NTM Movie SIG

Movie Reviews:

(For more recent reviews, please check the home page.)

Updated Sunday, May 9, 2008 at 2:11 p.m.

After the Sunset

** 1/2 No other critics seemed to care for this film except for me, so here goes. This film was eye candy. Scene after scene of this gorgeous Paradise Island hotel. I didn't care if it was a movie sell, I saw it when I needed a vacation and escape, and it worked for me. I also was able to see a very clear plot and reason for actions that seemed implausible to some critics. I needed an escape, but I was fully awake when I saw the film. It was worth the $1.50.

Alfie

** Sorry, but I really liked the original Alfie, the movie, that is. Back in the day, his final cut down was really a tragedy for him. Jude Law's addresses to the audience became annoying quickly, and outside of that gimmick, what was left seemed to be all surface. Please put this new version with the new version of the Stepford Wives.

Amityville Horror (2005)

Rant about Amityville Horror (2005)

In response to some of the reviews about Amitywille Horror, knocking it for not being scary enough and not seeing what the public sees in it, I would like to offer a slightly different perspective.

I first saw Amityville Horror when it came out in 1979. It was ground breaking for me because it was one of the first times that I had seen a horror movie based on something that had actually happened. The Exorcist in 1973 had also had the same extra chilling effect on me. I hadn't seen any of the follow-up movies to Amityville Horror till this new 2005 version. I usually squeeze my husband's hand in horror movies, which I did in this one, but I screamed out loud once surprising myself and felt terrified throughout and wondered more about the power of this movie.

Try to ignore the first movie comparisons and even the historical facts the movie was based on, and what do you have left. What is actually going on here that could be upsetting to us today? I think it has to do with our cognizance of our abusive society, abusive to each other and abusive to our children. The father has not yet been accepted by his stepson, who is very suspicious of his stepfather's actions and motives. The mother dismisses his apprehensions as his still being in grief over the loss of his father. This is true to some extent, but there is so much more the son is experiencing now. The scene in which the father forces the son to hold each piece of firewood until he tells him to move his hands as the stepfather is swinging the axe is truly terrifying to the boy and to anyone with empathy for someone being tortured. The daughter is thought by the mother to be wrapped up in the creative, imaginary lalaland of young children and her knowledge of what is actually going on is discounted. The mother does not at first suspect demon possession, in the same way that a lot of parents do not surmise abuse in their own families. The father, George Lutz, is the most flagrant example of an abusive parent and the actor, Ryan Reynolds, does a wonderful job, in my opinion, of portraying him. I look forward to seeing him in more movies.

The mother seems blind to the problem and doesn't move to protect her children quickly enough. Even at the end, when she realizes her husband has become a real threat (the worst abuser of all, a demon), she stays in the fray trying to save him and preserve her family. Most parents are advised today to hit the road immediately when abuse raises its ugly head, but too many of them find they never get out and often death ensues. In the mother's defense, she didn't witness the wood chopping scene, but we did, thanks to dramatic irony in which the audience knows what the characters don't know. We were the only responsible adults present, and we were helpless.

So, I think the reason Amityville Horror really terrifies us is it hits too close to home.

But I must say that I am not totally enamored with this film. Anticipating the tension that this story would produce, someone added in two bits of comic relief: the realtor and the flies. (No one could have put these in as serious parts of the film.) This was done so awkwardly in the movie, that the whole process of suspending our disbelief to make the fiction work falls apart and the audience falls out of the story. The flies event is especially weak because we all know that flies don't hurt anybody--now give us wasps, or bees, and you've got a whole different ball game. These two bits need to be reworked to be more believable. -bj

THE ASSASINATION OF RICHARD NIXON

Comments needed

ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13

Comments needed.

The Aviator

****Definite front runner for an Oscar for both best film and best actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and possibly best actress (Cate Blanchette). Very well done! You won't dare take the time to get a cough drop because you might miss something. It covers 20 very exciting years in his life, both his achievements in film making and the aircraft industry, as well as insights into his personal and public life that may have been publicized back in the day, but will be news to most of us. No, you won't get a definitive key to Howard Hughes (yes, you will feel his mother taught him some very strange lessons about life--yet you know there was more going on with him than just being taught to be paranoid), but you will definitely feel his genius and his pain. DiCaprio does a wonderful job of seeing to this. Cate plays Katherine to a farethewell, but DiCaprio is Howard Hughes. The whole movie works beautifully. And, yes, that means Scorsese is definitely worth a nomination for best director.
Added tip not found in film: Check out the Evergreen Aviation Museum (close to McMinn, Oregon) website to find out where the Spruce Goose (oops, I mean the Hercules/HK1/H4) is now.

