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Reviews
Empire Records (1995)
A missed opportunity
This had a chance to be a "Breakfast Club" of the 90s, but fell short.
The story had too many characters, too many forced situations, too many cliches and no surprise twists at the end. So much of the movie is the cast sitting around doing nothing, that about 10 minutes could have easily been cut from the run time.
Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. It's just easily forgettable like so many other "teen" movies from the 90s. It truly was a soundtrack in search of a movie and nostalgia is the best thing going for it.
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
A rare remake that's better than it's predecessor
The original will always be classic, but I often found it lacking in production value. This version was fun, stylish and focused. There were definite improvements on the gore and zombie killings.
The film has quite an eclectic cast of known, but know super-known actors. Sarah Polley shines. It's nice to see her in a role where she's not angry or angst-filled.
Take Me Home Tonight (2011)
Entertaining and nostalgic
Simpler times. I forgot how much I really enjoyed this movie.
Great music, great performances, and a little bit of cheesiness. If not for the widescreen photography I would think this movie was actuay made in the eighties. I worked at a Suncoast Video in the early 90s, and I could relate a lot to Matt's dilema.
It's a look at early adulthood and how things don't go the way you plan. A great movie for folks who grew up in the eighties as well as young adults just out of high school. It has an upbeat ending which leaves you hopeful and somewhat satisfied.
Striking Distance (1993)
A strange movie, but not bad
One of Bruce Willis's more interesting movies. It's got a nice atmosphere and showcases the locations in and around Pittsburgh well. It's nice to see something filmed in Pittsburgh that wasn't shot in the fall or winter with grey skies and no color on the landscape.
My only complaint would be the lack of chemistry between Bruce Willis and Sarah Jessica Parker. I have never been a big fan of SJP, but she seems a bit out of place in this lead role. I always fancy her as the quirky best friend. Bruce Willis plays Bruce Willis, as usual.
The supporting cast are all fantastic, especially John Mahoney (as usual). I see this as typical late night viewing, nothing more.
Seaside Serenade (2003)
A little gem of a tale
This little known cable movie was quite a surprise. The script is very well-written, involving flashbacks, tangents and multiple layers that work well to keep the narrative focused. The film features an unknown cast, but the real standout is Kristen Suitors as Bethany Hartfort, playing a believable teen prostitute being harassed by Snake's gang.
The story begins with a writer investigating a story of a winning lottery ticket, but the trail takes him to a coastal town in Texas. The story often refers to an obscure film from 1969 called "Seaside Serenade" and how it more or less has influenced all of the characters in the film.
The "bad guys" do get their comeuppance, and all of the storylines are resolved in a tight 90 minutes. The film ends on a somber note, with the narrator commenting on how obscure Seaside Serenade is (the movie within the movie) and if he would "fare any better" as he powers down his computer.
A nice little move from the early 2000s.
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
One of Clooney's best
Clooney absolultely shined in Ocean's Eleven. Everyone was on point and it's amazing that a cast of this size has such amazing chemistry.
Slicky, stylish and a fun ride. One of Soderbergh's last great films and before he got lazy shooting digital and grading everything in yellow. You can tell everyone had a blast making it and that's why they managed to get everyone back for the sequels.
Great movie that I never tire of watching.