BoutdatDough Reviews

Thirteen (2003)

So Cliche

[11 August 2004]

Good little white surburban girl hooks up with wild classmate. They go on a rampage with screwing black wanna-be thugs. How come in every movie, when good white girls go bad, they turn to black street boys? I didn't think the movie had enough depth, maybe the title had something to do with the audience it was targeted at, because it sure didn't have a point.

I agree with whoever said it was an extended version of Jenny Jones or Maury. The way it ended sucked as well. Also, I didn't like the way the mother stood by and let her daughter fall apart. She was a HUGE part of the problem, and didn't seem to be aware of this. You don't allow your daughter's friends to sleep over or move in. Certainly this demonstration of lack of parenting skills is the reason why a child that age would be so screwed up. A waste of time.

Catwoman (2004)

Doesn't Deserve All the Put-Downs

[29 July 2004]

I'll admit, this movie wasn't the greatest blockbuster, but I didn't leave the theater feeling cheated either. I enjoyed watching Halle's transformation in to a more action packed role; she is brilliant and beautiful, to say the least. However, I'll have to agree with almost everyone who said they hated the cliche-like cheesy one liners like "Cat got your tongue?" and all of that. Those could've certainly been ommited.

The whole tyranny of the story is the battle of the distribution of harmful skin cream. This did weaken the plot, I must say, they should have thought of something with a little more depth. Sharon Stone's character was a bit weak and dull as well; by her usage of the cream, she was able to obtain "marble" like skin, thus, making her flesh as hard as stone. I did think that part was a bit lame.

The only thing that makes the movie interesting is the beautiful Halle in her revealing catsuit. I'm a straight woman myself, but I'll admit, she was absolutely riveting!

I don't think it's fair for critics to slam the movie so hard and compare the character to Batman's catwoman. Clearly, this is another catwoman on a different level. If you are a Halle fan, then it is worth seeing..otherwise, catch it on cable when it comes out.

Black Cadillac (2003)

Intriguing..Until the End

[1 June 2004]

This movie was extremely suspenseful and definitely keeps one on the edge of their seat. In fact, it was downright creepy at times. However, when it came to the ending, I thought it was badly botched, which makes you kind of forget the chills and thrills you experienced throughout the movie. I mean, the ending was total killjoy, a real let down. I was like: THIS is why they were being chased?? All for that?? I was soooo disappointed. (SPOILER ALERT) So what if one of the guys hooked up with a chic that turned out to be the sheriff's wife? I mean, sure, any man would want to confront their wife's lover, but it was only a one night stand, which didn't even last long at that. So, this murderous pyscho gets behind the wheel of a very expensive car and tries to mow down three teens. I just thought it was too dragged out for that flimsy ending. It seemed as if they just threw that part in because they ran out of ideas.

It's worth checking out on cable; I wouldn't even waste four bucks renting it.

Spider (2002)

The Movie Actually Clarified the Book

[22 November 2003]

Without seeing the movie, I don't think that I would have been able to clarify the book. One imdb user really broke it down for me, and I was able to even understand the movie a little bit more.

That, there was indeed only one mother, that factor was quite skittish in the book. In the movie, towards the end, when Spider realizes that his "good" mother was the one he gassed to death as opposed to the "tart", that was never quite distinguished in the book.

The movie was extremely slow, but the climatic result was worth the wait. Ralph Fiennes is one of my favorite actors, and Gabriel Byrne and Miranda Richardson were great as well.

What made me read the book was the fact that I felt empty after seeing the movie, and though the book was beautifully written, with the narrative of Spider's decent into madness, it was still skittish, and jumped from what would be hard to distinguish reality from fantasy.

I really appreciated the fact that one imdb user really took the time to go over the movie scene by scene. It helped clarify some main factors; why the boy was so repulsed by sex; why he associated sex with the pub and his mother, his jealousy over his dad-all very Freudian indeed.

This was definitely no blockbuster, no glitzy Hollywood set up, however, it is an artsy, subtle piece of work that challenges one's own intellect. Worth renting.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Blood Thirsty!!!

[17 November 2003]

This film was the absolute bomb!!! Uma at her best! The "Yellow-Haired Warrior" definitely kicked ass. She was brilliant in this one, though most people think QT's films are a little weird and too eccentric, I love the way he mixes his scenes around. Pay attention and learn! He's so unique.