BBQ: A TEXAS LOVE STORY

After the Event: A lovely event for the four of us who went. Great meeting the members of the casts, writers, and directors afterwards. I'd like to see both movies again. Barbecue was my favorite, as I sat there enjoying my barbecue rib basket. Good cause. Let's do it again soon! -bj

Batman Begins

Instead of the Event: **** We found out about a free "Batman Begins" screening last Tuesday, and those interested (TeenSIG members and others who could respond to very short notice) went to see it a day earlier. Director Christopher Nolan's Batman Rocks! I was pleased by this movie more than "Star Wars." It changed up the original comic book legend a bit (borrowing from "The Saint" and "The Shadow" in particular, but what they came out with is well worth your attention). The special effects were great and not overdone. They didn't scream at you, "Look at my special effects! The story, acting (Christian Bale, Katy Holmes, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Liam Neeson, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, and Tom Wilkinson), direction, costumes, props, setting, etc., acted as a unit. Christian Bale's is the best Batman out there, and he sets the pace for the rest of the cast. Great performance, Christian!. The relationships in the movie were sustained and believable and interesting. This movie stands alone and doesn't even need a series to back it up. There may be more coming before we get up to the first Batman movie, and I would like to see them, especially if they are made by this same crew. "Batman Begins" is rated PG-13 for intense action violence, disturbing images and some thematic elements. I would not take very young children to see it because of the disturbing images, meant in the story to produce fear in adult characters. Young children in the audience would be afraid. -bj

Before Sunset

I saw Before Sunset and its predecessor from a couple of years ago, Before Sunrise, as a special opening celebration at the Angelika in Plano. The theater is a tad bit smaller than our Mockingbird Angelika, but it has some nice features, like soft leather seats and its idyllic location in the Shops of Willowbend at the intersection of the Dallas North Tollway and Legacy. Many restaurants and shops are nestled there, along with a large Post condominium/loft project and some offices. In the center is a man-made rectangular lake with steps leading right into it. Go spend the afternoon there exploring and taking in the scenery.

Now for the movies. ***1/2, ***1/2 We were given free drinks, popcorn, and small candies before the first one began. Before Sunrise is an excellent film, mainly an extended conversation between two people that holds your attention and interest the whole time. Both films are filled with great dialogue and are thinking person's films. After the first film, we were treated to gourmet coffees and gourmet desserts from a bakery across the street. The second film also follows the same couple who meet years later and can spend only a few hours (until sunset) together. Again, great conversation and much to think about. I promise it is never boring, and only a great screenplay could produce this result (look for a well-deserved nomination for best screenplay). After seeing the movies together, I recommend that you too should see them together. The second one can stand alone, but you will have a much richer experience if you stage your own double feature, with appropriate treats, of course. --bj

Benji Off the Leash!

Comments needed.

BEYOND THE SEA

Comments needed

The Boerne Supremacy

***1/2 Matt Damon does it again. Such determination. As good as the original..

Bright Young Things

***1/2 Very entertaining. Reminiscent of The Great Gatsby. Captures a slice of London life in the 30's. Makes you want to know more about this historical period. But even more than capturing the period, if captures people learning what is really of value to them in a most unusual way. A good double feature with Sky Captain from the 40's. Evelyn Waugh has inspired many writers and this movie shows why. --bj

Cellular

After the Movie: This is a slick presentation using the cell phone as a gimmick throughout. OK, but not as good as Criminal, The Bourne Conspiracy, or Collateral, and not to be confused for a minute with the excellent movie The Telephone Booth from a few years back..

Cinderella Man

After the Movie: **** "Cinderella Man" should definitely be nominated for an Academy Award, as should Russell Crowe for best actor and Reenee Zellweger and Paul Giamatti for supporting roles. Craig Bierko also makes a good villain. Russell Crowe plays James J. Craddock, a hero for the common man during the depression. Each look and tiny movement reveal multitudes about his character. Because of the unavailability of other work, Craddock is forced to choose boxing as the only means to provide what he wants for his family. As he responded when asked what he is fighting for, he is fighting for milk. He is good and kind and strong and principled. He will not condone his son stealing a loaf of bread to eat, but he will box for it because those risking their lives by boxing are adults willing to accept the price. Russell gives a marvelous performance surrounded by a remarkable team that supports him all the way. The cinematography is beautiful and appropriate. The only flaw I found was the jarring effect of too much surrounding volume during the boxing matches. It was enough to make me counscious of the volume going up, instead of feeling the effects intended of being very much a part of the crowd and at ringside.-bj

COACH CARTER:

Comments needed

Code 46

**1/2 Very disappointing; I expected so much more. Tim Robbins' performance is adequate, but nothing like his performance in Mystic River. Samantha Morton gets all the attention from the camera with her Mia Farrow photogenic beauty. The sets and atmosphere are also well done. But what is missing is characters who develop and a plot that develops; instead, we have a short story thumb nail sketch that needs to be fleshed out. Did have a few new approaches though: people locked into cities and needing hard-to-come-by passports to go to another city; instead of plastic surgery or behavior modification, the people use designer viruses; and cloning has gotten so far out of hand that they passed a Code 46, stipulating punishment if you have intimate relations with a 25 or 50 or 75% genetic match. If you do it knowing in advance, it is a criminal offense. The movie could have been so much more, but it is memorable for its future vision, atmospheric cinematography, and Samantha Morton. --bj

Collateral

After the Show: **** Tom Cruise is right on and so is Jamie Foxx. Sure best actor and best supporting actor nominations. The movie is also just right, equalling a best picture nomination. A must see.

