Viewed in
2003
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
In Spike Jonze/Charlie Kaufman's sophomore endeavor, Nicolas Cage plays a lovelorn Charlie Kaufman (and twin brother) who's having trouble adapting a book based on a news article about orchids.
Thoughts
As a huge Kaufman fan, I recall loving this film. However, there was too much inside joke stuff about movie making and screenwriting that I seriously doubt regular audiences would understand the references and themes. The weirdness and mind-blowing creativity was off the charts, with imaginary twins, adaptations within adaptations, and blatant blurring of reality of Kaufman's career and life. Cage was perfect as the Kaufman brothers, and the rest of the cast was fantastic, especially Chris Cooper.
What I would change
Nothing.
Showing posts with label 2003. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2003. Show all posts
American Splendor
Viewed in
2005
Premise
The biography of Harvey Pekar, as told and illustrated by Harvey Pekar.
Who should watch
Anyone who enjoys great, artsy films.
Thoughts
This film was weird, funny, unique and just plain awesome.
Pretty much every great film requires a great story. Here, it displayed Harvey Pekar's unique life and personality. On top of that, the story also had a cute and realistic love story about two dysfunctional, anti-social nerds. The great story and dialogue helped make the acting great. Paul Giamatti deserved to be nominated for his awesome job as Harvey. He was dead on. How do I know? Read the next paragraph.
What made this film so unique and crazy was that the filmmakers totally obliterated the fourth wall*. There were absolutely hilarious scenes of the real Harvey narrating the film, with the camera pointed at the real Harvey, and Paul Giamatti (in costume as Harvey) walking from the movie set into the recording studio that Harvey is in. Even Harvey's real-life family and friends get involved in the madness. This obliteration perfectly fit the tone and humor of the story and enhanced the film experience to levels of greatness.
*There is an acting term called 'knocking down the fourth wall'. In most cases, characters in a story are not aware of a camera looking at them, as if all four walls of their room are solid. Occasionally, that fourth wall comes down, and the characters talk and interact with the camera or audience.
What I would change
Nothing.
2005
Premise
The biography of Harvey Pekar, as told and illustrated by Harvey Pekar.
Who should watch
Anyone who enjoys great, artsy films.
Thoughts
This film was weird, funny, unique and just plain awesome.
Pretty much every great film requires a great story. Here, it displayed Harvey Pekar's unique life and personality. On top of that, the story also had a cute and realistic love story about two dysfunctional, anti-social nerds. The great story and dialogue helped make the acting great. Paul Giamatti deserved to be nominated for his awesome job as Harvey. He was dead on. How do I know? Read the next paragraph.
What made this film so unique and crazy was that the filmmakers totally obliterated the fourth wall*. There were absolutely hilarious scenes of the real Harvey narrating the film, with the camera pointed at the real Harvey, and Paul Giamatti (in costume as Harvey) walking from the movie set into the recording studio that Harvey is in. Even Harvey's real-life family and friends get involved in the madness. This obliteration perfectly fit the tone and humor of the story and enhanced the film experience to levels of greatness.
*There is an acting term called 'knocking down the fourth wall'. In most cases, characters in a story are not aware of a camera looking at them, as if all four walls of their room are solid. Occasionally, that fourth wall comes down, and the characters talk and interact with the camera or audience.
What I would change
Nothing.
Bad Boys 2
Viewed in
2005
Premise
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence crack jokes while Michael Bay blows stuff up.
Who should watch
People who like stuff blowing up.
Thoughts
It was the usual sequel: bigger explosions, bigger jokes, bigger salaries, less story.
Nevertheless, it was entertaining for the right reasons. There was typical Michael Bay stuff, highlighted by the two car chases that were a lot of fun and rather creative. And Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have great comic chemistry.
What I would change
Nothing.
2005
Premise
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence crack jokes while Michael Bay blows stuff up.
Who should watch
People who like stuff blowing up.
Thoughts
It was the usual sequel: bigger explosions, bigger jokes, bigger salaries, less story.
