Directed By: Dennis Dugan Written By: Jay Scherick & David Rob Cinematography: Oliver Wood Editor: Debra Neil-Fischer
Cast: Martin Lawrence, Steve Zahn, Colm Feore, Bill Duke, Eric Roberts, Timothy Busfield, Robinne Lee, Matt McCoy, Brett Cullen, Cleo King, Mari Morrow, Joe Flaherty, Stephen Tobolowsky
Two mismatched security guards are thrown together to bust a smuggling operation.
A film that makes you suffer through a buddy comedy. Where the participants are supposed to be opposites coming together. That feels forced and mismatched.
When it comes to these types of films we understand why two stars teaming up In the movie will hopefully Produce a hit.
Only here do you have one star and a recognizable actor more of a character actor.
The film has very little to remember about it as it is paint by the numbers and not really good or entertaining and feels quite dumb throughout. While we watch them have their differences. Decide to team up and become buddies. Even though by the end it doesn’t feel earned but more surrender to just go With it.
It doesn’t help that Martin Lawrence’s character comes off more as a scheming asshole more than a character or even comedic force in the film. So Steve Zahn’s character is supposed to be the redneck. Throughout it shows him as decent and more a victim throughout. Though essentially the straight man to Lawrence’s wacky character.
The film Tries to Make fun of racial police battery and brutality that comes across as racist and insulting, definitely insensitive. Portraying it as more As a Scam at Least in this film. That by the end the film just leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
The latter party of the film tries to focus more on action but even that isn’t too impressive. The supporting cast is more impressive than anything in the film
This just feels like a film that didn’t need to be made and was a waste of time for all involved.
Directed By: Baltasar Kormakur Written By: Blake Masters Based on the boom! studios graphic novels By: Steven Grant Cinematography: Oliver Wood Editor: Michael Tronick
Cast: Denzel Washington,Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton,Edward James Olmos, Bill Paxton, James Marsden, Robert John Burke, Fred Ward, Patrick Fischler
Two hardened criminals get into trouble with the US border patrol after meeting with a Mexican drug lord, and then revelations start to unfold.
The film is fun though it is always predictable and you know how it is going to turn out. Though luckily the film keeps us on our toes and interested to see how we will get there.
Didn’t know that the film was actually based on a graphic novel. Though Mark Wahlberg is more an old hat at taking on roles originated elsewhere and in graphic novels. Denzel Washington not so much.
The twists and turns are appreciated to keep the film lively and drive the story forward.
The action sequences are impressive. You can tell the two stars are having in with the material, maybe even then the audience. As each doesn’t stretch too far in their roles and falls back to their charms and talents.
This is the type of film where the plot comes off as an afterthought. Though complicated this film seems more invested in the chemistry of the two stars and how much they can interact as superstars. As well as an emphasis on action sequences and who comes out on top in them.
A buddy action comedy is only tougher, involving more death and violence. With two Movie stars, you normally don’t see Co-Starring in each other’s Films. Which is really what brings the audience to this film more than the actual story.
Shocked, the movie isn’t directed by a frequent collaborator for Denzel Washington Antoine Fuqua. As it has the same polish as his films but lacks the drama needed for one of his films.
Paula Patton seems more here as eye candy with a surprising amount of nudity. She does set the movie forward. Between this and the movie FLIGHT, Denzel Washington being involved with younger women and having nudity brings one back to the films of yesteryear though admittedly gratuitous, but so much of this film already is still stylish.
This film is almost like a veteran movie as most cast members are recognizable and here more to chew the scenery but at least they come off as they are having fun. That energy extends to the viewer and makes this film entertaining while you take none of it seriously
It’s not god’s gift to make a decent action thriller with a bunch of intentional laughs. At least the movie offers an intriguing story that does hold the audience’s interest other than having the two stars teaming up or battling one another amongst the more ridiculous elements. It has suspenseful moments.
Though honestly if you are a fan of either or both of the stars of this movie. You will like it thus making it criticism-proof in the long run. Especially when the film is better down than expected
Directed By: Bill Duke Written By: James Orr, Jim Cruickshank & Judi Ann Mason Based On Characters created By: Joseph Howard Cinematography By: Oliver Wood Editor: Stuart Pappe, Pem Harring & John Carter
Cast: Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Wendy Makkena, Kathy Najimy, Mary Wickes, Barnard Hughes, James Coburn, Michael Jeter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Lauryn Hill, Robert Pastorelli, Alanna Ubach, Ryan Toby, Jenifer Lewis
The sisters come back to Delores’s show to get her back as Sister Mary Clarence to teach music to a group of students in their parochial school which is doomed for closure. One of the girls, who is the most talented of the bunch, is forbidden to sing by her mother, although the choir has made it to the state championship. A group of stereotypical incompetent monks tries to stop them.
The film never seems to shake its beginning. It starts with a vegas stage show and the whole film feels the same way as production. That is glossy and slick and never feels real while it tries to impart a message. Though it comes off as hammy as a hallmark presentation movie. Put on the big screen full of cliché. In fact, Whoopi Goldberg hated making the first one though it revitalized her career one of the reasons she decided to appear in the sequel was that Disney agreed to finance her dream project SARAFINA. If she made this film.
