Reviews

So far, this is the best movie of 2006. With some more publicity this movie could easily sweep the awards for every category in which it can compete. Greg Kinnear-Best Actor; Toni Collette-Best Actress; Paul Dano-Best Supporting Actor (runners-up: Steve Carell and Alan Arkin. Yes, runners-up to Paul Dano! He gives a performance that is nuanced, funny and at one point heartbreaking. You have got to see this guy in this movie!); Abigail Breslin-Best Supporting Actress (best juvenile performance since Tatum O'Neal in "Paper Moon" maybe better); Michael Arndt-Best Original Screenplay; Valerie Faris/Jonathan Dayton-Best Director; Best Film!! Keep on going down the list of categories. Smart and funny. This is a great film for adults!

This is a ripoff of other movies, some good ("Blair Witch Project") and some not so good ("The Cave"), but one of them is not "Alien". Admittedly, there is a high level of suspense once the action starts approx. 50 minutes into the film. There is also a high gross out level. However, the writing is lame. I sat there and predicted when most of the shocks would happen. Characters do and say things for no apparent reason other than to have some extra lines to speak during the first 50 minutes.

Speaking of that 50 minutes, the movie should be titled "Six Annoying B*****s" because I couldn't have cared less about what happened to any of them when the body count inevitably started. Also, if you've seen the trailer, the character screaming "Hello. Is anybody there?" is not supposed to be funny. However, within the context of the film I still couldn't suppress a giggle when the line is uttered.

...too bad there's about 110 more minutes that don't include her character.

It's bad when a thriller is ho-hum and this is one of those. The cast is solid but the screenplay lacks any suspense. It also lacks a backbone. Which party do the different politicians represent? What is the main reason for paranoia? After the 2000 election are we supposed to be shocked that money not the voters select the president?

Denzel Washington is, as always, affecting as the main character. I was distracted by his character because he brought to mind his character in another Gulf War themed movie, "Courage Under Fire" and the similarities of the character's motive: finding out the truth about what happened. Meryl Streep's performance is the only thing with which to recommend anyone see this film. However, her performance doesn't hold a candle to the comparable role in the original movie played by Angela Lansbury. Jonathan Demme should stick to original screenplays instead of lackluster remakes of classic movies that are in no need of being remade, ie. this one and "The Truth About Charlie" ("Charade").

Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" is arguably the most important film of our generation. Nobody that experiences the movie can deny that it is well crafted whether you agree with what he is saying or you do not. I am an admirer of most of the things that Mr. Moore attempts to tell us, the people of the United States, to prod us to become active in the democratic process. I believe 100% of what this documentary tells us about Bush I and Bush II waging war for control of Iraq's oil reserves and enabling their rich friends (as Bush is quoted in the movie addressing his supporters at a white tie fundraising dinner: "This is an impressive crowd -- the haves ... and the have-mores. Some people call you the elite; I call you my base.") to get richer by awarding fat government defense contracts to their businesses.

The movie should win the Academy Award for Best Picture because it is a great movie whether you believe it is fact or fiction. Hopefully, when it does win the statuette in March 2005 the movie will have been a part of kicking Bush's regime out of the White House. The final point Moore makes in the movie that Bush attempts to use but cannot verbalize: "Fool me once shame on you." (2000 election) "Fool me twice shame on me." (2004 election)"

"Friday" is one of the funniest movies I have seen in many years. Ice Cube and D J Pooh have filled a simple movie plot with memorable characters, dialog, and scenes. Chris Tucker continues to amaze me in each of his roles by his comic genius. The scene when Smokey tries to lift some money from Deebo while he's sleeping almost made me pass out from laughing so hard. The whole cast is solid with lots of great supporting actors. There's even some good common sense advice from father to son. I dismissed this movie as one I wouldn't like during it's theatrical release, but rented it after someone I work with recommended it. 8 out of 10 overall. Chris Tucker and some scenes are 10+++!!

This movie has it all! A super macho stud and an amoral chick in the lead roles. Mod clothes, big hair, wooden acting made worse because of dubbing from Italian into English, a script that makes you wonder why the character say or do certain things, etc. While watching the movie, I could just hear what Joel, Crow, and Servo might say. It was fascinating to watch such a good BAD movie. If you like cheesy movies, then hunt this one down. English title THE WITCHES MOUNTAIN. Great fun!

The script for "Love is the Devil" did not scratch below the surface of the major characters not helped by the short vignette-like scenes. Most character and story development happened off screen especially the relationship between Francis Bacon and George Dyer after their initial meeting. I got the feeling that the moviegoer was expected to know some background on this. I was left with the questions of 'Why was George so emotionally tied to Francis?' and 'Did George not satisfy Francis' need for masochism?' and if not, 'Why did he keep this guy around?' The imagery, however, was stunning and affecting.