Nevertheless, it was entertaining for the right reasons. There was typical Michael Bay stuff, highlighted by the two car chases that were a lot of fun and rather creative. And Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have great comic chemistry.
What I would change
Nothing.
Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman
Viewed in
2004
Formats
DVD
Premise
A mysterious Batwoman vigilante appears in Gotham City.
Thoughts
I don't remember anything about this. Sorry.
What I would change
NA.
2004
Formats
DVD
Premise
A mysterious Batwoman vigilante appears in Gotham City.
Thoughts
I don't remember anything about this. Sorry.
What I would change
NA.
Blind Swordsman Zatoichi
Viewed in
2005
Premise
Blind swordsman Zatoichi saves the day.
Who should watch
Beat Takeshi fans. Those who want a different samurai movie.
Thoughts
It was weird, but I appreciate it for being different. Zatoichi is a famous Japanese film folk hero, much like how Robin Hood is retold ever generation.
This is my first Beat Takeshi movie, so I was not aware of his weird style. I've been told this version is very different for traditional Zatoichi movies. I'm guessing this would be as wierd as Kevin Smith doing James Bond. My favorite scenes are when the background music intermingles with music created by the characters.
It drags occasionally and the CGI swords and blood is unintentionally funny, but I still recommend it for its weirdness.
What I would change
Nothing.
2005
Premise
Blind swordsman Zatoichi saves the day.
Who should watch
Beat Takeshi fans. Those who want a different samurai movie.
Thoughts
It was weird, but I appreciate it for being different. Zatoichi is a famous Japanese film folk hero, much like how Robin Hood is retold ever generation.
This is my first Beat Takeshi movie, so I was not aware of his weird style. I've been told this version is very different for traditional Zatoichi movies. I'm guessing this would be as wierd as Kevin Smith doing James Bond. My favorite scenes are when the background music intermingles with music created by the characters.
It drags occasionally and the CGI swords and blood is unintentionally funny, but I still recommend it for its weirdness.
What I would change
Nothing.
Cooler, The
Viewed in
2004
Premise
A cooler is someone who can spread bad luck to hot customers at casinos.
Who should watch
Fans of the cast, especially William H. Macy.
Thoughts
I liked the solid acting and likable characters, but the overall William H. Macy vibe reminded me too much of a superior small film called 'Panic'. Nevertheless, if you like him playing William H. Macy roles, you should like this.
There were two memorable scenes: one was a couple avenging their hotel neighbors by pretending to have wild and annoying sex, and the other was one was the fate of a corrupt cop.
What I would change
More original material.
2004
Premise
A cooler is someone who can spread bad luck to hot customers at casinos.
Who should watch
Fans of the cast, especially William H. Macy.
Thoughts
I liked the solid acting and likable characters, but the overall William H. Macy vibe reminded me too much of a superior small film called 'Panic'. Nevertheless, if you like him playing William H. Macy roles, you should like this.
There were two memorable scenes: one was a couple avenging their hotel neighbors by pretending to have wild and annoying sex, and the other was one was the fate of a corrupt cop.
What I would change
More original material.
Elf
Viewed in
2006
Premise
A human baby raised by Santa's elves returns to the human world.
Who should watch
Anyone in the mood for something light-hearted and happy.
Thoughts
What a funny, cheerful, likeable holiday movie.
Will Ferrel did a great job of not turning into a Will Ferrel character. He was just a loveable characters here. There were also lots of great supporting work from some legendary actors and well-known actors.
The set design of the North Pole was cheesy cool. I loved the homages/parodies of those old stop-motion Christmas classics.
What I would change
A less cheesier ending would be nice.
2006
Premise
A human baby raised by Santa's elves returns to the human world.
Who should watch
Anyone in the mood for something light-hearted and happy.
Thoughts
What a funny, cheerful, likeable holiday movie.
Will Ferrel did a great job of not turning into a Will Ferrel character. He was just a loveable characters here. There were also lots of great supporting work from some legendary actors and well-known actors.
The set design of the North Pole was cheesy cool. I loved the homages/parodies of those old stop-motion Christmas classics.
What I would change
A less cheesier ending would be nice.