THE CHORUS (LES CHORISTES)

Comments needed

Crash

After the Movie: **** I liked "Crash," but you might want to try approaching it this way. It is not an in-depth character study of these people, although the deft writing gives you the impression that these people are actual people with very full lives. What you have instead is a broader representation of a problem and its various parts, causes, and its future if left unaddressed. The problem is ignorance. We've spent a lot of time and energy on how people from different ethnic backgrounds are different, but far too little time and energy has been spent on how we are similar. Therefore, we are ignorant of our great similarities and we tend to fill in our picture with stereotypes. What we don't know we tend to fear. Fear manifests itself as anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to violence.

Now back to the movie. Writer and Director Paul Haggis gives us characters who are imperfect. Some are prejudiced or racist, knowingly or unknowingly. Some make false assumptions based on stereotypes or what they have been taught growing up. Some of these assumptions lead quickly to fear, anger and attempted murder. The effects of feeling prolonged stereotypical treatment also tend to deaden normal communication, and bad things happen because normal helpful responses do not occur to clear the air. Some are publicly unprejudiced, but privately, perhaps unconsciously racist. One has only the slightest dawning inkling that she might have been mistaken in one of her assumptions and still has no idea of the enormous pain she has been inflicting on others. "Crash" was named because in New York City people don't have much personal contact (probably because of the number of people, which causes people to maintain any kind of personal space between them and other people that they can get and because they are always under time pressures that leave them little time to stop or even slow down to talk with others); in fact, one of the only ways left to get this contact is to crash into each other. Of course "Crash" also refers to the car crash in the film which ties most of the characters together. This movie is meant to start deeper discussion about the many faces, some broad and others subtle, of prejudice and racism--before we all end up in terrible crashes. The movie implies they are already happening.-bj.

2/17/2006 - After seeing "Crash" once again months later: What hit home to me this time was that everyone needs everyone else's help to make it through.--bj

Criminal

***1/2 Very satisfying caper movie. Based on the 2000 Argentine hit Nine Queens (You'll want to rent it.) John C. Reilly and Diego Luna work very well together, as does the whole cast. Should be a case study for how to do this genre right. --bj

Danny Deckchair

Review from Paul: Danny Deckchair indicated two simultaneous and apparently contradictory feelings in the hero. He wanted to do something extraordinary, but didn't wish to be expected to do so (by someone else). Other's expectations did not drive him, his own expectations did. Being famous simply because his ex-girlfriend was attracted to famous people and had herself become famous that way was not his bailywick, yet somehow he felt that his to be girlfriend should be endeared to him because he fell into trees twice for her or parasailed on her motorcycle.

Suffice it to say, I understood deeply his contradictory nature and have it myself!

The introduction said he had a history of wanting to do things extraordinary (human slingshot), but he wound up caring for the woman who didn't want to know about his history and, in fact, since she didn't know his history, lied about his being a professor to her friends and didn't demand he be extraordinary. Somehow he felt he could share an adventure with such a woman, an adventure outside the ordinary person's expectations. --ps

De-Lovely:

After the Movie: Joe liked it, but wanted a little more from the musical performance of Kevin Klein, who, although an excellent singer himself, held back to reflect Cole Porter's performance. Art liked it as is.

***1/2 Tom and I finally saw it on DVD (Tom's Christmas present.:-). Kevin does seem to introduce most of the songs by singing part of them himself as he felt Cole would do, but then they immediately get fully performed by different and wonderful performers and each one is a special treat. Begin the Beguine has a very sultry performance. (Cheryl Crow?) And the variety and quantity of his hits are amazing. It is not a full musical, like Phantom of the Opera where all dialogue is sung, but it does preserve for us and introduce to some of us many of the wonderful, sophisticated lyrics and melodies from a great composer whose music meant everything to him, and it links the songs with the actual life of the man himself. We saw this just after watching The Aviator and Ray and, just like the other two biographies, Cole Porter's creative genius was outstandingly presented. When Kevin sings like Cole he adds another dimension to Cole, and to creators in general: you don't have to be perfect yourself in order to create something that is perfect.

Donnie Darko, The Director's Cut

**** I did love it, and it's now at the top of my recommended list for this year. It is visionary. If you ever thought as a teenager that you were losing it, this film is for you, and for everyone else, of course. A richly textured, wonderfully thought out and acted gem that deserves to be seen again and again. Too bad it was undervalued when it was first released and can't be nominated this year. You'll have to seek it out, but it's well worth the effort.--bj

Door in the Floor:

***1/2. A very well-acted serious treatment of a tender subject based on a true story. Reminiscent of In the Bedroom. --bj

ELEKTRA:

Comments needed

Exodus

**** This was a wonderful event. The movie was three and a half hours' long, and the full house was mesmerized. Much of this period of Jewish history has been fading in recognition since one probably had to be born in the 40's to even have seen its debut in 1960, and it is rarely screened, although it should be shown often because it is an excellent epic film. Based on the novel by Leon Uris, it was directed by Otto Preminger. Comedian Mort Sahl supposedly stood up in the middle of a premiere screening of the film with Director Otto Preminger present and shouted. "Otto, let my people go" in reference to the length of the film. Paul Newman and Lee J. Cobb represent the moderate Zionist Haganah and Sal Mineo and David Opatoshu represent the romantic partisans of the radical terrorist Irgun Zvai Leumi. From watching this movie, you could see that Sal Mineo could have been the next Marlon Brando, if his life hadn't been cut short. He was nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award for his performance, but lost out to Peter Ustinov in Spartacus. The epic film is really three stories in one: the hunger strike aboard the Exodus, the prewar days and the idyllic kibutzniks, and the UN proclamation and the beginning of the war for indepenence. Eva Marie Saint, Jill Haworth, Peter Lawford, and John Derek also had great performances.

