Gangs of New York

     I went into this film with fairly low expectations but came out feeling that I had just seen one of the best films of 2002.  Martin Scorsese directs a movie that he has wanted to do for 15 years and it was worth the wait.  This film is close to flawless and its flaws lie in editing.  Leonardo DiCaprio plays Amsterdam a boy who witnesses his father (Liam Neeson) killed by Bill "the butcher" Poole who is played spectacularly by Daniel-Day Lewis in a gang war.  Daniel Day-Lewis character is the high point of the film and he was nominated for a Golden Globe for this performance.  Amsterdam tries to befriend Bill and try to get revenge for his fathers death.  Amsterdam's love interest is Cameron Diaz who's performance is not anything worth noting.  This film is historically accurate and most of the events based on a true story.  Scorsese uses symbolism and a spellbinding story to keep the audience glued for the 3 hour film time.

Grade: A-

Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets

     The second movie in the soon to be seven film series.  You can see that the director Chris Columbus and the cast is much more at ease in their roles for this film.  This film is darker and like the original sticks primarily to the plot of the book.  A highlight of the film is Jason Isaacs who plays Draco Malfoy's father, Lucious Malfoy.  He does an excellent job playing this character and I cant wait to see him in the next one where Malfoy plays a larger role.  Overall this is an entertaining film and definitely should be watched the visual effects are stunning.  Look for the sequel Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in theatres in 2004.

Grade: B+

Red Dragon

     This film is the prequel to Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal.  I felt that this film was probably the best of the trilogy and suspense filled from start to end.  The film stars Anthony Hopkins who reprises his role as Hannibal Lecter and is the most chilling in this film.  What most people do not realize is that this a remake of Michael Mann's Manhunter.  We see how Lecter is captured by a young FBI agent played by Edward Norton.  Ralph Fiennes who does a spectacular job playing the serial killer Red Dragon is really spreading his wings as an actor.  If you liked Silence of the Lambs you will love this film.  It follows the psychological formula that was well played out in Silence of the Lambs.  Overall I thought this film was very well done and another positive point on director Brett Ratners resume.

Grade: B

Signs

     The latest film from M. Night Shyamalan is about a priest who finds crop circles in his corn fields.  Mel Gibson plays the priest and Joaquin Phoenix plays his brother Merrill Hess, a former baseball star. Gibson and Phoenix give their characters real depth and it extenuates the story.  I did not think that this film was up to par as The Sixth Sense or Unbreakable.  It was simply boring and did not go far enough.  The aliens looked like something out of a B movie and in the entire movie the audience is in suspense but the climax of the film just leaves the audience feeling cheated because all that suspense leads to a mediocre ending.  I think that Shyamalan set the bar high when he came out with The Sixth Sense and the audience is still wanting that type of hit but Signs does not deliver even with a cast of big names. 

Grade: C+

Road to Perdition

     By far the best film of this year.  This movie is about a hit man Michael Sullivan played by Tom Hanks who works for an Irish "Godfather" Paul Newman.  Newman's character is like a father to Sullivan and employs Sullivan as his hitman.  One night on a hit, Sullivan's son brilliantly played by new comer Tyler Hoechlin witnesses his father kill some henchman and it puts their family at risk.  This film is masterfully done with a 1930s Chicago back drop.  This is a story about revenge and the all star cast only help this film become an Oscar worthy film.  Jude Law also spectacularly plays a hit man/photographer who is after Sullivan.  If you see any movie this summer this is the one to see, catch it on DVD.

Grade: A-

Star Wars: Episode 2

     I felt that this was probably one of the best episodes in the Star Wars film franchise.  Lucas has fully redeemed himself for Episode I and this film was action packed from start to end.  The film takes place some years in the future from the first, and Anakin and Obi-wan played by Hayden Chritensen and Ewan McGregor do a suburb job in their roles.  They are now fighting a greater enemy and we get to see the beginning of the Clone War.  Christopher Lee also does a surprising good job as Count Dooku a Jedi who has turned to the Dark Side.  The only problem with this film was the awkward dialogue during the scenes between Anakin and Senator Amidala played by Natalie Portman.  Overall it was a very entertaining film in the true Star Wars spirit and I can't wait for Episode III.  Star Wars Episode II is now on DVD and video.  If you loved this film the final installment Episode III will be hitting theatres in 2005.

Grade: B

Spider-Man

     The first time I saw Spider-Man, I was surprised to see that the movie had an interesting plot since most superhero films are just action with no real story.  This movie I believe will now set the standard for all super hero films.  Toby Maguire plays Peter Parker/Spider-man he brings a refreshed look at this tired character, he brings out true emotion and shows the conflict in Peter Parker.  Unfortunately Kirsten Dunce does not do a very good job in her portrayal of Mary-Jane Watson.  As the movie goes on you wonder why she was picked for this role since she is not even a natural red head.  Another super job is done by William DeFoe who plays the Green Goblin.  He really shines in this role and you can feel that he is having fun with it.  As for the Green Goblin costume it looks like something out of Power Rangers.  I must admit that I was an extra in this movie and was on location in Downey in the festival scene and the first time I saw that costume I had doubts about the movie, until I saw the Spider-Man costume I can just saw it is AWESOME!!!  Overall this is a great action packed film and look for it on DVD.  Tobey Maguire should be sporting the spidey suit once again in Spider-Man 2 which will be premiering in theaters in 2004