Finding Nemo
Viewed in
2003, 2004
Formats
Movie theater, DVD
Premise
A father clown fish travels across the ocean to rescue his captured son.
Thoughts
All these Pixar masterpieces are hard to rank, but it's up there. What I recall the most was the amount of comedy from the assortment of charming characters, especially Ellen DeGeneres' stomach-hurtingly funny Dory, the vibrant colors in the animation to make the Pacific ocean come to life, and the heart-warming universal theme of a parent's love for his child.
What I would change
Nothing.
2003, 2004
Formats
Movie theater, DVD
Premise
A father clown fish travels across the ocean to rescue his captured son.
Thoughts
All these Pixar masterpieces are hard to rank, but it's up there. What I recall the most was the amount of comedy from the assortment of charming characters, especially Ellen DeGeneres' stomach-hurtingly funny Dory, the vibrant colors in the animation to make the Pacific ocean come to life, and the heart-warming universal theme of a parent's love for his child.
What I would change
Nothing.
Freaky Friday
Viewed in
2006
Premise
Bickering mother and daughter have their bodies swapped, and hilarity ensues.
Who should watch
Linsday Lohan fans. Jamie Lee Curtis fans. Comedy fans.
Thoughts
I had a blast. The movie never ran out of funny scenes. It also stayed away from sappy-ness or parent-child weirdness.
I was very impressed with Linsday Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis' comedy acting. I think parents would enjoy this as much as their kids.
I have not seen the original, so I cannot compare the two.
What I would change
Nothing.
2006
Premise
Bickering mother and daughter have their bodies swapped, and hilarity ensues.
Who should watch
Linsday Lohan fans. Jamie Lee Curtis fans. Comedy fans.
Thoughts
I had a blast. The movie never ran out of funny scenes. It also stayed away from sappy-ness or parent-child weirdness.
I was very impressed with Linsday Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis' comedy acting. I think parents would enjoy this as much as their kids.
I have not seen the original, so I cannot compare the two.
What I would change
Nothing.
Holes
Viewed in
2013
Formats
HDTV
Premise
Shia LaBeouf stars as a juvenile delinquent sentenced to a detention camp where the teens are forced to dig holes.
Liked
Risk-taking story-telling, strong cast.
Disliked
Disorienting start.
Thoughts
What a weird fairy tale of a movie.
The start of the film was disorienting, with its collections of (seemingly) random flashbacks, but once you treat the story as a fable, everything made a lot more sense. As the themes of curses, sins of the (great-great-grand) father, friendship, and onions became clear, all the layers of flashback-backstories began to payoff, culminating in a satisfactory and tender ending.
Watching it now, you could see what Hollywood studios saw in LaBeouf as a promising lead actor, with strong acting and charisma. His chemistry with Khleo Thomas, as the sidekick, was very enjoyable. Meanwhile, the ridiculously deep adult cast included fun offbeat performances from Sigourney Weaver, fat Jon Voight, Eartha Kitt, wiry Tim Blake Nelson, Henry Winkler(!), Patricia Arquette, the black dude from Psyche, Rick Fox, and Siobhan Fallon from Men in Black.
Throughout most of the film, I was skeptical that kids would enjoy this movie, even though it was marketed/listed as a family film. I wondered if the detention camp stuff and non-linear stories would confuse them. But once I found out this came from Louis Sachar, author of the bizarrer Sideways Stories From Wayside School, things made sense again. It's definitely not for younger kids, but I could see it resonating with older kids.
Overall, Holes can test your patience, but for adults and teens, I recommend this unique, poetic, unusual little gem.
2013
Formats
HDTV
Premise
Shia LaBeouf stars as a juvenile delinquent sentenced to a detention camp where the teens are forced to dig holes.
Liked
Risk-taking story-telling, strong cast.
Disliked
Disorienting start.
Thoughts
What a weird fairy tale of a movie.
The start of the film was disorienting, with its collections of (seemingly) random flashbacks, but once you treat the story as a fable, everything made a lot more sense. As the themes of curses, sins of the (great-great-grand) father, friendship, and onions became clear, all the layers of flashback-backstories began to payoff, culminating in a satisfactory and tender ending.
