marktucker7777 Reviews

We Bought a Zoo (2011)

The best ticket to the zoo you could ask for!

[10/10 · 10 December 2011]

Thank you Cameron Crowe for sharing this amazing story with us. Like you did with Almost Famous, you found an artful and personal way to spin a multi-layered narrative in a visually stunning, yet subtle and approachable fashion. Matt Damon is perfectly cast as the father, securing his rank as the most reliable (and relatable) leading man in Hollywood over the past 15 years. Add to that a throng of amazing child actors, a soundtrack that is still buzzing in my head, and a screenplay which echoes equal parts tenderness, hilarity and truth, and you have my favorite film so far this year. We Bought a Zoo is a movie all audiences will enjoy, though some younger audiences may have to cover their ears for some curse words.

Finally, thank you Fox for your series of sneak previews - you wanted the buzz? Well, the buzz is coming! GO SEE THIS MOVIE!

My Date with Drew (2004)

Brian Herzlinger is an inspiration to anyone who has ever had a dream

[8/10 · 7 December 2003]

This is the story of an average guy, Brian Herzlinger, who sets out on a mission to get a date with Drew Barrymore. He has 30 days to do it and only $1,100 to spend (his winnings from a TV game show). What starts out as a fun exercise in independent filmmaking turns into a poignant and oftentimes hilarious work, where this dream date takes second standing to one man's quest of dreaming big. I can't tell you if he gets the date or not, but I can guarantee you the journey is well worth your 90 minutes. While this is a documentary, some of the laughs and impromptu happenings are so funny that a fiction writer would dream of coming up with this material. I do hope that a studio picks this up and soon. I can't wait to share this experience with my friends and family.

Ultimate X: The Movie (2002)

Take this ride... I dare you!

[8/10 · 9 May 2002]

Whether or not you are a fan of extreme sports, give this IMAX ride a go. The photography, editing, and score are stellar and the personalities of the stars are more exciting than most narrative characters in recent years. What this film lacks storywise is made up by the sheer exhilaration of the subject matter.

Big Trouble (2002)

Big Surprise... this movie's hilarious!

[7/10 · 2 April 2002]

Everyone might remember "Big Trouble" as the movie that September 11th tried to bury. But once audiences actually see the film, they will remember it as a fast-paced, quick-witted, entertaining romp with a fantastic ensemble cast that fires on all cylinders. No doubt that Dave Barry's story provided the actors with a plethora of the one-liner ammunition that never seems to run out. Barry Sonnenfeld proves that he has a tremendous talent for timing and his cast, especially Zooey Deschanel, Johnny Knoxville, Andy Richter, and Jason Lee, prove to be more than able puppets in this smart and slick comedy show. This is easily the funniest film to be released so far this year... give it a shot!

The Time Machine (2002)

An okay ride that's okay to miss

[4/10 · 5 March 2002]

The notion of time travel is so phenomenal and cinematic that it is sorry to see this film be ineffective. "The Time Machine" fails primarily because it lacks any signs of a coherent story. Even with the ultra-talented Guy Pearce in the lead role, the drama isn't quite dramatic enough, the action isn't quite adventuresome enough, and the special effects just aren't special enough. There are some fascinating shots and set design choices, and Jeremy Irons is fantastic in his all-too-brief villain role. In the end, this is one thrill ride that it's okay to miss.

Italian for Beginners (2000)

A Class Everyone Should Take

[7/10 · 14 January 2002]

While I say that I'm not a big fan of the Dogma 95 movement, I look back and notice that some of the best movies of the past years are indeed Dogma productions, namely "Dancer in the Dark," "Breaking the Waves," and "The Celebration." While "Italian for Beginners" is not in the same caliber as the aforementioned greats, it is an emotionally engrossing film with some of the most real characters you'll see this year. It's a story of tough love, harrowing loss, and ultimately the power of unity in overcoming life's greatest challenges. The comedic overtones are matched seamlessly with the dramatic undertones to provide a very cathartic experience. The most amazing performance stems from Lene Tiemroth, who plays a bit role as the mother of the hairdresser, Karen. This is a very unassuming picture that seems so basic on the outside, but as you continue to dig deeper, real "pearls" of wisdom are there for the taking. Take note that the jumpy camera work, natural lighting, production sound, and choppy editing are not easy to swallow at times, but "Italian for Beginners" is still a class that everyone should take.

Monster's Ball (2001)

A daring, shocking, amazing drama.

