I'm still so scarred from "Glitter" that I've been avoiding movies. Maybe I'll have either a movie or a book tomorrow to review.

posted by Lisa at 2:49 p.m. |

 
I had the review for "Glitter" all written. I hit post, and the damn thing had a connection failure, and I lost it all!! Grrr!!!!

I'll give you the simple version now because I can't think about this movie anymore without wanting to scream!
"Glitter" is an awful, awful movie. Saying Carey cannot act is an understatement, and this film was just one big fashion show, and tribute to Mariah's gigantic ego. She had no dialog to speak of, and when she did have more than two lines in a row, they were delivered woodenly. I watched it twice: once as a film, and once as a drinking game. Never watch this film as anything other than a drinking game, or you will want to slit your throat with a dull knife. I had nightmares last night, and I will go so far as to say that "Glitter" was the cause.
(Da Brat, Carey, and Tia Texada)
Rating: As a movie- 0 (out of 5)
As a drinking game- 4 (out of 5)
Email me for the official Glitter Drinking Game rules if you ever intend to view this film.

posted by Lisa at 7:57 a.m. |

 
Coming up: "Glitter" starring Mariah Carey. Be prepared for lots of rage!

posted by Lisa at 1:43 p.m. |

 
The movie I'm reviewing today is "Queen of the Damned", directed by Michael Rymer. Based on the Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice, this adaption stars the late Aaliyah (Romeo Must Die), Stuart Townsend (About Adam), Marguerite Moreau (Wet Hot American Summer), and Vincent Perez (Bride of the Wind). It starts out with Lestat (Townsend) rising from his grave to join rock band. The band, the Vampire Lestat, becomes a huge success and stirs trouble in the vampire world. A detective of the Talmasca, Jesse (Moreau), after reading a journal of Lestat's becomes obsessed with him. The journal revealed his creation by the ancient vampire Marius (Perez), and his discovering of the first vampires, King Enki and Queen Akasha (Aaliyah). Jesse goes to him, hoping he'll change her, but he refuses. There is a big concert scheduled, and men and vampire alike flock to attend; the vampires for the purpose of killing him for revealing their secrets in his songs. Aakasha, roused by his music, rises from her sleep to come to his aid.
I assume that in the original screenplay, Akasha was to have a larger role, but due to Aaliyah's untimely death, had to be revised. For someone who has read the entire Vampire Chronicles, I was a little disgusted with the way they chopped up the second and third novel to create this film. The beginning was very good, leading into the main story with flair, but the flashback from the journal was a little long. I found myself wondering when it would 'just get on with it'. Aaliyah, God rest her, was unfortunately poorly cast as the ancient Egyptian queen. While her performance was a stellar effort, she just did not look the part. Townsend on the other hand, was what one pictured when one read of Lestat. He brought Lestat to life in a way that Cruise, in Interview With a Vampire, failed to do. In all, the film was what I had expected, and I hadn't been expecting much. While it was not bad, there was just too much information involved in the story to make it a good film. It was jumping around trying to fit it all in.

Rating: 2 (out of 5)


posted by Lisa at 9:12 a.m. |

 
Anthony and I watched "Panic Room" last night, a film directed by David Fincher. Starring Jodie Foster (The Dangerous Lives of Alter Boys), Kristen Stewart (The Safety of Objects), Forest Whitaker (The Fourth Angel), Dwight Yoakum (The Minus Man) and Jared Leto (Highway). This story centers around Meg Altman (Foster) and her daughter, Sarah (Stewart). Meg has left her wealthy husband, who was having an affair, and what better way to exact revenge than to buy the largest, most expensive townhouse on the upper west side of Manhattan. The former owner, clearly a paranoid soul, installed a panic room, a safe spot hidden in the bedroom. It is Altman's first night in their new home when they find themselves caught up in a cat-and-mouse game when three burglars come looking for a hidden cache of cash. Mother and daughter hide in the panic room, but the separate line to the outside has not yet been installed, and they are forced to match wits in order to survive.
This is the best performance I've seen out of Foster in a while, who has seemed to me, a little flat of late. Also, if this film in any indication of her skills, I think we will see much more of Stewart. She held her own admirably against the more accomplished Foster. The burglars of the film were very well cast as well, displaying the various extremes of criminal sterotypes. Whitaker did well as the crook with a heart of gold, while Leto was the slime ball, looking for an easy ride. Yoakum, however, delivered the best performance of the three, as the monster madman. He was downright mean! While a few things were a little farfetched (ie: Yoakum getting slammed in the head with a sledgehammer, falling two stories, and still getting back up), it was a great thrill ride. There were quite a few times when I was on the edge of my seat.

Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)


posted by Lisa at 7:49 a.m. |

 
The movie of the day is "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back", written, directed, and starring Kevin Smith. This film also features Jason Mewes as Jay (Hot Rush), Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie 2), Eliza Dushku (City By The Sea), and many more. "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" is the last film in a series, of sorts, featuring Jay and Silent Bob. For all you Kevin Smith fans, this film was a long coming. When Dante and Randal (from Smith's "Clerks") get a restraining order to keep the foul mouthed Jay (Mewes) and his hetero life-mate, Silent Bob (Smith), from selling drugs in front of the Quick Stop convenience store, their lives are suddenly empty. They find new purpose when their friend, Brodie (from Smith's "Mallrats"), informs them a movie is being made featuring two infamous characters based on their likenesses. After visiting one of the creators of the Bluntman and Chronic, Holden McNeil (from Smith's "Chasing Amy"), they set out to get the "fat movie cash" they deserve and hopefully put an end to people slandering them on the Internet. Along the way, they get caught up with a foursome of beautiful women, led by Sissy(Dushku), and Jay falls for one of them, a woman named Justice (Elizabeth). Justice convinces them to break into a lab and rescue a monkey, Suzanne, who is the victim of animal testing. The quest takes them from New Jersey to Hollywood where a showdown involving the police, jewel thieves, and the Bluntman and Chronic filmmakers will decide the fate of Suzanne, Jay, Silent Bob, and their good names.
For those of you who are loyal Kevin Smith fans, you will love this one! It combines the characters we loved in his previous films with a wacky and hilarious storyline that keeps you shaking your head in wonder. Jay and Silent Bob have been favorite characters in all the Smith movies, and fans cried out for more, being rewarded with this film. Lots of laughs in classic Smith manner.
(Smith and Mewes)
Rating: 4 (out of 5)



posted by Lisa at 1:18 p.m. |

 
I'm going to plug my favorite novel, called "Outlander", Diana Gabaldon's debut work.

The story begins in Scotland, 1945, and Claire Beauchamp Randall, a former combat nurse for Britain, is on holiday with her husband after a long separation due to the war. She finds herself overcome with curiousity about an ancient stone circle near the inn where they are staying. When she innocently touches touches the corner of one of the giant boulders, she blacks out, awakening at the bottom of the hill, two hundred years in the past. 1973 Scotland was a time filled with rumors of the Jacobite Pretender's Rising, the people beset with ignorance and superstition. Claire uses every resource she possesses to survive in this strange new world, but when she is forced to marry a young solider by the name of Jamie Fraser, she finds that her growing feelings for him will be the greatest danger of all. Sworn by his wedding vows to keep her from harm, Jamie's passion for Claire goes beyond duty. The love that blossoms between the two is far more powerful, and more real, than any emotion she has ever experieced. Claire finds herself torn between the future, and the husband, she left behind, and the past she now lives in.
As I said, this is my favorite book. I've read it at least ten times, and I enjoy it as much every time. It has the power to move me to tears, and laugh out loud. Beautifully imagined, Gabaldon combines modern ideals and sensabilities with the intense drama and passion of the 18th century. With a strong main character in Claire, and the man of any woman's dreams in Jamie, this is an eloquently rendered tale that will become an instant favorite for anyone who reads it.

