Old Movie Reviews Archive (up to2004)

"SECONDHAND LIONS"-DRAMA- * * * *
Well done coming-of-age story. Original storyline and very well acted with action, drama, comedy and satire well interwoven. A fun movie.

"STUCK ON YOU"-COMEDY- * * *
Anything from the Farrelly Brothers is good, however, this isn't their best endeavor. Nevertheless it is a funny movie well carried by Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear to make up for the less than stellar writing.

"JEEPERS CREEPERS 2"-HORROR-* * * 1/2
Better than the first one and in the world of movies that is a rarity. Not much can be done with a movie filmed almost exclusively on a bus, but this movie does all it can and packs some chilly moments as well. The eyes of the monster as it stares down the occupants remain in the viewer's memory a long time.

"RUNAWAY JURY"-DRAMA-* * * 1/2
Effective but somewhat uneven this is nonetheless a satisfying movie with a considerable amount of suspense and action. There are enough twists to keep the viewer interested without becoming frustrated (think of the movie Basic). Well acted and paced.

"SWAT"-CRIME DRAMA- * * * 1/2
Previews built this movie up to be more than what it was, however it still has plenty of action, however out of place it may be at times. What the movie lacks in plot is made up for in special effects and action.

"LORD OF THE RINGS"-EPIC- * * * *
Lengthy but historically faithful tale with spectacular costumes and setting from medieval times. Followed by a sequel nearly as good, it is packed with swords and sorcery.

"DARKNESS FALLS"-HORROR- * * * *
Clever and imaginative with an original premise as well as a double-meaning title. The idea of the tooth fairy being a killer is one that hadn't been thought of yet, or at least not yet made into a movie. The plot is thin at times but there are truly scary scenes although at times it is so dark, it is hard to see what is going on. I guess that's part of the film's appeal.

"FEAR DOT COM"-HORROR- * * *
Difficult and at times frustrating movie, that rings of "The Ring" no pun intended lol. Scenes flash by quickly just as they did in "The Ring." The plot, if one exists is buried under subliminal messages constantly thrown to the viewer, which while leaving conflicts unresolved, at least gives the viewer some recreation. So much more could be done with a movie with a website that kills and we could only hope if a sequel is made that we get to see some of this.

"FINAL DESTINATION 2"-HORROR- * * * 1/2
Though the deaths are more imaginative and more numerous, the film's plot is almost non-existent, especially when compared to the first film. It is more than obvious to the viewer that the filmmakers tried too hard to make people encounter death, whereas in the first film, it was a lot easier for the viewer to accept the events as natural. This film will please the gore and blood lovers, however. It's just too bad it was so predictable.

"BOONDOCK SAINTS"-COMEDY/DRAMA- * * * *
One of the best modern movies of its type based on the fascinating and original premise that God has ordained 2 Irish rogues (one of which is very authentically portrayed by Sean Patrick Flanery with a genuine accent) and an Italian mafioso to do the work of killing the bad people. A very funny, yet at times serious movie with a nice balance between the two. Would like to have seen more done with the old man with Tourette's syndrome, as he is quite hilarious. Also, the cat scene seems out of place for this movie, and the ending could have been so much more, but otherwise this is a must-see movie, and is worth watching again and again and again!

"JEEPERS CREEPERS"-HORROR- * * *
Not even sure to begin how to describe this plot. This movie is just plain weird, however it does work on a lot of levels and there is genuine scare in it. Movie dares to be original in some areas where the genre could certainly use some originality. However, the ending suffers greatly and knocks this movie's quality down to a level lower than what it established in the first hour and a half. Scary? yes. Gory? yes. Makes sense? Nah but that's ok for a lot of us...

"AMERICAN PIE 2"-COMEDY- * * * *
One of the rare movie situations where the sequel is almost as good as the original. This movie is very funny and has little if any downtime.

"JURASSIC PARK III"-HORROR/SCIFI- * * 1/2
Scientist is highjacked and forced to land on an island inhabited by dinosaurs, most notably the humongous Spinosaurus and a slew of Raptors. Overall, a disappointing sequel to the first two, mainly due to Spielberg's absence, as well as a rather brief contrived storyline. Nevertheless, the dinosaurs are again the real stars of the show with some kickass special effects that make you wish you owned a pet Raptor...NOT! lol

"SCARY MOVIE 2"-COMEDY/PARODY- * * * 1/2
Vindictive, somewhat sadistic professor sets up meeting place for youth in haunted house with some truly sick inhabitants. Formula works well and there is laughter at almost every turn.

"WAR GAMES"-DRAMA- * * * *
Young hacker starts Global Thermonuclear War through a video game portal. "The only winning move is not to play."

"A FEW GOOD MEN"-DRAMA- * * * * 1/2
High level cover-up of a murder in the Marines and courtroom proceedings afterward. "You can't handle the truth."

"LAKE PLACID"-HORROR- * * *
Huge alligator on a rampage. "I'm rooting for the alligator."

"FATAL ATTRACTION"-DRAMA- * * * *
Psychotic woman who doesn't like one-night stands exacts revenge. "I will not be ignored."

"SLING BLADE"-DRAMA- * * * * 1/2
Man released from insane asylum tries to get past what put him there and protect new friends from mean, drunk redneck. "I like them French fried potaters mmmmhmmm."

"BLAIR WITCH PROJECT-HORROR- * * * *
Three stoners make a video out in the woods and soon regret it, as will some of the viewers of this film who get motion-sickness. "Well, if someone is out here in these woods in the middle of nowhere, why are we filming it? Why aren't we getting out of here? I'm not playin' with that!"

"SHANGHAI NOON"-COMEDY- * * * 1/2
Chinese guy buddies up with Western outlaw in quest to save a princess. "This ain't the East, it's the West and the sun may rise where you come from, but it sets here."

"FINAL DESTINATION"-HORROR- * * * * 1/2
Young man attempts to alter Death's design. "You can't control me. I choose when I will die"

"TITANIC"-DRAMA- * * * *
Historically accurate but lengthy and detracted by sappy love scenes a la Hollywood retelling of the 1912 tragedy. "I know how the world works; I got 10 dollars in my pocket..." >>>9.0<<<

"FIGHT CLUB"-DRAMA- * * * * 1/2
Intense outing that shows what can happen when one can't find an outlet for young repressed rage and frustration. "We are the middle children of history; we have no place or reason for being here."

"DICK"-TEEN COM- * 1/2
Extremely hyperbolic portrayal of Richard Nixon and his ultimate demise at the hands of two ditzy 16-year-old girls...yeah right!"I am not a crook."

"CAPE FEAR"-HORROR- * * * 1/2
Lawyer unjustly lets his client go to prison who when he gets out pursues the lawyer and his family with a vengeance. "Come out, come out, wherever you are." >>>8.7<<<

"THE GHOST AND THE DARKNESS"-HORROR- * * * 1/2
Two man-eating lions are more than just lions and prove tougher to defeat than the Devil himself. "Everyone has a plan until they've been hit."