“More Movies”


Blackhawk Down **

I feel like I have no heart not enjoying this film. A friend of mine cried. Other people I talked to were deeply moved and couldn’t I understand how I didn’t enjoy the film. I am sure that the battle sequences were realistic and true to what happened. However I was utterly lost by who was who, who I should care about or even any type of character.

Before going to the film, I just knew it was based on articles in the Inquirer about a little skirmish that most of Americans didn’t know about. I knew Clinton knowingly sent unready troops to war. Drew fell asleep during the movie. All I remember about that movie is we had a snow storm around the time I saw it. This movie taught me nothing.

We Were Soldiers **

Thought this murky war flick would be different since one of my favorite actors was involved (Mel Gibson). The first half of the film involved the people before they went to war which is rarely done. We are usually introduced to everyone when they are already in some sort of war. That’s what made this angle some what fresh.

However the move slips into the doldrums after the battle scenes become mundane. Some cool violent moments however there isn’t anything that would merit a 2nd viewing. I guess it seemed cooler on the big screen.

The Comedian ***

A few years after the demise of his sitcom, Jerry Seinfeld decided to retire every joke he ever did. including the bits that made him famous. So he went on the road playing in dive comedy clubs with all new material. A once polished performer stumbled over wording of his new jokes and hecklers.

Luckily for us a digital camera was running and a documentary was made about the year he spent on the road. Don’t see this wanting to see anything other than a behind the scenes look at the stand up comedy business. It offers more interesting moments than funny. Not to say that some of Jerry’s asides on and off the stage are not on par.

The documentary also follows an up and coming smart ass comedian who is seemingly as insecure as they come when he is not on stage. One classic exchange involves Jerry laughing at the new comer comparing himself to friends that are actually starting families. He seeks advice from the elder Jerry. Jerry must prepare for his upcoming gig on Letterman with his new material. Some famous stars show up as themselves.

This might not be up everyone’s alley. Die Hard Jerry fans will enjoy it, people who enjoy documentaries, and anyone who actually has a “Dream” could easily displace their own in the message that the documentary tries to convey. Very entertaining for a person like me anyway. Nice Jazz like soundtrack too.


Igby Goes Down ****

A bizarre title makes this movie hard to recommend. However anyone who had seen this one (about 15 people) were in for a treat. The strong coming of age story follows a young man who is surrounded full blown adults who are mostly hypocrites. He spends his days getting kicked out of school after school. Seeing as where he comes from a wealthy (but very messed up family) you would think he would be happy. His brother bought into the whole rich preppy lifestyle. Why shouldn’t he?

Igby goes through his life insulting people and would rather just his mom finally die. The hates this brother, hates most the people he meets, and was obviously effected by his father breakdown when he Igby was just a kid.
His mother is dying, and Igby spends time with a hot ass girl and his uncle (played hilariously by Jeff Goodblum). The story is tight, the acting is strong, and the direction is crisp certainly the most underrated movie of the year. Definitely one of my favorite films of the year.

I hyped this movie enough up that I think everyone will hate it. OH well. Perhaps we can watch when it comes on DVD at Dukes. If Jenna stays away I am sure that she will tell me what a horrible person I am for liking the movie.


Red Dragon ** ½

Remake of the underrated and for the most part forgotten Manhunter. Red Dragon is basically a big grander version of the film since it was made be on a much larger budget. The only thing is I sat through this film knowing what was going to happen and when for the most part. I liked some of the low key acting in the Manhunter better and it’s low budget feel gave it a really creepy feel.

A friend of mine become obsessed with serial killers after seeing Manhunter. Red Dragon although well done was easy to shrug off afterwards. The new ending was more loyal to the book I am told, but I liked the other ending better. Of course more Hannibal scenes were added with the film starting with him, and serving as s transition to Silence of the Lambs at the end of the film. I wonder what ever happened to detective Graham in the later films.


Two Weeks Notice **

Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock allow this movie to propel this movie with their chemistry. Even when the material seems like it shouldn’t work it seems like it does because these two actors are overly familiar with this genre. They both have done better but its not a bad film either.

The movie of course pins both love interests on polar opposites of subject matter. This one has Grant being wealthy (he is always wealthy) and wanting to expand his empire, and Bullock wanting to keep traditional NYC buildings around.

The movie like many over the years serves as a love letter to New York City with many shots of locations and references to life there. This New York City doesn’t seem like it ever had a 9/11.


Gangs of New York ***1/2

After years in the making the film finally got into theaters during the recent holiday season. The epic tale tells about New York City during the civil war. Apparently different immigrants settled in different sections of the city and didn’t like each other that much. To make matters worse the government wants to draft people for the war. Even if they don’t know what the hell is going on, because they don’t speak the same language.

This movie made Casino and Goodfellas look like a Disney film with the graphic violence. The gangs murder each other in the streets, and form alliances to a certain extent. The movie centers around a kid who grew up with this world around him and saw his father killed. When he is an adult will take part in the same way of life? Avenge his fathers death? Well you better rush out to a theater before it gets bumped to find out.

The movie boasts one of the most impressive sets done in a long time. Not one computer generated building in sight, just a good old fashion world built on a studio back lot. It might go down in history as the last such film.

For those of you avoiding this film because of “Leo” you are missing out on one of the best movies of year by far.


Catch Me If You Can ** ½

An affable entertaining (unless your Jenna securely in the arms with the smartest man alive) film about a kid who becomes a con-man. In the age of innocence (the movie takes place in the 50’s) people could get away with just dressing and acting the part and easily dupe the masses. Leo posses as a teacher, a pilot( most of the time so he can fly all around the country), and a lawyer as he travels the country. In order to fund his adventures he learns how to fake checks from airlines he never worked at.

Will it be just a matter of time will Tom Hanks catches him? The movie was good, but I wanted it to be more fun. Like when Leo banged that hot chick from Alais or the teacher scene. We seem him walking around with a bunch of hot flight attendants who he picked to go over seas with him. But we don’t get to see any of the plane ride.

The movie boggles down a bit when Leo starts falling for a Southern chick, and is oddly dark in the short spurts which messes up the balance of the generally light hearted movie. Hanks is good, but he has been much better in over roles. Kind of strange to see him in a supporting role.