After the movie, Bart Weiss, 3 Stars Cinema's artistic director, led a great discussion with the audience.

A good follow up film would be Cast a Giant Shadow with Kirk Douglas. It takes up the story where Exodus ends. -bj

Exorcist, The Beginning

Comments needed

Fahrenheit 9/11:

After the Movie: **** It broke some ice and started a lot of conversations. It pretty much secured 2004 as the year of the documentaries, and it made documentaries more of a legitimate media to the masses. It definitely stirred up the passions of the nation. I watched it expectantly, hoping it would also be a perfect movie/documentary in the way that Bowling for Columbine had been. Fahrenheit 9/11 revealed a lot, but I also felt myself cringing a couple of times when it felt like it was overstretching to prove a point. Still is was a great experience.

Festival Express

**** Go see it, if you can. Janis Joplin can make you cry. The audience swayed to the music and applauded after several numbers. It's the way music should be presented. Don't miss it. --bj

Finding Neverland

**** This one was a real joy to attend! All the actors were at their top form. Peter Pan will never be the same. Take children or go by yourself. You will be moved by its goodness and truth. I cried and cried; take tissues. Director Marc Forster was also inspirational answering questions from the audience for a long time after the movie. He is a young man who is filled with an incredible talent and zest for life and he is also very humble and gracious. I left there inspired to write screenplays or become an actor just to be in the same magical, artistic world he conveyed to us. --bj

The Forgotten

Comments needed

Garden State:

**** My favorite this year so far after Donnie Darko and Super Size Me. Review coming. (I could talk about it now, but I just want a reason to go see it again.) Don't miss it. It's a truly creative, refreshing, artistic film you will thank me for recommending! And you'll like the cd too!--bj

Heather saw the movie in the theater five times. Heather has the soundtrack. Heather has a copy of one cd from each of
the artists on the soundtrack. Heather got the DVD the day it came out
Heather is trying to convince a friend to buy her another copy of the DVD...just in case. I think Heather might like this movie.

The Golem

Comments needed

Hero

***1/2 Brings new considerations for the use of colors in movies. They are so integral that you can tell which version of the story you are in by the colors alone. Poetic;balletic. It felt a bit short, but it was based on past legend and focused on loyalty, and ushers in a new way of seeing, so I enjoyed it. House of Flying Daggers, by the same director, carries this style much further and feels more personal and complete, despite its drawn out resolution.

HOTEL RWANDA

Comments needed

House of Flying Daggers

**** A stunning full ranging film from the director of Hero, a smaller, yet exquisitely lovely film, that should be seen for its visual effects alone. I think House of Flying Daggers is better than Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and it is because of the cinematography and special effects from the same person who gave us Hero. And if you saw the cinematography in Crouching Tiger, you know this film must be really, really special. It is. Of course, the acting is excellent thanks to one of the stars from Crouching Tiger, and the other members of the cast. The plot is based on a true story and has surprising twists and turns, perhaps one time too much, but, it is based on a true tale and if that's how it happened, then that's how it happened. It delivers feats in combat and weaponry that far surpass anything I have seen before. It also deals with all-encompassing true love between individuals, as opposed to the all-encompassing love for country as found in Hero.

Hunting of the President

Comments needed

IN GOOD COMPANY

Comments needed

Into the West

After the Movie: **** The screening showed the first 2-hour episode in the 6-week miniseries on TNT. It is reminiscent of "Lonesome Dove." Two of the stars were there for a Q&A, autographic signing, and just general conversation. Both of them were very nice and personable: Zahn McClarnon plays "Running Fox"; Michael Spears plays "Dog Star." Michael has been acting for about 15 years; you might remember him as "Otter" from "Dancing with Wolves." Both of the actors are from the Lakota tribe. The story is told from the perspective of two families; one white, and one native American. If you can't see the whole series on NTM, it will be released on DVD in September.-bj

I-Robot:

After the Movie: **1/2 Good special effects, although I feel I have endured seeing Close Encouter aliens and 3CP0 imitations for much too long. Tom was disappointed and wanted it to more closely resemble any of the eight fine I-Robot short stories, instead of using a few of the character names and dissolving into another let's-fight-the-aliens-and-win variation. The 0th Law of Robotics did not appear until much later in the Asimov robot novels.

Ju-on

For comments, please see The Grudge review from October 20.

Kung Fu Hustle

Special Announcement: The after-the-Oscars rest break is officially over. Two highly innovative movies are responsible for this: Kung Fu Hustle (the Blazing Saddles of martial arts--you will be silent with shock for the first few minutes, but after the first person breaks out in uncontrollable laughter, everyone gets caught up in what's really happening [with allusions to the Matrix, Gangs of New York, shoot outs in the street from many westerns, The Road Runner cartoon, The Shining, Bruce Lee, Forest Gump, Kill Bill, pinball machines, musical instrument tuning, the game Twister, Dick and Jane books, and more]), and Sin City, an artistic marvel in bringing Frank Miller's graphic novels to life. The acting and makeup are wonderful, with Mickey Rourke creating an unforgettable character. (I didn't recognize him at all). Warning: Sin City is extremely violent, but the violence is essential to the movie because the movie is about violence. (Is the most violent character the most evil character?) Both movies are highly innovative and well worth seeing.