[9/10 · 2 January 2002]

Not since "Leaving Las Vegas" has a film captured the theme of "through sorrow and loss comes unexpected love and compassion" like "Monster's Ball" does. Halle Berry is so amazing that when she sinks into her character's world, you have no choice but to follow along. She puts herself on the line both physically and emotionally and she deserves a date with Oscar because of it. Marc Forster's direction is expertly tuned, compounded with a sound script and stellar cinematography. Billy Bob Thornton is as good as he always is, but watch for a haunting performance from Heath Ledger and a powerful, anti-type spin from Peter Boyle. The power of this film is in its ability to shock the audience into a sudden state of disbelief moment after moment after moment, and when the pain rises to the surface, we feel it truthfully and unflinchingly. The only major misstep is the miscasting of Sean Combs as Berry's husband, and newcomer Coronji Calhoun's novice is evident, though ultimately forgivable. Overall, Lions Gate should be knighted for its decision to release a bold, daring motion picture that shines in this year of hyper-glossed, over-hyped, under-performing Hollywood fare. Audiences MUST take notice. I dare the Academy to do the right thing and honor Halle Berry in March.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Simply put: A Beautiful Motion Picture

[10/10 · 18 December 2001]

Whatever you think you know about this film, think again. Whatever you expect from Ron Howard and Russell Crowe, you're still underestimating their genius. If you've been waiting for Jennifer Connelly to break out in Hollywood, your wait is over. This film is smart, honest, imaginative, beautifully written, flawlessly shot, and fantastically scored. I stayed through the end of the credits as a way of thanking each and every individual who made this movie happen, for they have reinstated my faith in American filmmaking. This is a daring undertaking wrought with understated emotion and I am ordering a round of Oscars for everyone involved!

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

85% Kubrick, 15% Spielberg, 100% Acid

[7/10 · 27 June 2001]

Walking into the movie theatre this Friday, you'll really have no idea what to expect. The trailers have been vague, the television spots are misleading, and the film itself is far darker and far more "Kubrick" then you ever expected. I refuse to give away any of the secrets, but I do want to applaud Haley Joel Osment for pulling off a textured performance (yet again!), and Jude Law and Frances O'Conner are two of the best actors working today. Stunning visuals, great mix of warm and cold contrasting images. This is unlike any Spielberg movie you've ever seen... and you might like that end result, or loathe it.

Vatel (2000)

All Dressed Up with Nothing To Do

[6/10 · 1 February 2001]

Despite the best efforts of talented actors like Uma Thurman and Tim Roth, director Roland Joffe's film lacks any sign of character depth. In fact, they don't have much to do, other than enjoying the amazing masterpieces of entertainment that Vatel (a horrid Depardieu) puts together. The spectacle is brilliantly staged and photographed and is very pleasing to the senses. I do recommend the film because it's faults never offend me. I was never bored and it did not have a period piece feel to it. The art direction is Oscar-worthy and the costumes and cinematography were quite good as well. I just wish we cared about the characters.

Happy Campers (2001)

At least in the preview screening last year, this film looked like another piece of teen trash thrown upon the heap.

[3/10 · 27 January 2001]

Brad Renfro is one of the most misused actors in Hollywood. Here, he is cast in a summer camp movie that refuses to show off his, or any of the other actors, talents. Instead, the characters are written as stereotypical and, worse, banal. The occasion moments of comedy are quite stimulating at times and might please younger teen audience members. But those who want real laughs should stay home and rent "Porky's."

The House of Mirth (2000)

In tradition of classic adaptations, beautifully shot and produced, yet ultimately banal and too abridged for its own good.

[5/10 · 27 January 2001]

The costume design and art direction will take your breath away. Also note a sharp, yet too brief, turn by Laura Linney as Bertha. Gillian Anderson is quite strong in the role, but her demise is not deep enough to send me reaching for my tissue box. While the social issues raised are still poignant today, this film remains merely a pictoral artifact of the novel's existence. I was ultimately confused and even disinterested at times by the script. Dan Akyroyd, God bless him, does not work in this attempt to beat his Blues Brothers rap.

The Invisible Circus (2001)

Another failed transference from a novel to celluloid - but this one is really bad!

[1/10 · 27 January 2001]

The films' producers are hoping that Cameron Diaz' name will help sell this picture. Unfortunately, nothing can save what has already been captured on the screen. Despite some beautifully shot European locations and some solid production design elements, the film fails mostly due to its awkward, unbelievable romance between Brewster and Eccleston. An unplesasant filmgoing experience.

You Can Count on Me (2000)

Too slow for words...

[6/10 · 25 November 2000]

After hearing all the buzz swelling around this film, I was quite shocked when I actually watched it. The film is modest and simple, two elements that I like and two things that are rare in films today. However, the relationship between Linney and Ruffalo is not anything exceptional. I rarely felt compelled to follow their endless conversations and their drama was not clearly drawn. Good performances from the two leads though, plus a great job by Rory Culkin. (C-)

Bounce (2000)

Understated profound and simple

[8/10 · 25 November 2000]

When Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow share the screen together in this heartfelt melodrama by Don Roos, I am taken aback. First of all, how could Hollywood be responsible for making a powerful film that relies on sensational dialogue and understated values? Second of all, how could Affleck give a great, not just a good, performance? Paltrow I expect to be brilliant, but Bennie? Third of all, why did Miramax not promote this well enough? Throw your skepticism aside and take a shot at this movie. It may surprise you!