I also love the way some of the movie was animated. Sheer Brilliance!

Though some say it is plotless, they need to use their imagination to fill in the blank spots. Being that QT leaves so much to the imagination, I am curious to see what Vol.2 is all about. I'm predicting flashbacks to The "Yellow-Haired Warrior" a.k.a. "The Bride's" past, Bill's origins, and the start of his deadly assassin squad.

So, go see this one, have an open mind, and be prepared to indulge yourself in unrequitiable voilence.

You will leave the theater feeling vindicated. I promise.

The Fighting Temptations (2003)

Must Be The Music

[24 September 2003]

Hmm..an MTV production-doesn't suprise me a bit. However, I'll have to agree with the majority of the people out here-the music is what made the film. With top legendary gospel singers like Shirley Ceasar and Levert Sr., no wonder that choir was pumping!

Beyonce's reindiction of "Fever" was very nice, although, I think they downplayed her look a little too much in the movie-they didn't want the famous "pop star" to leak out. Her acting was mediocre, given that she didn't have much to work with being that the plot was so limited.

The soundtrack is awesome, that's all I can say.

Sling Blade (1996)

What A Depth of Character!

[24 September 2003]

I would never have wanted to see this in a theater, however, for a home rental, it wasn't half bad.

Kudos to Billy Bob on his superb acting-even better than his redneck character in Monster's Ball! I mean, man, did he play that part well! Such character development is extraordinary to me. I loved Karl to death, I was sad to see him have to go back to "the home", however, I guess that was the only place he was used to.

The movie had plenty of weak points, one, was that it was very slow. However, seeing Karl's interaction with the child was very touching. Seeing how he adjusted to the outside world after being released was also gratifying. I was slightly disappointed that they didn't show flashbacks of him slaughtering his mother and her lover, or that they didn't show when he "plum" near took off the stepfather's head.( I know, I'm a gore addict, what can I say??)

I would recommending renting this, or, if you're feeling generous, splurge and buy it. If you're really into Fruedian type of movies about pychos killing their moms, check out Ralph Fiennes in "Spider"as well.

House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

Pure Unadulterated Trash

[5 September 2003]

Anybody who likes this movie is as idiotic as the person (Zombie) who made it. I'm sorry, but this reminds me so much of The Texas Chainshaw Massacre, and I hated that pointless, gory movie as well.

I won't lament any further on the gruesome details, I'm sure most of the sick fans of this movie already pointed them out; but in addition to being morally ridiculous, there was no real plot behind the whole thing.

I'm sorry my friend wasted his $20 for the dvd.

Punk'd (2003–2015)

Just Plain Stupid

[6 June 2003]

C'mon, guys-ya gotta know that it's all fixed!! You really think these celebrities are unaware of what's going on? If you ask me, most of these so called reality shows are staged, and this one definitely is. I saw a recent episode-the one with one of The Backstreet Boys and a girl named Trishell from MTV's Real World. They were trying to enter a security building, and the security guard kept harassing them-making them take off their shoes, raise their arms, scanning all between their legs-the Backstreet dude even pulled his pants down several times! Now, what celebrity do you know is going to allow themselves to be humiliated like that in public? They all have this-"Don't you know who the hell I am?!" attitude, so I just knew that this was all staged for the fun of MTV's gullible audience.

And, c'mon, even if it weren't staged, wouldn't you think that the celebrity would have at least HEARD of this show or SEEN it on television already?!!!

The only one who's PUNK'D is the audience.

Ghost World (2001)

How Can A Movie So Pointless Be So Interesting?

[23 May 2003]

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie; Enid's dark pessimism, the soundtrack-everything. It is not your typical mainstream teeny-bob movie, and if you are into those-stay away! However, I enjoy Thora Birch's acting; even though I do consider her a type-cast, I loved her in American Beauty; her dark attitude in this movie brings flashbacks to her character in American Beauty. It is definitely worth a rent, if nothing else.