Ladder 49

Comments needed

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

Comments needed

THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU

Comments needed

A Love Song for Bobby Long

Comments needed.

Madagascar

After the Movie: ***1/2 It was a very funny movie with the required "aw shucks" portions required by law. The kids thought it was great, funny and sad, and they loved the happy ending. I thought it was mostly funny, but slow in parts as the writers, Mark Burton and Billy Frolick, ponderously attempted to jerk those tears from their audience.... as they have from time immemorial..... sometimes more successfully than others. It was no FINDING NEMO, but it was pretty good, and I will say this: sometimes I laughed so hard, especially at the beginning, that I had trouble catching my breath. And all this for free! Can't beat that! -Ellen

Mad Hot Ballroom

After the Movie: **** This ballroom dance program should, in my opinion, be spread out all over the country, especially if it comes with the level of caring teachers that we see in this movie. The teachers obviously care about the whole child and about every single one of their students. What a wonderful way to get children excited about coming to school. What a wonderful way to introduce 11 and 12 year olds to social skills that build their self-esteem and guide them gracefully into the teenage years. You will be enchanted by the children and their teachers. You'll also want to dance, using the dance instruction tips provided for fox trot, swing, tango, and merengue. Everybody, dance now! -bj

The Manchurian Candidate:

After the Show: ***1/2. As good as the original.

Maria Full of Grace:

**** Very, very good. The acting is so natural and good that you might undervalue it at first, but it will haunt you and pull at your heartstrings. See it for an education, for academy award level acting by Maria, and a movie to remember, possibly an academy award nomination for it as well.--bj

March of the Penguins

After the Movie: ***** Extraordinary! In my opinion, hands down the best documentary of the year. And the dedication and effort it took to make this documentary, braving the 60-degree-below temperatures, should be the topic of another documentary as well. We scheduled a children's movie party to see it (actually a family party because some of the parents came too) and everyone from 3 to 60-and-over loved it. It left me with the same favorable reaction I had when seeing one of my earliest-viewed documentaries as a young teen (I came before the Sesame Street generation and there were no documentaries to watch on television or at theaters): The Living Desert--totally swept up and carried away. One of the teens captured it when she said: "It had everything a good movie should have--I laughed and I cried. It made me happy and it made me sad." Morgan Freeman's narration was so necessary to present this story of the life cycle of the penguins. He had just the right words and tone of voice to reassure us when the penguins faced hard times, and he made us quickly transition to and enjoy the good times. The cinematography is superb; you won't be able to forget the marching mass of male penguins, rotating in and out of the center to stay alive by sharing the warmth generated in the middle of the pack or the lovely mating rituals of the penguin couple. The story of the emperor penguins, which delights each child in school once he/she learns about them continues to capture the children's hearts when the children of all ages watch the emperor penguins' story come to life on the screen. (It was also a film that spread like wildfire through word of mouth and didn't depend solely on the media for its success.) My thanks to everyone involved with the making of this film.--bj

Mean Creek:

After the Movie: Joe recommends it, saying it is based on psychological violence, rather than physical violence.

MILLION DOLLAR BABY

Comments needed

Monster-in-Law

After the Movie: *** I saw this one, waited awhile, saw it again, waited awhile, all for Jane Fonda's sake, and it just didn't help. It's a poor imitation of "Meet the Parents." Skip it and rent "Meet the Parents." Hint: A film like this works better if you see it with your son or daughter and their potential spouse and you make menacing growling noises through it. Like when we read a book and fill in the blanks with our imagination and characteristics of people we know, when we see a movie we bring to it our own baggage, our experiences and the experiences of our friends and relatives. And we relate all this to the movie we are watching. No wonder we have differing opinions about the same movie--the movie experience, like reading books, is different for each of us.-bj

The Motorcycle Diaries

*** The person who was to become Che Gueverra takes a motorcycle road trip with his friend through South America. They meet people and find out about conditions that provide seeds to shape their characters. I particularly enjoyed his working with the leper colony. Then the trip ends and they go their separate ways. We are then given a few paragraphs printed on the screen that say what happened to them later. I expected to see more development in the movie to understand getting from Point A (the trip) to Point B (Cuba) in a few short years.