Watching it now, you could see what Hollywood studios saw in LaBeouf as a promising lead actor, with strong acting and charisma. His chemistry with Khleo Thomas, as the sidekick, was very enjoyable. Meanwhile, the ridiculously deep adult cast included fun offbeat performances from Sigourney Weaver, fat Jon Voight, Eartha Kitt, wiry Tim Blake Nelson, Henry Winkler(!), Patricia Arquette, the black dude from Psyche, Rick Fox, and Siobhan Fallon from Men in Black.
Throughout most of the film, I was skeptical that kids would enjoy this movie, even though it was marketed/listed as a family film. I wondered if the detention camp stuff and non-linear stories would confuse them. But once I found out this came from Louis Sachar, author of the bizarrer Sideways Stories From Wayside School, things made sense again. It's definitely not for younger kids, but I could see it resonating with older kids.
Overall, Holes can test your patience, but for adults and teens, I recommend this unique, poetic, unusual little gem.
Hulk
Viewed in
2003
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
Ang Lee's foray into comic book adaptation of the Incredible Hulk.
Thoughts
Don't remember much except that I liked its ambition to be more than a summer blockbuster, even though Ang Lee failed to make it entertaining or interesting.
What I would change
No idea.
2003
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
Ang Lee's foray into comic book adaptation of the Incredible Hulk.
Thoughts
Don't remember much except that I liked its ambition to be more than a summer blockbuster, even though Ang Lee failed to make it entertaining or interesting.
What I would change
No idea.
Identity
Viewed in
2011
Formats
HDTV
Premise
A bunch of strangers, including John Cusack, Ray Liotta and Amanda Peet, are stranded in a motel during a rainstorm, but one by one they die mysteriously.
Liked
Nice balance of suspense and horror, second act.
Disliked
Third act.
Thoughts
I enjoyed the second act because it had a really nice melding of psychological thriller and scary horror. There was a cool twist where things go a bit supernatural, lifting it beyond just a pure slasher flick. The acting and production value were top-notch. I can't imagine how incredibly annoying it must've been on set to shoot the entire film in constant rain.
Overall, the reveal was interesting, however, that last third was a complete letdown. Without spoiling it, the solution to solving the characters true problems just felt so Hollywood. I understand you can't really story-tell psychological issues like they do in real life, that'd be a boring slog. So I honestly don't know what the middle ground of resolving everything intelligently and entertainingly at the same time.
I appreciated the effort from the film makers of Identity, especially in terms of acting and execution. While the writing had some strong moments, I think the writer painted himself into a tough corner.
2011
Formats
HDTV
Premise
A bunch of strangers, including John Cusack, Ray Liotta and Amanda Peet, are stranded in a motel during a rainstorm, but one by one they die mysteriously.
Liked
Nice balance of suspense and horror, second act.
Disliked
Third act.
Thoughts
I enjoyed the second act because it had a really nice melding of psychological thriller and scary horror. There was a cool twist where things go a bit supernatural, lifting it beyond just a pure slasher flick. The acting and production value were top-notch. I can't imagine how incredibly annoying it must've been on set to shoot the entire film in constant rain.
Overall, the reveal was interesting, however, that last third was a complete letdown. Without spoiling it, the solution to solving the characters true problems just felt so Hollywood. I understand you can't really story-tell psychological issues like they do in real life, that'd be a boring slog. So I honestly don't know what the middle ground of resolving everything intelligently and entertainingly at the same time.
I appreciated the effort from the film makers of Identity, especially in terms of acting and execution. While the writing had some strong moments, I think the writer painted himself into a tough corner.
Kill Bill Volume 1
Viewed in
2003
Premise
In the first half of Quinten Tarantino's shout out to martial arts movies, Uma Thurman begins her revenge against her former co-assassins.
Who should watch
Martial arts and Tarantino fans. Those who like stylistic violence.
Thoughts
Butt-kicking women? Check. Inventive, quirky scenes and dialogue? Check. Eclectic soundtrack? Check. Violence that made full use of the R rating? Check. Over-the-top, enthusiastic sense of film making joy? Check.