This movie seems to be focusing on Enid and Rebecca's life, two friends who have just finished high school and who have no real direction. Becca wants to have her own apartment; Enid just wants to mope around and criticize everything. The two personalities do clash throughout the movie; especially when they run into Seymore. Seymore, a lonely, homely looking late thirties man who ran an ad in a paper. The girls respond to the ad as a prank just to see what Seymore looks like. Soon, though, Enid starts to take an interest in him and the two become friends. She pushes him to date other women, and, when he finally does establish a relationship with another woman, he begins to shy away from young Enid, and she immediately gets upset. Her life has no direction, her friendship is crumbling, her father is about to settle down with a woman she hates, so one night, she barges in on Seymore and seduces the poor guy. He doesn't know what's hit him; and the next thing the movie shows is him breaking up with his new girlfriend.

What confuses me about Enid is her rejection of Seymore towards the end; and the way everything climaxed, if you could call it that. I didn't quite get the point, but being that the aura of the movie was so interesting, I forgave it.

The Guilty (2000)

Topsy-Turvy

[9 April 2003]

This movie definitely had some unexpected twists. I caught it on Cinemax last night about 1:00 in the morning, and at first was not amused. At first glance, it appeared to be a mediocre B movie-the actress who played Sophie sucked BIG TIME. I thought the rape scene was pathetic-don't get me wrong, I'm no advocate for violent scenes, however, she was not convincing enough. If someone is being raped, wouldn't they fight, kick and scream? She weakly murmured the word "No" and then they blacked out of that scene and into the next. However, when the lawyer's illegitimate son steps into the picture, things start to heat up. Hired by his father to kill the woman who's threatening his career, the boy contemplates and then chickens out-but first blabs to his friend who is being pursued by ruthless gangsters for an uncollected debt. Seeing that his friend is backing out, he decides to step up to the plate and finish the deed in hopes to collect the money for the debt. From there on, there's surprising misleading twists that make the movie worthwhile, after all. Oh, yeah, and in the end, although the lawyer did attempt to help his illegitimate son, he got what was due to him.

Death to Smoochy (2002)

Exceed Expectations

[30 March 2003]

I truly expected this to be a washed up, Woody Allen type comedy, but boy, was I surprised! I caught it by accident on Cinemax this weekend, I must say, it was very enlightening. Despite the comedic aspect of the movie, it really revealed how dirty show business can really be. I wouldn't have minded watching this one in the theater. Eddie Norton is great-this was my first time seeing him in a comedy-he's an awesome actor. And, Robin Williams was wonderful as usual-it's definitely worth watching.

House on Haunted Hill (1999)

For the Sake of Special Effects

[20 March 2003]

I thought that for the most part, the special effects for this movie were pretty creepy, thus, entertaining. However, the ending part where-I guess, all the ghosts merge together and become this big, black bone melting shadow-that part SUCKED!!! I expected more from a movie that was supposed to be such a classic thriller-I never even saw the original 1959 version-however, if this "state of the art" version was so lame, then I'd hate to waste my time on the black and white version.

Also, I didn't quite understand the point of the house to murder their descendants. It just didn't add up. And the cheesy part at the end where Taye Diggs declares that he was adopted, thus preventing him from the ghosts' wrath-pure garbage. I think anyone would be better off passing this one up on the video rental shelf-catch it for free on cable instead.

Susan's Plan (1998)

A Total Waste of Time To Watch

[14 February 2003]

This movie sucked big time. I caught it on Cinemax one afternoon, and it was just plain stupid. The "plan" was spoofed in so many ridiculous ways-after awhile it just got stupid and pointless. Do yourself a favor and skip this one.

Heartbreakers (2001)

Very Intriguing Comedy

[10 February 2003]

Although 99% of the fans of this movie are guys, I found it rather amusing myself. I can appreciate when women look good just as well as any other man, without the catty remarks-these women pulled it off! It was interesting to see the colorful outfits they wore, and the performances weren't half bad, either. I found it pretty entertaining, and especially enjoyed Ray Liotta's performance. I liked in the end how he decided to join their team. It'll make a great rental, I think.

Legally Blonde (2001)

Not Your Average Comedy

[15 January 2003]

It's so refreshing to see comedy that doesn't contain idiotic teeny bobbers misplacing their car or blowing up their car or playing with sausages and eating mice, etc. In this comedy, Reese Witherspoon takes laughter to a whole new level. This movie is not filled with silly stunts; instead it plays on the fashion conscious and makes a joke out of it. I especially loved the part when Reese turns in her pink "scented" resume and when she teaches the girls at the salon to "Jump Back and Snap". I thought that part was especially cute. No, the movie is definitely realistic, that's what makes it a comedy. I'm looking forward to seeing the 2nd one; there's to be a part two. I definitely think this movie is worth watching with a bunch of your girlfriends-oh, it is a chic flick, so you girls are going to have to force your boyfriends to watch!