Murderball

(Angelika Newsletter) SYNOPSIS:
Featuring fierce rivalry, stopwatch suspense, and larger-than- life personalities, MURDERBALL, Winner of the Documentary Audience Award and a Special Jury Prize for Editing at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, is a film about tough, highly competitive rugby players. Quadriplegic rugby players. Whether by car wreck, fist fight, gun shot, or rogue bacteria, these men were forced to live life sitting down. In their own version of the full-contact sport, they smash the hell out of each other in custom-made gladiator-like wheelchairs. And no, they don't wear helmets. From the gyms of middle America to the Olympic arena in Athens, Greece, MURDERBALL tells the story of a group of world-class athletes unlike any ever shown on screen. In addition to smashing chairs, it will smash every stereotype you ever had about "gimps" and "cripples." It is a film about family, revenge, honor, sex (yes, they can) and the triumph of love over loss. But most of all, it is a film about standing up, even after your spirit - and your spine - has been crushed. (Rated R; 86 min.) --from Angelika Newsletter

After the Movie: ****. The synopsis above from the Angelika pretty much covers it. I gained a new understanding and much respect for these guys and what they have accomplished. One of them defined quadriplegic as having some form of diminished use in each of their four extremities. The team consists of 12 players. Depending upon where the spinal cord was damaged, the quadriplegic has more or less physical control. In the game they are "handicapped" by their level of injury and assigned a certain number of points. Each team is allowed to have only a certain number of total points. The Paralympic Team USA has a coach, Mark Zupan, a "wild man" from Austin. Team Canada also has a coach, Joe Soares, a "defector" from Team USA. Their rivalry every four years at the World Paralympics provides the main conflict in the film. It's a film applicable to anyone dealing with any type of injury that makes you change your game plan. It will provide hope and guidance to let you continue on and move ahead. Go to www.quadrugby.com for more information.-bj

Napoleon Dynamite:

**** I've seen it four times so far. Teens come to see it right after school. It was made on a shoestring budget, so it does not look polished like Garden State or Donnie Darko, but I am still going to give it that fourth star because of what it attempts and succeeds in doing, in an understated way. It is the story of a gifted boy (or is he? Shouldn't he know that llamas don't like ham-or is he just mad at the llama? Wouldn't anyone in FFA be able to instantly ID onions or bleach in a sip of milk?) who grows up in a west Texas town without any visible means of intellectual or social support. It is not at all a throwaway adolescent prank-filled movie. What is really at the heart of it may not even hit you till after the film is over. It is a story of growth and survival. Napoleon is a flower planted in the desert, as far as parental guidance and intellectual stimulation are concerned, but he flourishes, even in his limited environment (according to what we might expect for a socially and intellectually-stimulating environment). I left wondering what he would have been like with more social and intellectual support. He definitely feels the intellectual isolation most gifted children feel. But the power of Napoleon is that you feel he is going to make it through and use his gifts for good no matter what adversities he might face in his life. I think teenagers, whether they are gifted or not, feel reinforced in their own efforts to follow their dreams by Napoleon, and that is why they are drawn to this movie over and over. Go see this one at any age and you will feel its power . In addition, Napoleon Dynamite has lessons in worthwhile values for us all--friendship, sacrifice, caring, honesty, and more. Three cheers for Napoleon; he's got skills. Tip: Don't leave the auditorium until after the credits are over or you will miss the added big wedding scene and not know what Napoleon's latest skill is --bj

OCEAN FRONT PROPERTY

After the Event: A lovely event for the four of us who went. Great meeting the members of the casts, writers, and directors afterwards.

The Phantom of the Opera

***3/4. For days after the music and the fine quality of the singing by the three main parts will be floating around in your head, leaving you to ask when the cd for the movie will be available. The sets, the costumes, the fine performances by the three leads all helped me believe the tale being told. I saw the original movie on TV many times, but long ago, and have yet not had the pleasure of seeing the play, so I came to the movie with fresh eyes, and the story has come to life for me. What I remember as basically a black and white use-your-imagination film has sprung to life with sets and costumes so creative and elaborate, you will not soon forget them. I also loved the way the last scene was done. Enough said, go hear it, see it, enjoy it soon. Oh, Minnie Driver's part, though providing definite comic relief broke the spell a few times for me. Also, the whole thing is music, a very original, beautiful, lyrical music.

Postmen in the Mountains

***1/2 This is a very rewarding simple, understated film with only a father, a son, a mother, a dog, and a few villagers in it, but it is a great film, beautifully photographed in Hunan that will teach you more about values and relationships and the rural life in China in 10 minutes than you will learn watching other entire films. Be aware that the name of the dog before being mistranslated, means "second son." The whole family would enjoy it, provided attention spans are not too short because it slowly unrolls its treasures. It is not flashy, but it is filled with beauty.

Primer

***1/2 Both the director and actor, Shane Carruth and the other main actor, David Sullivan, were at the screening and shared with us how this film came about. It felt good to have a movie setting (physics project/garage) that we could identify with. One of our members, who may not have been familiar with our webpage at the time wholeheartedly recommended it to other members of the group. Keep up the good work, Shane and David.

Ray

**** Ray is the star of the show, but look out for Margie, and you'll never hear "Hit the Road, Jack" the same again. Nominations please for best actor and best supporting actress. The movie progresses conventionally using flashbacks to capture Ray's history and using his hallucinations to capture his mental state because of his past. The efforts Jamie Foxx went through to capture the real Ray are amazing and show through in his performance. This biography binds both the songs and the man together for generations to understand and enjoy.

Resident Evil: Apocalypse

Comments needed

Riding Giants:

**** As a zen surfer, I really enjoyed this one. Even signed up for the Dallas Surfrider Association, which is trying to get started in Dallas. They try to protect open beaches and the water.

