movie reviews

This section contains brief comments on movies currently in theatres as well as on home video. We have also given the film a grade in order to give you an idea of our overall opinion of the film.

Note: As you'll probably notice, most of our reviews are complimentary, simply because we only go to see films that we think will be quality movies. Thus, the mostly positive marks.



u-571
our grade: b-
As far as submarine films go, [and hey, we're not particularly die hard fans in this area], this one's pretty good. There are some lulls here and there, but hey, the submarine sounds are cool, and isn't that all that matters?
keeping the faith
our grade: a-
Not just a typical romantic comedy, but a surprisingly faith-filled look at the power and strength of commitment. Edward Norton and Ben Stiller [two of our favorites] are great together, in this rich, [mostly] subtly comic film.
return to me
our grade: b
A cute, old fashioned type of film; filled with interesting, original and believable characters. [No momentary lapses of cinematic reality here, either]. Finally, a film David Duchovny can be proud of!
american psycho
our grade: b+
Christian Bale is excellent in this strangely comic role. So much hype over this controversial movie, yet, we just found it to be a well made, well executed film.
high fidelity
our grade: a
Very funny, with just the right blend of humor and drama. John Cusack is great [as always] as a guy going through a "mid-life relationship crisis", and Jack Black is at his annoying best. [Worth your time and money just for that one tiny scene between Cusack and Tim Robbins].
final destination
our grade: b-
An interesting little take on the inevitability of death and our attempts, still, to control it. A little over the top at times [and some pretty cheesy gore], but, more than that, creative and fun.
erin brockovich
our grade: b+
Pretty decent. Although Roberts' tirades against the world sometimes generate more annoyance than laughs, and the film seems to lag at certain points, the work itself does not suffer. Oh, and Albert Finney is great.
wonder boys
our grade: a-
A wonderfully witty, original film. Michael Douglas is actually likable in his role [gasp!] as an under-the-influence college professor, and Tobey Maguire, once again, is incredibly impressive.
reindeer games
our grade: d+
One of the cheesiest films to come down the pike this year. Pointless action sequences [if you really could it action], and dumb, boring dialogue. Mr. Frankenheimer, Mr. Affleck: What were you thinking?
the cider house rules
our grade: a
One of the year's best. A sweet, simple film with a loving heart. And how many times more can we say just how much we adore Tobey Maguire? Such an authentic actor....it's all in the eyes.
boiler room
our grade: b
Not your typical "wall street"/"stock broker" kind of film. A lot of fun, with energetic directing by Ben Younger.


past reviews
The Beach: B-
Scream 3: C
Girl, Interrupted: B+
Magnolia: A
The Hurricane: A-
Snow Falling On Cedars: A
Any Given Sunday: C+
The Talented Mr. Ripley: B+
Man On the Moon: B+
The Green Mile: B
Sleepy Hollow: B
Dogma: A-
The Bone Collector: B-
The Insider: B
House On Haunted Hill: B-
Fight Club: A-
American Beauty: A+
Three Kings: A-
Mumford: B+
For Love of the Game: B-
Stir of Echoes: B-
Bowfinger: B
Deep Blue Sea: B+
Runaway Bride: B
The Blair Witch Project: B+
Lake Placid: B
Eyes Wide Shut: A-
American Pie: B+
Summer of Sam: B-
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me: B
Election: B+
Instinct: C
The Love Letter: B-
Notting Hill: B
The Phantom Menace: C
A Midsummer Night's Dream: C-
The Mummy: B
The Matrix: A
Pushing Tin: C+
Never Been Kissed: B+
GO: A-
Ten Things I Hate About You: B+
Life Is Beautiful: A
EDtv: B+
Forces of Nature: B
Analyze This: B+
200 Cigarettes: C+
Cruel Intentions: C+
8mm: C
Shakespeare In Love: A
Blast from the Past: B
A Simple Plan: B
Elizabeth: A-
She's All That: C+
Varsity Blues: B+
The Thin Red Line: A+
The Faculty: B+
The Prince of Egypt: B
You've Got Mail: B
Psycho: B-
Enemy of the State: B+
I'll Be Home for Christmas: B-
Meet Joe Black: B
Living Out Loud: B
Pleasantville: A
Practical Magic: D-
Urban Legend: C-
Ronin: D-
One True Thing: A+
Rounders: B-
Return to Paradise: A
There's Something About Mary: A-
Halloween: B+
Halloween - H20: B
Saving Private Ryan: A+
Armageddon: C
Out of Sight: A-
The Truman Show: A-
Hope Floats: B
Godzilla: D-
The Horse Whisperer: A-
Deep Impact: B
City of Angels: B
Object of My Affection: C-
The Big Hit: D-
The Newton Boys: B-



video picks
Boys Don't Cry: A
The Limey: A-
American History X: B+
Affliction: A-
Playing By Heart: B+



Home


e-mail: dmc@intercom.net