INSOMNIA is not only the third film of acclaimed director Christopher Nolan (his first two were FOLLOWINGS and MEMENTO), but also a film that is able to intertwine the acting talents of three Academy Award winners. Al Pacino plays a celebrated cop who is asked to work on the case of a murdered girl in Alaska. Hilary Swank plays the local law enforcement who has her eyes on making a big case. Robin Williams plays a troubled Alaskan writer. Without giving anything away, INSOMNIA is definitely worth it. Some may see it, and be disappointed. One way to steer away from this failure is think of INSOMNIA as a psychological thriller rather than a "Shoot 'em up" thriller. INSOMNIA is story about loyalty and human emotion. Don't get me wrong, the movie is thrill-packed, but let's just say--You don't need blood and gore to make the audience members be on the edge of their seats (which I was). INSOMNIA hits all of its points including acting, directing, screenwriting, and cinematography. It's a first class thriller with great characters. On a side note...Pacino is worthy of an Oscar for his performance, Williams is equally excellent, and Swank also deserves recognition for complete scope of acting. A job well done by these three actors, and especially the man behind the curtain, Christopher Nolan!
Reviews
11 Reviews
Spider-Man
(2002)
The wait is over, and well worth it!
3 May 2002
The long wait is over, and finally audiences will be able to see Spidey sailing down 5th Avenue. "Spider-Man" not only delivers, but surpasses all expectations.
The story is great, the choice of actors is superb, and above all everything looks awesome. Sure the dialogue gets a bit corny at points, but that is expected (and in some cases preferred).
The visual effects of this movie are spell-binding. From the opening credits to the final scene, "Spider-Man" is a huge spectacle.
I'm not going to get into the plot, but here a few hints while watching (don't worry no spoilers):
1. Look for cameos (I spotted nearly half a dozen)
2. Listen for clues about the sequel.
3. Look closely at who is acting the bit parts of the movie, there are some really cool actors.
4. Make sure you see the film in a sold out crowd in a theatre with great sound (Danny Elfman's music is awesome).
5. Enjoy! It's a great popcorn movie!
Stop reading this review, and go out and see "Spider-Man"!!!
The story is great, the choice of actors is superb, and above all everything looks awesome. Sure the dialogue gets a bit corny at points, but that is expected (and in some cases preferred).
The visual effects of this movie are spell-binding. From the opening credits to the final scene, "Spider-Man" is a huge spectacle.
I'm not going to get into the plot, but here a few hints while watching (don't worry no spoilers):
1. Look for cameos (I spotted nearly half a dozen)
2. Listen for clues about the sequel.
3. Look closely at who is acting the bit parts of the movie, there are some really cool actors.
4. Make sure you see the film in a sold out crowd in a theatre with great sound (Danny Elfman's music is awesome).
5. Enjoy! It's a great popcorn movie!
Stop reading this review, and go out and see "Spider-Man"!!!
America's Sweethearts
(2001)
Zany comedy with good performances.
20 July 2001
I went into "America's Sweethearts," with the expectation of a sappy romantic comedy. I was pleased to find out that this movie was actually a zany screw-ball comedy. The characters that help this craziness are superb. Billy Crystal as the busy publicizer, Seth Green as his protege, Catherine Zeta-Jones as the snobby sister, Julia Roberts as a "Cinderella" type of character, John Cusack as a heartfelt actor, Hank Azaria as a raging Spaniard, and Christopher Walken as a groundbreaking director. All the caricatures and personalities are accounted for, and when put together they're extremely funny. This is a movie where one-liners seem to work. For example, John Cusack says (after being hit with dinner tray), "Oh yeah, I won, all I had to do was throw my face into that dinner tray." The slight downfall of the movie is the absence of the "WoW FACTOR." This factor is the line that separates great from good. While watching "America's Sweethearts," you never are WoWed, you might laugh, but not hard enough. However, in the end, I found the film enjoyable and cooky. ***--B+
Jurassic Park III
(2001)
They must end the FRANCHISE, please!!!
18 July 2001
JPIII is one of the worst films put out this summer. I understand that this year hasn't been great for movies, but JPIII reaches a career low. Not only is the dialogue, acting, and plot complete garbage, but it disgraces a franchise that used to be good. I laughed after seeing this film, because I could not believe that someone gave money to make this hideous sequel. I won't get into the plot, because I'll start laughing. I'll end this review with one tidbit, this movie has the worst ending I've seen in a long time. The only thing that saves this movie are neat looking dinosaurs that haven't been see before. -----**C+
A.I. Artificial Intelligence
(2001)
Ground breaking and Mind-Boggling!
29 June 2001
A.I. is truly innovative and original. Never has the future looked so good. Steven Spielberg blends together many characters and plot twists into a provocative story about love. The special effects are top-notch, you see things that you've never seen before. Haley Joel Osment, Frances O'Connor, and Jude Law all do some excellent acting. I find that the movie is broken up into three areas: 1. The Introduction of David -- 2. David Meets the World -- 3. David Tries to Become a Boy. A.I. is rather suspenseful at points, but most of all its hauntingly creepy. The idea of robots who love should get anyone freaked out. The only downfall to A.I. is the ending. The movie attempts to end about three times. And when you are sure the credits are about to roll, another concluding segment appears. Besides this slighted ending, A.I. is top-notch sci-fi. ***1/2-- A-
Dr. Dolittle 2
(2001)
The animals save the people in this comedy.