Rating: 5 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 10:17 a.m. |

 
The movie today is "American Virgin", co-written and directed by Jean-Pierre Marois. Starring Mena Suvari (The Musketeer), Robert Loggia (Holy Man), Bob Hoskins (Felicia's Journey) and Gabriel Mann (Josie and the Pussycats), "American Virgin" is a story about Katrina Bartalotti (Suvari), daughter of an infamous porn king Roddy Bartalotti (Loggia). Fed up with her father's double standards, Katrina makes a deal with her father's rival Joey (Hoskins), who doesn't have a last name for some reason, to lose her virginity on a live broadcast. Her father discovers her intention when he sees her on a talk show promoting the event, and goes crazy! Meanwhile, Katrina's ex-boyfriend Brian (Mann), whose mother is the show's host, tries to track her down to stop her and declare his love.
Mena Suvari shines as the confused Katrina, but Robert Loggia was definately the highlight as the porn king with a conscience. With great comedic timing, I throughly enjoyed his performance. A prime example is a scene where he and his henceman have kidnapped Joey with the intent to find out where his daughter is. When Joey refuses to talk, he has his henceman tattoo a penius on Joey's forehead! Crazy antics like this had me laughing heartily. Hoskins played off Loggia extremely well, and the scenes with the two of them were gold!

Rating: 3 (out of 5)



posted by Lisa at 1:41 p.m. |

 
I'm reviewing a book called "Someone to Watch Over Me", by Lisa Kleypas. This is a historical romance, which I am sheepishly admiting to absolutely adoring, about Grant Morgan, a Bow Street Runner, London's police force of the era, who goes to the Thames to investigate the report of a drowning victim. It turns out that the woman is not dead, although just barely, and Morgan knows her. She is Vivien Duvall, one of London's most scandalous beauties, a famed and expensive courtesan, but she doesn't remember who she is. Deep down, she is sure that he is mistaken, she couldn't be the kind of woman who would sell her body to the highest bidder. Morgan, who has known every kind of woman, finds that Vivien now seems so innocent, and vulnerabe, and cannot help but be enchanted by her. However, Vivien didn't get into the Thames by accident as horrible bruises circling her next can attest, and Morgan and Vivien find themselves racing against time to catch whoever wants her dead. Unfortunately, the truth is locked inside Vivien's mind, and the task is going to be harder than either of them could imagine.
I actually have a few of Lisa Kleypas' novels, and I was not disappointed by this one. The characters are likeable, and vivid, while the story draws you in with its twists and turns. It was a wonderful blend of romance and suspense, bringing you to that 'point of no return' where you dare not put the book down. It lacked many of the cliched plot points associated with historical fictions is general, and I throughly enjoyed it.

Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 8:14 a.m. |

 
If you haven't yet seen "Monsters Inc.", you better get out there and rent it! A Disney/ Pixar animated film, "Monsters Inc." features the voices of John Goodman (Dirty Deeds), Billy Crystal (America's Sweethearts), Steve Buscemi (Mr. Deeds), James Coburn (Snow Dogs), and Jennifer Tilly (Babylon Revisited). In a land of monsters, James P. Sullivan (Goodman) is king. He and his coworker/ friend Mike Wazowski (Crystal) are two of many monsters that work for Monsters Inc., a utility company that generates power for a very paranoid and nervous city of monsters. Run by Henry J. Waternoose (Coburn), Monsters Inc. gets the power by having the monsters scare children at night. One evening, after a busy day at work, Sullivan comes across a door that has been left on the scare floor by his rival Randall (Buscemi). To his horror, a little girl comes through the door into the monster world, and, in his eagerness to solve this problem, he unwittingly uncovers an awful plot. Together, Sully and Mike will fight to protect the innocence of the children they scare every night.
All I have to say about "Monsters Inc." is that it is an instant classic. Witty, original and funny, this movie uses every child's fear of 'monsters under the bed' to the best possible advantage. In manages to bring out your inner child, while still appealing to your grown-up side. Never before has voice talent been so perfectly matched and acted to a t than in the comic team of Crystal and Goodman with their characteristics smartly enhanced into their characters with Crystal's liberal use of his "SNL" Willy the Masochist ("Oh I hate when that happens!") and Goodman's burly, awshucks demeanor fits his soft-hearted meanie like a golden glove. Sulley is the true star of the show with his emotional overload not unlike a kid learning to make a new life transition as he discovers there's more to his existence than meets the eye. When he realizes that Boo, the little invading little girl, (by the way, nice job by the producers to use real-life 4 year old Mary Gibbs, in easily the cutest turn by a child performer ever without making an audience gag) is not threatened by his hulking presence. The laughs are largely thanks to Crystal's myopic M&M who is always one-step behind his big buddy and slow on the uptake as the plot proceeds with his sly one-liners, sudden bursts of unrestrained anger and confusion, and slapstick antics leads the film into uncharted territories of hysterical laughter and a great breakneck roller-coaster ride with Mike & Sulley attempting to find Boo's bedroom door to return her to the real world with the deliciously slimy Randall in hot pursuit gives the film a giddy headrush of adrenaline.
(Mike and Sully on the scare floor)
Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 9:55 a.m. |