What I would change
Nothing.
2003
Premise
In the first half of Quinten Tarantino's shout out to martial arts movies, Uma Thurman begins her revenge against her former co-assassins.
Who should watch
Martial arts and Tarantino fans. Those who like stylistic violence.
Thoughts
Butt-kicking women? Check. Inventive, quirky scenes and dialogue? Check. Eclectic soundtrack? Check. Violence that made full use of the R rating? Check. Over-the-top, enthusiastic sense of film making joy? Check.
What I would change
Nothing.
The Last Samurai
Viewed in
2004
Formats
DVD
Premise
Tom Cruise stars as an American soldier captured by samurai Ken Watanabe.
Liked
The two leads.
Thoughts
I do not remember much, except that it was the first time I saw badass Watanabe. He and Cruise made a likable tandem. It was pretty well done with some cool fighting and samurai learning. But I remember it being kind of long.
What I would change
No idea.
2004
Formats
DVD
Premise
Tom Cruise stars as an American soldier captured by samurai Ken Watanabe.
Liked
The two leads.
Thoughts
I do not remember much, except that it was the first time I saw badass Watanabe. He and Cruise made a likable tandem. It was pretty well done with some cool fighting and samurai learning. But I remember it being kind of long.
What I would change
No idea.
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King [Extended]
Viewed in
2003, 2004, 2005
Premise
Based on the last third of the trilogy novel.
Who should watch
Fantasy fans. Epic fans.
Thoughts
The birds-eye view of Minas Tirith still takes my breath away, as does the entire sequence where Rohan comes to Gondor's aide. After watching this trilogy, I now understand the appeal of horses.
What I would change
Made the Frodo-Sam-Gollum arc less childish.
2003, 2004, 2005
Premise
Based on the last third of the trilogy novel.
Who should watch
Fantasy fans. Epic fans.
Thoughts
The birds-eye view of Minas Tirith still takes my breath away, as does the entire sequence where Rohan comes to Gondor's aide. After watching this trilogy, I now understand the appeal of horses.
What I would change
Made the Frodo-Sam-Gollum arc less childish.
Lost in Translation
Viewed in
2004
Formats
DVD
Premise
Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson star as two strangers who form a bond in Tokyo.
Thoughts
The details are hazy, but I recall enjoying Murray's mesmerizing performance as well as some cool imagery of isolation. This was also my first introduction to luscious Johansson. It definitely suffered from too much hype as a complete film, save Murray's acting.
What I would change
No idea.
2004
Formats
DVD
Premise
Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson star as two strangers who form a bond in Tokyo.
Thoughts
The details are hazy, but I recall enjoying Murray's mesmerizing performance as well as some cool imagery of isolation. This was also my first introduction to luscious Johansson. It definitely suffered from too much hype as a complete film, save Murray's acting.
What I would change
No idea.
Master and Commander The Far Side of the World
Viewed in
2008
Premise
Based on the novels about a British Navy ship fighting a daunting French opponent during the Napolean era.
Who should watch
Those who like naval epics. Russell Crowe fans.
Thoughts
A well done film with a cat-and-mouse fight between the two ships, but with a lot of care for the characters.
I was surprised with the excellent directing. Peter Weir had made some great, small-budget films, like 'Dead Poets Society' and 'Truman Show'. Here he showed he incorporate his human touch with top-notch action.
While the action was good, I mostly enjoyed the acting and the characters. Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany worked well together as best friends who happen to be captain and doctor. The dynamic between them while balancing duty and friendship was very interesting and well done. I enjoyed the Galapagos Island stuff a lot for the scenery and key plot points.
In addition, the minor characters were not cardboard cutouts and each had a chance to shine. Like any military film, I had trouble telling some of the minor character apart, because tend to look alike.
What I would change
Nothing.
2008
Premise
Based on the novels about a British Navy ship fighting a daunting French opponent during the Napolean era.
Who should watch
Those who like naval epics. Russell Crowe fans.