Oz (1997–2003)

Much Too Graphic-Mild Spoilers Ahead

[15 January 2003]

I know that this show has an excellent script, an excellent cast; the characters are very well defined. However, I cannot get over the amount of violence that they show the viewers. This show has highly explicit rape scenes which are very uncomely. I mean, sometimes I have to actually turn because it gets so bad. They show everything-I mean, they leave no room for the imagination. I know it's supposed to be "realistic" in order to give a viewers an outside taste of prison life, but, do we really want to see men get ravished by other men and forced to do unspeakable acts. Last Sunday's episode, when a man got a spoon shoved up his rectum was atrosiously gross. The other episode, we saw another man spit out the remnants of his lover's pleasure. I just thought it was a little too much. Call me a prude, but I think the show could do without the explicit rape scenes. Yes, I know that rapes, beatings and murders occur in the penile system, however, can't they just leave it up to the viewers to improvise?

I guess this is what keeps HBO viewers tuning in; for some reason, people get turned on by smut and violence.

Oz is a great show; however, it would be better not to show too much of the ugly stuff.

The Gift (2000)

A Haunting Tale

[13 January 2003]

I am surprised that I am just hearing about this movie. First of all, I really appreciated the cinemagraphy-being that it was set in Louisiana, the Spanish moss, the beautiful ponds, it added to the movie's eerie exterior. The cast also gave beautiful performances; Giovanni Ribisi's performance was one of the best, so was Cate's. I was so appalled when I learned what the "Blue Diamond" signified. Katie Holmes was convincing as the rich, spoiled town paramour. I think this movie is definitely worth renting, if not buying. I would definitely like to add this to my collection.

Joy Ride (2001)

Who Was "Rusty Nail"?

[12 January 2003]

I really appreciated this thriller. I sat up alone in my house and watched it at 3:00 in the morning, so maybe that's why it had such an effect on me. Despite the fact that most of you out here are saying it was unoriginal, I still enjoyed it. True, there were definitely holes in the plot, like with the trucker being able to kidnap the college roommate and still be able to keep track of the three teens whereabouts-that is a little far fetched.

What I never got was the who the driver really was. I was somewhat disappointed when they didn't show his face; all they showed was a dangling, bloody hand which indicated that he was killed. When one of the teens inquired about who he(Rusty Nail) was, they were told he worked for an ice company. That threw me off because one of the first suspects for Rusty was the guy in the supermarket who was driving an ice truck, who ended up following them from the supermarket, but turns out he was only following them to return a credit card that one of the teens had left behind on the counter. We definitely rule him out because right after he does good samaritan duties, he gets mowed down by Rusty Nail's tractor trailer and a slew of ice explodes everywhere. That threw me off completely. Who the hell was this guy? I expected him to be some sort of freak show; the way he took the joke so personal and all. Anyway, I think this movie is definitely worth renting-it is a thriller that will keep you gripping the edges of your seat, however, the beginning is a wee bit predictable. Just keep an open mind when watching and enjoy the ride!

Hell Night (1981)

Waste of A Rental

[6 January 2003]

I know that there are still some die-hard Linda Blair fans out there, but, trust me, folks, this is no Exorcist. If you are looking for something as half as entertaining, don't go there. This movie was poorly written to began with, the plot was extremely weak; that being said, I know it's a horror movies, but the shock value was extremely weak as well. Horror movies are not really supposed to have very strong scripts, and that is where the shock value usually makes up for. However, this movie had minimum blood/guts, etc., and I thought that it was just a little if not a lot overrated. Also, the scenery was so dark you could barely make out what little action was going on. I guess because Linda Blair was the star? Right? Anyway, to tally this up in a nutshell, save your money, it's not worth renting-and, for Heaven's sake, please do not buy this dated junk!

