2004 Film List - Page 13

Kevin Leonard · 12-06-2004, 04:36 AM

Hey, what's this doing on Page 2?

I added 20 movies to my list on Page 1...this is what happens when you get lazy and don't update your list for 2 months.

Now that we're in the "Please Give Me An Oscar" month, I'm planning to update my list on a weekly basis.

Seth Paxton · 12-06-2004, 10:25 PM

Super Size Me
7.5 of 10
This is a fairly well edited documentary based partially on a very thin premise which hurts it in the area of impact content. Fast food all the time is bad for you, not a relevation. Overeating past when you are hungry and then reducing your excercise is also bad for you. Shocking.

However, the film does have its moments of solid content, especially the discussion around school lunches. Overall the film is like a well-spoken debater without much to say.

Brook K · 12-07-2004, 03:22 PM

The Terminal - Steven Spielberg's latest may not score high on the plausibility scale, but it is a "feel good" movie in every sense of the world. Much of it is light and entertaining, but it is still capable of striking honest emotional chords. Spielberg's direction and camera work are as capable as ever, especially early on when the vast Terminal set is used to enhance the isolation of Hanks' Viktor Navorski or later in the climatic romantic scene where color and dazzling light signify movie magic. The script doesn't require much heavy lifting from the actors, but the stars are stars and there is some fun supporting work from Wes Anderson staple Kumar Pallana and Diego Luna.

Spielberg may never make another film as masterful as A.I., but with this film and Catch Me If You Can, he is still more than capable of delivering intelligent, entertaining work. B+

Next Up: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

Brook K · 12-08-2004, 12:56 AM

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story - Has it's entertaining moments and is surprisingly effective as a sports movie in getting you excited about the actual games, building suspense, getting you to root for the lovable underdogs, et. Several of the supporting actors/cameos near the end are fun. The comedy writing, though, is not particularly strong, with only the older veterans Stephen Root and Rip Torn able to draw consistent laughs from the material. I wanted Ben Stiller off the screen every moment he appeared, and Vince Vaughn appears to be near comatose. I know his character is a slacker, but he could at least have a pulse. Still on the level the film is shooting for, it is generally successful. B-

Next Up: The Bourne Supremacy, Maria Full of Grace

Jason Seaver · 12-09-2004, 01:18 PM

Only six first-run movies in the last month (and that involves stretching the definition)? I'm either slacking, broke, or both.

#130: Overnight -

- A real-life chronicle of hubris.
#131: The Machinist -

- Christian Bale's dire need of a sandwich threatens to overpower a pretty good mystery story.
#132: Screaming Men - Highly amusing documentary about Oulu, Finland's Screaming Male Choir.
#133: Actress Apocalypse -

- Amateur exploitation flick from the guy who programs a local theater's midnight series.
#134: Reconstruction -

½ - Danish filmmakers think they're so f___ing clever.
#135: National Treasure -

¾ - Adequate adventure yarn.

Seth Paxton · 12-09-2004, 03:36 PM

Control Room
9 of 10
A terrific documentary on the use of the media and news to influence a major world event. The genius of this film is that it sheds light on the true complexities and difficulties, rather than playing hard to a caricature of one side (ie, how F 9/11 dealt with a similiar situation). Unlike Moore's effort, Control Room leaves the viewer touched by emotions that slip out accidentally and condradictions that plague the conflicts in the Middle East. How could a person not be touched when an anti-American journalist pines for his own chance at the American dream or when another Iraqi journalist looks on with shock and confused emotions as the famous Saddam statue is pulled down.

This documentary touches the human condition as it is shaped by the intense conditions of fundamental idealogies clashing.

Closer
10 of 10
Nichols film starts slow and deliberate as he establishes some basic relationships, but it quickly soars in act 2 as these relationships blow up in everyone's face. Seeing the destructive emotional offshoots of love, jealously and lust, play out among these characters is quite beautiful. This is not exactly reality, there is a charm and movie-like perfection to the interactions, but there is a tension inducing grittiness as well which is the film's appeal.

Roberts proves that she can be the real deal and gives one of her best efforts as a confused photographer that is unable to avoid hurting the men in her life, and Law and Portman are both solid as well. But it is Clive Owen who really shines as a both likeable and loathsome manipulator who uses honesty and truth to get what he wants.

It is a credit to Nichols that by the end of the film I felt a great deal of pity for all four characters who came together like a car wreck, rather fitting considering the opening scene in which Portman is hit.

Arman · 12-10-2004, 07:22 PM

Arman · 12-10-2004, 07:33 PM

ZacharyTait · 12-13-2004, 11:48 AM

Edited my list to add the following:

Dodgeball ***1/2 stars. Very funny!

National Treasure ***. Predictable, but kinda fun anyways.

King Arthur ***. Dark and gloomy version of the well-known tale.

The Incredibles ****. Pixar's best yet. There must something in the water down there at PAS.

Sharktale ***. Enjoyed the references. Just as good as Shrek 2, but nowhere near The Incredibles.

\'I\'m sucking up juice from the generator!\' - Brian Eno, \"I Fall Up\"