Years ago I saw Endless Summer and fell in love with riding the waves all over the world. Not to long ago I tuned into a KERA special about surfers who were trying to surf waves 50 feet high (that's not a typo) way out in the middle of the ocean and succeeding, using jet skis for launch vehicles to produce the speeds necessary to catch the really big waves.

Riding Giants traces the history of surfing and its great surfers from the 50's (Gidget was a MAJOR influence) to the current day giant surfers. I haven't seen Step into Liquid yet, but these three films would probably qualify as the great surfing trilogy. Seeing them is safe (it all depends on what you are inspired to do afterwards) and definitely relaxing, therapeutic, educational, and inspirational. Step out of the fast track for two hours, relax, and enjoy. --bj

SAVING FACE

After the Event: **** Alice Lu is a refreshing new writer and director. She talked with us after the movie. It's hard to believe that this is her first film. She wrote this film for her mother, to let her know that there is always a fresh new life to live each day, regardless of your age, if you are willing to go for it and just believe in yourself. She also delicately and lovingly presents a love between the two young women (both first-time actors who are definitely going places) that is heartfelt and clearly understandable. The movie also laughs at the stereotypical Asian parent's views on dating and marriage, but we quickly understand that the same attitudes can be found everywhere in some form or another. And did I say it was very, very funny. I laughed and laughed and laughed, and you will too. Don't miss it.-bj

The Sea Inside

Comments needed

Shall We Dance

*** 1/2. A very good movie for you to just sit back and become a part of. The dance studio and the characters will linger in your mind. Very entertaining. Tom, Heather, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. A great story. Dancers from Arthur Murray entertained everyone while we waited in line and in the theater before the performance. Shall We Dance makes you want to dance. Group dance lesson passes were given out. Hmmmm. Peter Chelson was delightful, and he has a hit on his hands. I do want to check out the original movie in Japanese, to see the impact of a different ending. I liked Peter Chelson's ending just fine and felt it completed the momentum of the film. The original movie has been a classic for years, but without having seen it first, I was fully contented with Peter Chelson's new version and recommend it to all. --bj

Shaun of the Dead

Comments needed

Shrek 2:

**** Didn't everyone just love this one? I walked out of the theater feeling uplifted and happy. Shrek 2 is better than Shrek 1, but they're both great. Perhaps Shrek 2 will get a nomination for Best Picture. It could happen. --bj

Sideways

*** 1/2. Tom, Paul, and I enjoyed this one a lot. What a foursome! You'll laugh from way down deep at some of the situations. A tour de force. And, the most delightful introduction to wines you could ever wish for. You will smell and taste them. Plus, characters you come to care for. --bj

Silver City

Comments needed

Sin City

Special Announcement: The after-the-Oscars rest break is officially over. Two highly innovative movies are responsible for this: Kung Fu Hustle (the Blazing Saddles of martial arts--you will be silent with shock for the first few minutes, but after the first person breaks out in uncontrollable laughter, everyone gets caught up in what's really happening [with allusions to the Matrix, Gangs of New York, shoot outs in the street from many westerns, The Road Runner cartoon, The Shining, Bruce Lee, Forest Gump, Kill Bill, pinball machines, musical instrument tuning, the game Twister, Dick and Jane books, and more]), and Sin City, an artistic marvel in bringing Frank Miller's graphic novels to life. The acting and makeup are wonderful, with Mickey Rourke creating an unforgettable character. (I didn't recognize him at all). Warning: Sin City is extremely violent, but the violence is essential to the movie because the movie is about violence. (Is the most violent character the most evil character?) Both movies are highly innovative and well worth seeing.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

After the movie: **** This is a great movie about enduring, supportive friendships among four teenage girls. Bring your Posh Puffs, but you will be very glad you saw it. You'll wake up the next morning feeling a little bit wiser, sweeter, and kinder. And, oh, those lovely white Greek buildings on one of the girl's trips! After buying a "magical" pair of jeans that perfectly fits all four of them, even though they all have different shapes and sizes, they go their separate ways for the first time over the summer. Each one of them has the chance to wear the goodluck jeans during part of the summer. America Ferrera, who was outstanding in "Real Women Have Curves," was my favorite with her strong, very realistic performance as "Carmen." -bj

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

***1/2 The movie was very refreshing and enjoyable, and it complemented the physical looks of Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Angelina Jolie perfectly. It pulled out all the stops to recreate the 40's, using make up (that softly powdered look), hairstyles, clothes, sets, and props (down to tiny details like Hallicrafter radio equipment). Most of the scenes were done against blue screens, but you'll never notice it (well, maybe in the Shangri-La scene for a moment). While we were filled with nostalgia, I heard one audience member afterwards reveling in the newness of everything in the movie. It's all in the perspective, I guess. Definitely something for everyone to like. The characterizations also recalled certain characters from the past. People really were that simply drawn on the screen, but we accepted and related to them. Unfortunately, I think that same simple characterization replayed many times created many stereotypes. Tom noticed a lot of Terry and the Pirates. It is gentle "sci-fi" of that era adventure, but you can see all the seeds for everything that has come since. And it is clean, wholesome fare for the whole family. Only for a few seconds did I hear what resembled the sound of arcade science fiction. I liked it. Of the same ilk as Rocket Man. -bj

SPANGLISH

Comments needed:

Spider-man 2:

**** I'm sorry, but I cannot stand the villain in this one. I'm tired of all the artificial mayhem. Those mechanical arms have got to go. I think I would really like the villain without them. But that was the point, wasn't it? I did love everything else about this movie, though. It deserves a place on everyone's favorite movie list. I get the same feeling about the romantic leads that I got when first seeing the first Superman movie. People really could fly. I felt it and believed it. And they seemed to belong together. Nominations, nominations. Has this really been a great year for the movies, or am I just a softie? And we haven't really gotten to the October to December movies, which are contenders held till this time of the year to be fresh in everyone's mind when the nominations come out. --bj

Stander:

Comments needed.