Unfaithful (2002)

Good for A Blockbuster Night**Spoilers**

[2 January 2003]

This is not the sort of movie that I would have enjoyed watching on the big screen, however, it was well suited for a blockbuster night. I enjoyed the plot; I enjoyed the scene where Gere loses control and unintentionally murders his wife's lover. The only problem that I had with the movie is the clean-up scene. As most of you have stated, it was truly unbelievable. I mean, the guy did a hell of a sloppy job trying to remove blood and finger prints. Plus, he wrapped up the body and put it in the trunk of his car. Being that the cops were sniffing around because they found the wife's home number in the lover's apartment, the couple became possible suspects. If the cop's had the opportunity to do an investigation, they could have examined the car, and BINGO-Gere's tail would've been busted. Also, when they asked the wife had she ever been in the lover's apartment-she claimed she had not. All they had to do was gather her finger prints as well. Anyway, I am rambling, because there was just so much more that could've been done with this but wasn't. Overall, I believe the movie is worth renting.

The Last House on the Left (1972)

Dated Trash **Spoilers Added**

[31 December 2002]

I'm sorry, but for those of you who rave this movie, who found it the least bit entertaining, I've got one question? WHY? To me, this movie was pure 100% garbage. First of all, I understand it was filmed thirty years ago, but even back then, they should've had a stronger plot. The dialog was ridiculous, and the logic in the film made 0 sense. What are the odds that these girls go out into the city, meet some sadistic creeps, and these sadistic creeps drive them all the way back upstate and murder them in one of the girls' back yard?! I mean, literally in the girl's backyard, where she can even see her mailbox for crying out-that's how close they are.

And another thing, the girl who's home the creeps visited, Mari-when they killed her, she was shot in the pond, but when her parents found her body, she was lying out beside the pond. That part got me, as well as the fact of how did the parents find out where she was? I understand how they found out that they'd killed her, the guy Junior was wearing Mari's necklace, however, how did they know to look in their backwoods for their daughter? In addition to this, they never show the parents communicating or plotting how they were going to seek revenge on these creeps, they just start killing them shortly after that scene I just described.

I rented this movie thinking that I would see a great dated horror flick like Texas Chainsaw, but I ended up very disappointed. People said this movie was gory and disturbing. Well, maybe back in 1972 it was, but I wasn't moved by it at all. The rape scenes weren't anywhere near as graphic as everyone said, nor were the killing scenes. I'm sorry I paid $4 to rent the DVD. Do yourself a favor and catch it on a local cable network.

Monster's Ball (2001)

Halle Won An Oscar For This?

[16 December 2002]

Let me just say that I'm a HUGE fan of Halle's. Now, while this was indeed an interesting movie with a captivating storyline, and the actors were great, I definitely have seen her do better. Don't get me wrong, she is well deserved for the Oscar that she won, but I really think that she has done better films than this to deserve it. Losing Isiah was one of them, as well as Alex Ailey's "Queen". I think she is a phenomenal actress, but she should have won this award for some of her past movies, not this one. I'm starting to believe that she won it for the sex scene-lol. Also, I know there was some startling controversy due to this scene, however, I don't agree with this simply because of the race issue, I just thought that she was too good of an actress to have to bare her T & A like she did. I mean, it's Halle Berry for Godsakes! She not some B rated actress like Carmen Electra or one of these other fake Hollywood puffs! Anyway, check the movie out, it is worth seeing despite my criticisms.

Resident Evil (2002)

This Movie Rocked!!

[16 December 2002]

Packed with loads of action, I've got to say, I really enjoyed this movie. Also, I'm a great fan of Milla's, I think she is so beautiful and talented. Michelle Rodriguez is definitely one to look out for as well. I love her fearless tough-girl demeanor-she's awesome! I'm not too familiar with the video game, but it does sound interesting...even though there were scenes in reference to Thir13een Ghosts and how could we forget-Night of the Living Dead, I still thought it very entertaining.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Very Touching..Astounding Movie

[9 December 2002]

I was very, very moved by Haley's performance in this movie; I thought it was even better than Sixth Sense. To all of you who bashed Teddy-Pooh-Hoo to You! I loved him, and thought he was extremely charming and cute! Also, Jude Law was great as Gigilo Joe..too bad he had to exit the movie when he did..I thought the mother was extremely hateful and selfish..she should have waited until she was sure before she programmed David..the little boy Martin was doubly hateful, what a little pr?#k! Anyway, again, Haley's performance was outstanding, the way he moved his body just like a robot, and the perfect sheen upon his face made him seem oh so real. I really didn't care for the whole "Blue Fairy" aspect of the film, though. Overall, it's definitely worth renting/buying. A very watchable film.