The film makes no sense half the time whereas at the end of the original Whoppi Goldberg’s character seemed to be world-famous and here she is a vegas star. Though no one seems to recognize her when she dons the habit. (Hence the title) to become a nun again to teach inner-city children. Even the administration. One of the few pleasing aspects of this film is that it seems more of a film to highlight fresh new talent in acting and performance. In fact, this was the first time I remember seeing singer Lauryn Hill. She has practically the near lead out of all the students and Ryan Toby of the R & B group City High.
I guess it was more intended for family audiences. Whereas the first one was also but played more for the adults. This one seems more aimed at teenagers. It takes place in the inner city but is the nicest inner city you’ll ever see. In fact, Lauryn Hill’s plotline involving her mother made no sense. it only seems to be here for false conflict.
The recognizable big-name cast in the film. That is cast in small supporting roles. Seem here to add marquee value to the dwindling film. Making the film look more respectable. Though the actors are only here for a fast paycheck and also so they can be in a film that looked to be a slam dunk at the box office. Though it is nice to see them they only add to the gloss and make the film shiny while never cutting deep.
I will tell the truth I am a fan of the first film. In fact, it still holds the record for the movie I saw the most in theaters (As well as such films as PULP FICTION, HEAT, THE BIRDCAGE and GET SHORTY) SISTER ACT was PG-13 and I could actually go see it without a parent. I also remember all my friends and family wanting to see it. So I would volunteer to see it with them. The film was very charming to me. It was also cute and funny. When I didn’t ask too much about my entertainment and art. When this film first came out I liked it. I didn’t hate it. In fact, I still don’t. Just watching it now is so disappointing. It hasn’t aged well at all. Though I doubt it was ever really good. It seems like a film that tries hard to be hip and meaningful but was played out even before it went to theaters.
It plays like a film that is only interested in making money for its brand and seems like they tried hard to try to come up with a reason for a sequel. Though the answer wasn’t really that good. I still find it to be a mild guilty pleasure as it reminds me of the time that it came out. I did like the film and its music I even bought the soundtrack and think Lauryn Hill’s rendition of His Eye is on the sparrow is spectacular and haunting. Wait for Television,
This is one of the last times I feel Whoopi Goldberg really gave of herself and put in a performance. No matter how much she seems on autopilot here at least she looks like she is trying and engaging. Especially considering the material.
Directed By: Amos Poe Written By: Amos Poe & Gregory K. Heller Story By: Gregory K. Heller Cinematography: Oliver Wood Editor: Grahame Weinbran
Cast: Vincent Spano, Kate Vernon, Michael Winslow, Jami Gertz, Clifton Powell, Ray Serra, Daniel Jordano, Zohra Lempert, Tom Mardirosian, Tom Wright
A New York City drug dealer decides to get out of the business, but has to flee from mobsters.
It took a while for me to watch this film. As the DVD and video cover made it look like some revenge movie from a third-world country all bathed in brown and gold.
Once I finally saw a trailer for the film it intrigued my interests.
One of the odd times that actor Vincent Spano played a leading role. Usually whenever he does the film almost comes off as an oddity, a memorable film, and performance.
This film is stylish and goes for a kind of gritty neon-noir look that takes place all in one night, but it comes off more shiny than deep. As it plays almost like a MIAMI VICE episode style only in New York. Even though it came out before that show. So maybe it influenced that show.
As it is episodic, the character is working on a kind of countdown that seems to have started as more of a regular night. As it seems he is given a job to do in one night that would help set him up in the mob higher. Yes, he is more than just some street dealer. He has aspirations and a family.
It seems episodic as most characters he seems to only deal with on one or two scenes and then never heard from Or at least seen again except for when it is convenient. The ones we Do keep seeing are his adversaries and his best friend/top dealer/drug addict played by Michael Winslow in a strange off-kilter nihilistic dramatic Performance. Which strangely comes off reminding one of Chris Tucker in tone.
The film keeps your interest up. Even if it is more a fascinating look at early 1980’s New York before it got cleaned up. So that it works as a kind of nostalgic time capsule of the city mainly in the neighborhood of the title.
There are of course its fair share of ridiculous scenes like how Long it takes him to realize he is being set up by one of his clients. How his girlfriend refuses to leave. When he explains why they have to leave town even though she understands why he does. She expects his gangster bosses to spare her and their child.
Though there is some action it’s not awe-inspiring even though in one scene you can see the director John Singleton used it in 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS. Though in that movie it Was used as an impressive sequence of seduction and cool. Here it is more used as a means of intimidation and cool.
Proving that this film is more influential than anyone expected and seems to be a well-Kept secret.
By now if you have watched enough films the story Will be predictable with a happier ending than you Would normally expect. That is an act that makes no sense but works for the end.
The film comes off as a nice attempt to make something a little more artistic even with a familiar storyline at the time. It comes off as hip more than anything.