State of the Union

After the Movie: **1/2. I did not like this movie very much, if at all. Yes, there were fast cars to draw in the "Fast and the Furious " fans. There were some shooting and action scenes to draw in the fans. But trying to make it into a franchise like 007, switching out people and the main character's profile willy-nilly, doesn't cut it for me. Let me have the extreme sports and special effects that are really special.
Bring back the exotic villains and the strong women who give Vin, a run for his money. Don't give me plain ole ordinary, find-them-every-day-in-the-news greedy, corrupt politicians for villains. Ice Cube plays well in family films, but he is not tough enough to be a true Vin Diesel replacement; we need a pirate (good/bad); we need Vin. Please, rethink your original concept before you get so far away from what made the original great that you can't return.

Super Size Me:

**** Joe, Tom, Betty Jane, and others (several people were interested in getting this SIG going so we have a Steering Committee instead of a SIG Chair) agree that the documentary Super Size Me is one of the very best pictures of 2004 so far. It is a must-see for children, parents, and all other people who wonder how we so quickly became one of the most overweight countries in the world. Fresh, new information for you to consider. Nominated for 2004 Best Documentary Oscar.

Surviving Christmas

Comments needed

Taxi

Comments needed

Team America

Comments needed

The Terminal:

**** Tom Hanks shines again. The Terminal is still holding court at the Plano 10 dollar house, and you should try to catch it there or on DVD if you haven't already seen it. It is definitely a one-man show about a person stranded by the bureacracy and forced to live inside an airport terminal. It is funny and humorous and touching and renewing. It is never cynical like The Out-of-Towners (the original, of course--. brilliant, but cynical). Give yourself a present and check it out. --bj

THX 1138:

**** Need to see it again after all these years. It still inspires me.

Unleashed

After the movie: **** One of my favorite gems for the summer. Jet Li, Morgan Freeman, Bob Hoskins, and Kerry Condon create a superb ensemble piece. Jet Li (Danny) wears a special dog collar that was put on him as a young boy. He was trained by Bob Hoskins (Bart) to wreak havoc when it is removed and to be Bart's debt enforcer and fighter. Danny encounters blind piano tuner Sam (Morgan Freeman) and then his daughter Victoria (Kerry Condon). Kerry is the weak spot here. She is quirky enough to carry the part, but the writer should never have let her state her age as "18." Most works purposely leave out ages and other personal descriptions. Each time she is on the screen, I find myself observing that she's too old for the part if she is supposed to be 18. Morgan Freeman takes credit for suggesting that his character be blind so as to better see the inner qualities of Danny, To me this sets off parallels to Boris Karloff's Frankenstein, who was also created, kept, and dangerous when loose. Like Frankenstein, Danny was also soothed by music, had an encounter with someone who was blind, and was capable of bringing great harm to those he cared for. Luckily for Danny, the analogy does not hold up after this. Jet Li's martial arts are impeccable here, smoothly and quickly moving with special sound effects adding the crunch. Having Woo-ping Yuen, the same master martial arts choreographer from "The Matrix," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." "Kill Bill," "Once Upon a Time in China," " Drunken Master," and "Kung Fu Hustle" insured this. Jet Li should be commended for creating a very sympathetic character visually, without uttering more than a few words throughout. I'll probably go see it again soon.-bj

Vanity Fair

**1/2 The sets and costumes should get a nomination. The supporting players are wonderful. But Reese Witherspoon does not seem up to the part. A more complex actress is desired. Perhaps Leelee Sobieski could handle it. Reese speaks Thackeray's words, but she does not show enough complexity to make the character burn and the words resonate. Also the choppy, or at least slipshod editing, especially near the end, detracts from the unfolding. --bj

Vera Drake

Comments needed


A Very Long Engagement

**** After seeing the previews, I assumed the title meant a very long romantic engagement. After about 15 minutes of Private Ryan first scene horror done up for WWI (and which I've heard was being emulated on purpose), I realized that this was going to be a very long MILITARY engagement instead. Luckily it shifted gears soon and became both, as well as a very fine mystery. Audrey Tatou delivers the film, along with a slew of supporting characters. The ending, ah, the ending. The movie is in French with subtitles. Do not be distracted when Jodie Foster enters the scene for a short part speaking fluent French. Nominations for Audrey Tatou and the movie (best foreign film?) With all the excellent films around the world this year, it's going to be a tough choice, or perhaps a tie.

The Village:

After the Movie: *** A small, very well thought out mystery with good acting and lots of suspense. It's out of the theaters now, but would be a good rental. It was very satisfying.

WE DON’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE

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North Texas Mensa Movie SIG

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