Thoughts
A well done film with a cat-and-mouse fight between the two ships, but with a lot of care for the characters.
I was surprised with the excellent directing. Peter Weir had made some great, small-budget films, like 'Dead Poets Society' and 'Truman Show'. Here he showed he incorporate his human touch with top-notch action.
While the action was good, I mostly enjoyed the acting and the characters. Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany worked well together as best friends who happen to be captain and doctor. The dynamic between them while balancing duty and friendship was very interesting and well done. I enjoyed the Galapagos Island stuff a lot for the scenery and key plot points.
In addition, the minor characters were not cardboard cutouts and each had a chance to shine. Like any military film, I had trouble telling some of the minor character apart, because tend to look alike.
What I would change
Nothing.
Matrix Reloaded, The
Viewed in
2003
Premise
Sequel to the groundbreaking film.
Who should watch
Fans of the 'Matrix'.
Thoughts
For actions fans, there were two outrageously awesome scenes that were must see. The first was a cool fight between Neo and a hundred Agent Smiths. The second was a super-expensive 11-minute freeway car chase. Whenever this movie repeats on television, I cannot help but watch.
However, the rest of the movie sucked. The acting was more stiff than cool. Also, the writing was unintelligible. I could not tell what/why things happened, and when they talked, it was all gibberish. I recommend just fast-forwarding to the action scenes.
What I would change
Written a more coherent story.
2003
Premise
Sequel to the groundbreaking film.
Who should watch
Fans of the 'Matrix'.
Thoughts
For actions fans, there were two outrageously awesome scenes that were must see. The first was a cool fight between Neo and a hundred Agent Smiths. The second was a super-expensive 11-minute freeway car chase. Whenever this movie repeats on television, I cannot help but watch.
However, the rest of the movie sucked. The acting was more stiff than cool. Also, the writing was unintelligible. I could not tell what/why things happened, and when they talked, it was all gibberish. I recommend just fast-forwarding to the action scenes.
What I would change
Written a more coherent story.
Matrix Revolutions, The
Viewed in
2003
Premise
Finale to the trilogy.
Who should watch
Fans of the 'Matrix'.
Thoughts
This movie was as incoherent and underwhelming as 'Matrix Reloaded'. What was worse was that the action and special effects could not outdo the first two. There were some nice scenes, but they did not blow me away.
On paper, it was impressive that they rendered a million enemies, but it was too many for the audience to comprehend and thus marvel. They just looked like a bunch of dots. Compare that to 'Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'. While there were less enemies, it was easy to identify them and thus it was more believable.
What I would change
Written a more coherent story and a bigger finale.
2003
Premise
Finale to the trilogy.
Who should watch
Fans of the 'Matrix'.
Thoughts
This movie was as incoherent and underwhelming as 'Matrix Reloaded'. What was worse was that the action and special effects could not outdo the first two. There were some nice scenes, but they did not blow me away.
On paper, it was impressive that they rendered a million enemies, but it was too many for the audience to comprehend and thus marvel. They just looked like a bunch of dots. Compare that to 'Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'. While there were less enemies, it was easy to identify them and thus it was more believable.
What I would change
Written a more coherent story and a bigger finale.
Ong Bak
Viewed in
2003
Premise
Meet Tony Jaa, the new Jackie Chan/Jet Li.
Who should watch
Martial arts fans.
Thoughts
A very entertaining and occasionally eye-popping martial arts movie that brings back the glory days of old school Jackie Chan movies. Tony Jaa is the next big thing for this genre. He displayed jaw-dropping acrobatics and sweet kicks. I enjoyed the anti-smoking theme by making giving the villain a vocoder.
What I would change
Nothing.
2003
Premise
Meet Tony Jaa, the new Jackie Chan/Jet Li.
Who should watch
Martial arts fans.
Thoughts
A very entertaining and occasionally eye-popping martial arts movie that brings back the glory days of old school Jackie Chan movies. Tony Jaa is the next big thing for this genre. He displayed jaw-dropping acrobatics and sweet kicks. I enjoyed the anti-smoking theme by making giving the villain a vocoder.
What I would change
Nothing.
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