out their roles and work within the mechanics of the film.

When Dwayne Johnson’s’ The Rock’ was attached to a star, this film was known as The Rock Movie. When he left to work on THE MUMMY RETURNS, it was listed for a short while as Untitled Sci-Fi Project, and when Jet Li came aboard, it became The One. Now I will admit I can be a snob and at times hard on the action, that might be because growing up with action films I grew used to them and I just can’t take the run of the mill. There must be something special or some kind of passion about the film for me I appreciate it. Even of the film is lackluster there must be something in it even iconic that might bring me memories of yesteryear ones. This one though truly feels like a waste of time and talent. That seemed doomed from the beginning.

Skip it

 Grade: F

FORMULA 51 (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Formula51

Directed By: Ronny Yu
Written By: Stel Pavlou
Cinematography By: Hang-Sang Poon
Editor: David Wu

Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Carlyle, Emily Mortimer, Meatloaf, Rhys Ifans, Ade, Sean Pertwee

Elmo McElroy is a streetwise American master chemist who heads to England to sell his special new formula – a powerful, blue concoction guaranteed to take you to ‘the 51st state.’ McElroy’s new product delivers a feeling 51 times more powerful than any thrill, any pleasure, any high in history. But his plans for a quick, profitable score go comically awry when he gets stuck in Liverpool with an unlikely escort and his ex-girlfriend and becomes entangled in a bizarre web of double-dealing and double-crosses.

Continue reading “FORMULA 51 (2001)” →