 
I am reviewing "The Musketeer" today. An adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' classic novel "The Three Musketeers", directed by Peter Hayms, "The Musketeer" is set in 17th century Paris. It follows a dashing swordsman named D'Artagnan (Justin Chambers- The Wedding Planner) finds himself at odds with the powerful Cardinal Richelieu (Stephan Rea- FearDotCom). He sets out to become a Royal Musketeer, like his father before him, in hopes of not only protecting his king, but avenging his father, who was murdered by the mad Febre (Tim Roth- Planet of the Apes). He becomes caught up in the intrigues of the crown, and assists Queen Anne (Catherine Deneuve- Dancer in the Dark), with the help of Francesca (Mena Suvari- American Pie 2), in hopes of preventing war.
I really enjoyed "The Musketeer", mostly for the elaborate sword fights, and the appeal of the very attractive Chambers. Shallow, yes, but what can I say? The big finale which involves lots of jumping and ladders was very impressive, and, after seeing the work done by the actors in Cyrano at the Imperial last season by the Saint John Theater Company, I appreciate the sword play that much more. The costumes were beautiful, but can you think of a period film where the costumes were not well done? I think the movie would have been much better had it not been so blatantly americanized. Chambers, Roth, and Suvari are just too American to be believable in a French period piece. Suvari was poorly cast as Francesca, as she seems to have a very limited range in terms of the characters she can play. I was very impressed, however, by Deneuve as Queen Anne. She has a powerful presence on screen, which attests to her many accomplishments in the European film industry. All in all, it was a fresh twist on the original story, but you know what they say- If it's not broke, don't fix it.

Rating 3 (3 out of 5)


posted by Lisa at 7:09 a.m. |

 
The movie coming under the knife is "Zoolander", co-written, directed, and starring Ben Stiller (The Royal Tenenbaums). This is a movie about a male supermodel by the name of Derek Zoolander (Stiller) who is on his way down after three years on top. When he is beaten by the hot newcomer Hansel (Owen Wilson-The Royal Tenenbaums), Derek starts searching for a new meaning in his life. Just then fashion czar Mugatu (Will Ferrell- Saturday Night Live) offers Derek a comeback in his new "Derelicte"-line. What nobody suspected is that Mugatu plans to assassinate the new Malaysian Prime Minister on his visit to New York, so that cheap child labor is still available for Mugatu's fashion producing. By brainwashing Zoolander, Mugatu and his evil associate Katinka (Milla Jovovich-Resident Evil) create a dumb and willing killer to do the job. Journalist Matilda Jeffries (Christine Taylor- Kiss Toldedo Goodbye), while investigating Mugato uncovers the plot, and seeks to help Zoolander.
Well, what can I say about this movie. Horrible may be a little kind, but I'm going to stick with that because its the only thing I can think of that doesn't involve the F-word. It was ridiculous, it had only three comedic moments that I can recall, and while I appreciate the string of celebrity cameos, the cameos shouldn't be the one good thing about a movie. Mind you, Davie Bowie being the judge in a competition between Zoolander and Hansel was a highlight, but don't see the movie for that reason. I remember thinking halfway through that I should change the channel, but it was like a car accident, you can't help but watch; which makes it better than "Double Take" at least.