26 June 2001
Dr. Dolittle 2 is a film that attempts to poke fun at some of today's pop culture. Jokes involving "Super Size," "Wassssssup," and "The Backstreet Boys," all appear within this sequel. However, this type of film has to be backed up with something more than witty animal comments, and opinions on pop culture. The animals give their part, but unfortunately the humans don't. The characters in this story, including Dr. Dolittle, are uninteresting. No one wants to see the formulaic family that has problems, and everyone knows that by the end of the film they'll all still love each other. That formula promotes boredom. Despite the foolish characters, this comedy isn't a total flop. Children will probably laugh at the crude jokes, while parents fall asleep. The animals give their 50%, but the humans are the ones who are lacking. I think its about time for Eddie Murphy to move on, and for Hollywood to drop the "Dolittle" franchise. **--C+
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
(2001)
A big disgrace, huge disappointment!
25 June 2001
"Tomb Raider," does not deliver in any sense. It is made up of pure "blah." The action sequences and special effects are surprisingly bad. In this day and age, I thought they could do better with CGI. The script, however, is the major downfall. This movie has so many stupid one-liners, that you feel like you're in a conversation with Steven Seagal. Angelina Jolie does the best with what she is given. I don't blame her, I think that she could've been a real good Lara Croft. However, due to bad lines and a bad accent, the audience doesn't see her capability. "Tomb Raider," is disappointing and futile. Thank God they only made it 96 minutes, otherwise it would've been real hell. Don't go see this movie, if you're a big fan of the video game. In fact, the general public should not go see the film whether they've heard of Lara Croft or not. I hate to say it, but this movie stunk. *--D+
Shrek
(2001)
This is the movie to SEE!
23 June 2001
"Shrek," is an excellent film for adults and children. It manages to intermingle comedy and morals into a excellent fantasy story. The events that take place in the movie are simple, if they were to get complex, it wouldn't be as pure. Its your standard prince-in-disguise captures princess and saves the day. However, in doing this formula, lovable characters are created. From Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey, Lord Farquaad, to the Gingerbread Man, all the comedy relief and romantic characters are accounted for. Many audience members walk into "Shrek," and leave with a smile. I left with not only a smile, but an understanding of the moral. "Don't judge a book by its cover." Family films are few and far between where comedy can coincide with morals in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Go see "Shrek," you won't be disappointed. Instead, you'll be whisked away to a fantasy land, and there is no turning back. ****-A+
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
(2001)
Call me traditional, but all you need is good adventure!
16 June 2001
I still believe, despite the CGI in "Shrek," that as long as you have a good plot, characters, and a bit of adventure, special effects are not necessary. "Atlantis," does just this. Its not as visually stunning as "Shrek," but it doesn't have to be. "Atlantis," is a story about friendship, love, discovery, and taming that "young boy adventure." With all those themes, you don't need fancy computer graphics. This movies delivers with humor and intrigue. While you're watching, you feel for the characters, and you really want them to complete the mission.
Now, I'll answer that ominous question: Which is better, "Shrek," or "Atlantis"? Well, I can tell you that "Atlantis," is more complex, and has deeper themes of emotion. However, "Shrek," is truly ground breaking in graphics and story line. I give them both the same grade of A+, however, "Shrek," wins by a tiny bit. Don't let that opinion persuade you not to see "Atlantis." This Disney movie is one-of-a-kind and should be seen.---------****A+
Now, I'll answer that ominous question: Which is better, "Shrek," or "Atlantis"? Well, I can tell you that "Atlantis," is more complex, and has deeper themes of emotion. However, "Shrek," is truly ground breaking in graphics and story line. I give them both the same grade of A+, however, "Shrek," wins by a tiny bit. Don't let that opinion persuade you not to see "Atlantis." This Disney movie is one-of-a-kind and should be seen.---------****A+
Evolution
(2001)
Typical Ivan Reitman film, and his stuff is great!
12 June 2001
I went into this movie, just expecting a stupid comedy. I came out pleased to have seen a smart "stupid" comedy. Ivan Reitman has a gift to put people in situations and make them act stupid. Somehow, the audience finds this stupidity funny. You know why? Because it is! People doing stupid stuff is what keeps this world going. That is what makes "Evolution," an enjoyable flick. Not only is the comedy present, but the special effects and sci-fi intrigue are there as well. David Duchovny and Julianne Moore are perfect for the roles. "Evolution," has been done before, its extremely formulaic. However, this "stupid" comedy formula works, and that is why Ivan Reitman keeps delivering these hilarious flicks. The only downfall to the movie, is that at points is becomes too comedic or too much like a sci-fi flick. Besides this unbalance, the movie is quality Reitman! ***-B+
Swordfish
(2001)
Could've been better; could've been worse
10 June 2001
If you're looking for good acting, a coherent plot, an intelligent script, and developed characters, don't see "Swordfish." If you're looking for an hour and forty minutes to waste, daring intrigue, and things getting "blowed up," then go see "Swordfish." This movie tries to be serious, and it terribly fails. However, in its failure comes some decent action sequences and a neat plot line. "Swordfish," will deliver as any other action movie will, don't expect much, and you'll enjoy yourself. If you make this movie out to be something beyond a simple hacker flick, get ready for a disappointment.--*** B+
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