Directed By: Peter Hewitt Written By: Chris Matheson & Ed Soloman Cinematography By: Oliver Wood Editor: David Finfer
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, William Sadler, George Carlin, Joss Ackland, Pam Grier, Hal Landon Jr., Sarah Trigger, Jim Martin, Taj Mahal, Primus
The world of our distant future is a veritable utopia, thanks to the lyrics of two simple-minded 20th Century rock and rollers, Bill S. Preston, Esq. and Ted “Theodore” Logan. However, a would-be conquerer threatens to throw history off-track by sending “most non-non-heinous” evil robot Bill and Teds back to kill their good counterparts. Finding themselves dead, the boys must outwit the Grim Reaper and traverse Heaven and Hell to return to the land of the living, rescue their “babes” and have a “most triumphant” concert at the all-important Battle of the Bands
The original title was “Bill and Ted go to Hell” but was changed because of American objections to the use of the word “hell”.
Stephen Herek declined to return as director because he thought it was “almost a parody of a movie that was already a parody”.
This is a sequel not too many people saw coming as yes the first film was a hit, but this sequel while seeming a bit more forced. This seems to revel in the off the Wall motif of everything involved and seems giddy with the chances they have in where they can take the film. As this film is much more wild and experimental and bigger budgeted.
When it comes to this film while there is much more to love and it is more accomplished. I prefer the original for it’s newness factor. Here we are used to these characters and while the film offers a noticeably different story. It still doesn’t feel quite as fresh as the original. Though this one is stranger. It’s not a bad film just different In its own way
definitely can say that this film seems to benefit from a better budget. As the art direction is a lot more sharp and pleasing to the eye. Making the film seem more surreal overall. As the visuals stay with you.
While this film is futuristic it is also definitely a film of its time. Which is where the film’s weakness lies. This is a film where you can tell everyone had a lot of fun making. As all the actors are inspired even the leads seem more gung ho in their roles as maybe they understand the characters more.
As the leads get to play multiple versions of themselves and seem to have their characters more on a directional path. Whereas in the first film they were teenagers who got a glimpse of the future. They still had the time and plenty of room until then. Here we see them trying to get there and the otherworldly obstacles in their way.
This film has less of a necessary story than the first film which just seemed like an odd quirky high concept comedy. Here the film seems more inspired by the characters than the plot. As this film Plays more like a comedic nightmare for the characters. Though you can’t debt that the film is more vibrant if slightly more off-center. As the film beers more into star Alex winter’s early short films and show on MTV, IDIOT BOX. As well as his feature film directorial debut FREAKED, in it’s strange and surreal humor. Where scenes seem partially like sketches that tie into the overall story. Especially in the hell sequences
William Sadler as death (his death character seemingly more inspired by Max Von Sydow in THE SEVENTH SEAL) steals the film with so much gusto and comedic highlights. That it is another performance that should have made him more in demand and lead to either more lead by roles or character actor roles. At least more comedic ones.
In this film, there is very little time travel. This is a relief as it leaves the film Not relying upon or rehashing the first film’s main focus. Making this sequel seeming fresher.
This film though does feel more creative. As it takes more chances and seems a lot more fun. It’s like a funhouse version of the first film. Whereas this film shows it’s inspirations and seems more aimed at off the wall humor. Focused on its core younger audience. This film also introduced an actual villain for the two characters to face. Even though Joss Ackland claims he only too the role because he lost a bet.
These films always feel like a precursor or an inspiration to the WAYNE’S WORLD skit and movies. Which just like this film had a more surreal and overstuffed sequel. as well as BEAVIS & BUTTHEAD was only more likable.
The film has an ending song that at the time felt iconic but listening to it now feels more melodramatic and embarrassing from the band KISS.
Directed By: Louis Lettier Written By: Sacha Baron Cohen, Phil Johnston & Peter Baynham Story By: Sacha Baron Cohen & Phil Johsnston Cinematography By: Oliver Wood Editor: Jonathan Amos, Evan Henke, Debra Neil-Fisher & James Thomas
Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Strong, Penelope Cruz, Isla Fisher, Rebel Wilson, Tasmin Egerton, Scott Adkins, David Harewood, Annabelle Wallis, Gabourey Sidibe, Barkhad Abdi
MI6’s top assassin has a brother. Unfortunately for him, he’s a football hooligan from the town of Grimsby. Nobby has everything a man from the poor English fishing town of Grimsby could want – 9 children and the most attractive girlfriend in northern England. There’s only one thing missing in his life: his little brother, Sebastian. After they were adopted by different families as children, Nobby spent 28 years searching for him. Upon hearing of his location, Nobby sets off to reunite with his brother, unaware that not only is his brother an MI6 agent, but he’s just uncovered a plot that puts the world in danger. On the run and wrongfully accused, Sebastian realizes that if he is going to save the world, he will need the help of its biggest idiot.
Directed By: Antonie Fuqua Written By: Richard Wenk Based On Characters Created By: Michael Sloan & Richard Lindheim Cinematography By: Oliver Wood Editor: Conrad Buff
Cast: Denzel Washinton, Ashton Sanders, Melissa Leo, Bill Pullman, Pedro Pascal, Orson Bean, Sakina Jeffrey
Robert McCall serves an unflinching justice for the exploited and oppressed, but how far will he go when that is someone he loves?
Cut To The Chase 