Rating:2 (out of 5)


posted by Lisa at 5:24 p.m. |

 
The movie of the day is Men In Black II, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. This movie, which is the sequel to 98's blockbuster, again stars Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. It has been four years since the agents of the mysteries MIB unit averted an intergalactic disaster. K (Jones), as you remember, has since returned to the comforts of civilian life while J (Smith) continues to work for the Men in Black, the highly funded yet unofficial government agency that regulates all things alien on earth. While investigating a seemingly routine crime, J uncovers finds himself in the middle of a plot, masterminded by Serleena (Lara Flynn-Boyle), an evil Kylothian alien who has disguised herself as a lingerie model. Naturally, the only one who can save the world is K, who has no memory of his days as an agent.
While Men In Black II has some 'laugh out loud' moments, it lacks the sense of fun that was such a big part of the original movie. There really wasn't anything in this movie that hadn't already been covered in the first, except the villian is wearing sexy black underwear when she kills people. I really liked the dog alien, returning from the original, who becomes J's partner briefly, but then, I'm a sucker for talking pets.

Rating: 2.5 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 8:17 a.m. |

 
Today's movie boys and girls is the Ultimate Chick Flick: "Dirty Dancing"! (I can hear the men groaning from here.) Directed by Emile Ardolino, and starring Jennifer Grey (Bounce), Patrick Swayze (Letters From A Killer), Jerry Orbach (Law & Order) and Cynthia Rhodes (Curse of the Crystal Eye). The story begins when Dr. Jake Houseman (Orbach) takes his family to a resort for the summer of '63. Baby (Grey) finds herself fascinated with the couple Johnny Castle (Swayze) and Penny Johnson (Cynthia Rhodes), dancers who have been hired to show the guests a good time. She helps one of the staff carry watermelons to the staff lounge where she is shocked and intrigued by the sensual dancing being done. One evening, she discovers Penny crying in the kitchen, and after running for Johnny, finds out that the young woman is pregnant, but can't afford to get an abortion. Baby goes to her father, gets the money only to find that Penny won't except it because the only day she could get an appointment was the same as the biggest show they do all season. Baby finds herself getting roped into learning the routine. However, during the process, they fall in love, and become lovers.

With great music, hot dance scenes and steamly romantic encounters, "Dirty Dancing" is, as I said before, the Ultimate Chick Flick. Swayze is sexy, and Grey is fantastic. Mind you, there are a few cheesy lines, but it's 17 years old. They can be over looked. If you're a woman, how could you not love this movie?
(Swayze and Grey)
Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 9:24 a.m. |

 
Yesterday I watched "Cats and Dogs" with Lysbeth. Directed by Lawrence Guterman, "Cats and Dogs" is a fun and quirkly look at the top secret, high tech espionage war going on between cats and dogs. Featuring the voices of Tobey Maguire (Lou), Alec Baldwin (Butch), Sean Hayes (Mr. Tinkles), and many more, this film is centered around the Brody Family, played by Jeff Goldblum, Elizabeth Perkins, and Alexander Pollack. Dr. Brody (Goldblum) is working on creating a formula that would cure humans of their dog allergies, and the cats, led by a rogue feline Mr. Tinkles, are out to keep this from happening. The cats catnap the Brody's first dog agent, and a replacement is sent in. However, there is a mix-up, and Lou finds himself thrust into the role of a secret agent.
Now, for the lowdown. I found this movie incredibly funny. The first time I watched it, I was giggling like a school girl, and Anthony, so enjoying my reaction to it, bought the DVD for me. Most of the jokes have been done a thousand times before, but for some reason, when done by a cat or a dog, they're made new and funny again. An example? There have been "The Matrix' spoofs done in a number of comedy in the recent past, and this movie is no exception. However, where one just groans at a human doing it 'again', it instigates chuckling and outright laughter when three siamese cats wearing nightvision goggles pull out the moves to fight young Lou. Where it is clearly a comedy meant for children, I think adults will get the same pleasure out of it.

Rating: 4 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 7:29 a.m. |

 
The movie today is "Zebra Lounge", directed by Kari Skogland. It is a story about Wendy (Brandy Lenford-Rat Race) and Daniel Barnet (Daniel Magder- Angel Eyes), a married couple dissatisfied with their boring suburban existance, try to find a new way to spice up their sex life. They meet a couple through a personal ad, and at first Louise (Kristy Swanson- Soul Assassin) and Jack Bauer (Stephan Baldwin- Cutaway) seem like just the people to experiment with 'swinging'. It turns out however that Louise and Jack aren't interested in a one night stand.
First of all, don't let the picture of Baldwin and Swanson on the video packaging fool you, they are the supporting actors. As for the title, there are only three scenes that take place at Zebra Lounge. It actually wasn't too bad of a movie. I was a little sceptical at first, but I was quickly drawn into the story. Lenford and Magder guide you through the ackward first steps of making such a big decision, while Baldwin and Swanson are deliciously slimy. Mind you, the plot becomes a little surreal and unbelievable at the end, which translates to predictable. Regardless, I rather enjoyed it, despite myself.

Rating: 3 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 5:24 p.m. |

 
So anyway, I must be a glutton for punishment because I just watched Scary Movie 2. Because the first one wasn't bad enough. Sigh... Anyway, written by the Wayans brothers and about a half dozen others, and directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, Scary Movie 2 is about a group of teens being tricked by their professor into visiting a haunted house, while spoofing a bunch of other actual scary movies. Starring Shawn Wayans (Scary Movie), Marlon Wayans (Dungeons and Dragons), who by the way are supposed to be two characters not related to one another despite looking so much alike, Anna Faris (Scary Movie), and Regina Hall (Scary Movie). Also, for those of you who enjoyed this movie, look for Scary Movie 3 coming next year. All I have to say is that it's a movie spoofing another movie. Again. That's it. There really are no original jokes, there doesn't seem to be any plot driving it, and the script (Insert shudder here.)? There was a script? If you've seen the original Scary Movie, there really is no need to mention the performances, because you already know.

Rating: 1 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 12:29 p.m. |

 
Anthony and I just watched "Birthday Girl", directed by Jez Butterworth, and starring Nicole Kidman (The Others) and Ben Chaplin (Lost Souls). John (Chaplin) is a thirty-something man from St. Albans, England. He has worked at the same bank in the same position for ten years. Then his Russian mail-order bride Nadia (Kidman) arrives. Nadia doesn't speak english and John doesn't speak russian, but they fall in love anyway. On Nadia's birthday, two old friends from Russia arrive to visit, as a birthday surprise, and all hell breaks loose. I found this movie well written, well cast and altogether enjoyable. Kidman did an excellent job, as always, but I was surprised at how good her russian accent was, and her russian lines were delivered with confidence. Chaplin was a pleasant surprise, as he really carried the weight of the film on his shoulders. Butterworth, who co-wrote this film with Tom Butterworth, did an admiral job weaving in the little plot twists without it seeming ironic. I think it definately worth seeing.

Rating: 4 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 9:34 p.m. |

 
Today I watched a movie called "About Adam", written and directed by Gerard Stembridge. It is set in modern Dublin, and a waitress/singer named Lucy (Kate Hudson- "Almost Famous") falls for a handsome man named Adam (Stuart Townsend- "Queen of the Damned"). Lucy takes him home to meet the family, and Adam succeeds in charming everyone. However, Lucy's sisters, Laura (Frances O'Connor- "The Importance of Being Ernest") and Alice (Charlottle Bradley- "Moll Flanders") fall for Adam too. He wastes no time seducing them too. This movie is told by the different people in the story from their point of view, which makes for a very interesting and amusing film. I really enjoyed it. All of the performers did a great job, especially O'Connor who comes across as sweet and a little insane. Overall, it was very witty, and worth seeing.
(O'Connor and Townsend)
Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 2:42 p.m. |

 
The movie that I watched last night is "Double Take", directed by George Gallo, starring Orlando Jones (Evolution) and Eddie Griffin (The New Guy). In this movie, junior executive Daryl Chase (Jones) flags a huge transfer of funds from a Mexican company as being illegal, he is attacked in his apartment, is rescued by the CIA, finds his secretary dead, and witnesses the murder of two cops. He calls the CIA agent who instructs him to get to Mexico. Leaving Manhattan, Chase can't shake a street punk named Freddy (Griffin), who is luckily around when it comes to shaking the police. From there, mayhem ensues. I can't give you any more plot information because that was where I stopped watching it. This movie was the most boring, unfunny action/comedy I've ever partially watched. Now, it takes a lot for me to ignore a movie completely, but this one started out okay and just slowly got worse. The jokes were bad and forced, and I've seen more action at a playground. At least at the playground, you just might see a good fight. There was also a lot of mistaken identity as Chase and Freddy had changed their clothes. It's amazing how you can mistake two men who look nothing alike just by switching clothing. I should try it! Better beware! The next time you see Anthony, it may be me wearing his clothes!!

Rating: 0.5 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 6:38 a.m. |

 
I watched the movie Save The Last Dance last night. You know of it, I'm sure. Directed by Thomas Carter and starring Julia Stiles (State & Main), Sean Patrick Thomas (Dracula 2000), Kerry Washington (3D), Fredro Starr (Light It Up) and Terry Kinney (The House of Mirth), this is a story about a girl named Sara (Stiles), whose dreams of being a ballerina are shattered by the untimely death of her mother. She moves to Chicago to live with her father, Roy (Kinney), who was a dead-beat dad. She finds herself attending a school where she is one of the only white people there, and becomes friends with one of the popular girls Chenille (Washington). Later she falls in love with Chenille's brother Derek (Thomas) and the couple find themselves defending their relationship to everyone else. Derek helps Sara get back on her feet and dancing again.
The only thing that this cliched movie didn't have was a lost puppy. This movie, although enjoyable, is so formula, that there are virtually no surprises. Thank God that the actors portrayed their characters with talent, as well as intensity. Stiles was very good, not surprising as she's played almost the same character in nearly everything I've seen her in, although she tended to be overshadowed in all the scenes with Thomas and Washington. Kinney portrayed Roy with the same quiet reserve he plays all of his characters. Don't get me wrong, I did like the movie for the most part; in fact I've seen it a number of times. It is just lacking that certain something to set it apart from other teen romances.
(Stiles and Thomas)
Rating: 3 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 7:48 a.m. |

 
Well, last night we watched "Hell Comes To Frogtown", directed by Donald G. Jackson and R.J. Kizer. Starring Rodey Piper of WWF fame and Sandahl Bergman who looks disturbingly like Angela from "Who's the Boss", this movie is set post-nuclear war where fertile men and women are rare. Sam Hell (Piper) is rescued from prison by a government group called Med-Tech, because he is fertile. He is sent into hostile mutant territory with Spangle (Bergman) to rescue a group of fertile woman from the evil clutches of Toty, the commander of Frogtown. So, the name says it all. I do have to throw in that the most unerotic thing I've ever seen was in this movie. While trying to entice Hell into doing his 'duties', Spangle does some sort of strip tease. Just thinking about it makes me shudder violently. Ugh. With no acting abilites to speak of, no script, and no plot beyond Hell must impregnate, this movie had absolutely no cinematic value beyond that of a drinking game.

Rating: 1 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 4:41 p.m. |

 
I have just returned from the movie theatre. Anthony and I went to see "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", directed by Joel Zwick. Starring Nia Vardalos (Meet Prince Charming), John Corbett (Prancer Returns), Michael Constantine (Thinner), Lainie Kazan (The Crew), and Andrea Martin (Hedwig and The Angry Inch), this is a story of a greek woman who falls in love with a non-greek man and struggles to get her family to accept him while dealing with their cultural differences. Toula (Nia) and Ian (Corbett) meet, they fall in love, he asks her to marry him. All Hell breaks loose at the Portokalos house when Toula announces their engagement. Naturally the family, which consists of 27 first cousins, insist on helping to plan the very Greek wedding. All I have to say is "FUNNY"! You have to see this film. I haven't enjoyed a comedy as much since I saw "Amelie" back around March. I think the funniest line in the movie is after Ian has been baptized in the Greek Orhadox Church, Toula says to him, "You're all oily.", to which he replies, "I'm Greek Now!"All I have to say is "FUNNY"! You have to see this film. I haven't enjoyed a comedy as much since I saw "Amelie" back around March. Vardalos is fantastic, and Corbett is her equal in every scene the two are in together. However, supporting actors Constantine and Martin, steal nearly every scene they are in. With a great script, and a 'funny because it's true' plot, this movie is definately one of the year's best comedic films.

Rating: 5 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 7:16 p.m. |