mapeoleaf Reviews

Columbo: By Dawn's Early Light (1974) Season 4, Episode 3

Great acting but the story drags

[6/10 · 26 August 2007]

I would agree that the acting is excellent in this episode of Columbo and it was very cool to see a young Bruno Kirby. It is fascinating to watch McGoohan portray the Colonel with such cold, calculated wit. It is a very consistent performance and he definitely deserved the Emmy award he received for it.

Although I have to say I felt this episode dragged on a bit compared to the other episodes I have seen. Nonetheless it appears to be very popular among fans so I guess I may have to re watch it again to see what I may have missed!

At this time my rating is: 6.5/10

Stupidity (2003)

Seems not a lot of people have seen this but check it out!

[8/10 · 21 July 2005]

I really enjoyed this film. I never heard about it before but the cover of it caught my attention with a picture of what may just be, Marilyn Manson with a dunce cap on. It looks like the American cover is different than the one that I saw. Anyhow, it would be "stupid" to talk about this point right now. The fact of the matter is this is a very good film. Yes, it can be scary. It is sad the way we are being submerged in a sea of horrid media and we eat it up. It is true that people who are supposedly educated professors are often big "morons", or even the people that run countries. This film captivated my interest and I felt like I needed to change my own viewing habits. For instance: anyone can become an internet celebrity even without their knowledge. Although this is a scary prospect that does occur; the film did not focus on this issue. The film is often very tongue in cheek but also cuts with a sharp edge. I laughed, I cried and I decided to not sit like a dullard in front of the "boob tube" to watch the crap that they shovel us. Yes, we are all morons and we need to free our mind of any intelligence because to pretend that we are smart would just be a lie. Check this film out it will change the way you look at things.

Saw (2004)

Sharp and Entertaining Thriller

[8/10 · 26 March 2005]

I was very impressed with "Saw". I loved the way it opened on our lead characters who find themselves chained to a wall. We discover that a psychotic person is involving people in his sick and twisted game of life and death. The movie boasts a strong cast, I especially enjoyed Cary Elwyes as the doctor.

This is a great Thriller/Horror, it is fast paced and has some great twists. I was surprised to find out that they made the movie in a meager 18 days! Once you see it you will be just as surprised as I am. This is not for the faint of heart, but it is a very enjoyable and engaging film.

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

This is what you should expect in a dumb comedy

[29 June 2004]

I love hilarious and gut busting movies. Unfortunately I did not think this movie fit either of those categories. Do not get my wrong, I usually enjoy Ben Stiller's comedy but this movie did not work for me. I thought I would be laughing uproariously but in fact for the first part of the movie I might have chortled at the most!

Ben Stiller does a fairly decent job as the megalomaniacal Globo-Gym owner, I especially enjoyed his over the top statements in which he would finish by saying, " I'm just kidding....no I'm not". That was pretty funny but the rest of the movie was pretty stale. Vince Vaugn is also a fairly good foil to Stiller's over the top performance. The cast of 'average joe's' are just that, average and uninteresting. The wannabe pirate guy was just annoying to say the least.

The plot bothered me the most because the script writers put absolutely no effort into writing this story. I would not have minded as much if there was a tongue in cheek, sort of "wink, wink" to the audience but I did not really see that. The plot is just a narrow sort of progression to the final dodge ball tournament but nothing really interesting happens in between. I guess the funniest part of the movie was people getting hit in the crotch and head with dodge balls. I must note that while I was not laughing at several parts of the film, other people were; maybe I was missing something. Overall I would give this film an average grade of: ** out of *****

The Perfect Score (2004)

This movie gets an 'Imperfect Score'!

[2/10 · 17 June 2004]

I saw this movie on the plane and I can honestly say it did not help to make the long flight seem any shorter. In essence, it is a very good waste of some talented actors. It seemed too long, even at its time of only 90 minutes. First of all, Erika Christenzen, the very talented actor of "Traffic" is completely wasted in this drivel. She is reduced to the straight "A" student, over achiever who decides she has had enough of being so perfect; therefore she decides to rebel. Wow, how many times has this happened in movies? Too many times to count. The laughs are few and far between. This plot has been rehashed a thousand times. "The Perfect Score" is pointless and boring. I only enjoyed one scene that involved an irate mother disciplining the pot head friend of her son. This one scene had some heart and laughs because it involved a motherly connection to a young man whose mother has died. Beyond this somewhat redeeming factor, there is not much else is this waste of a film. Watch "Bubble Boy" or "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" instead. Then you will have laughs a plenty!!

2/5

Shallow Hal (2001)

This is better than you Think!

[13 March 2004]

I heard that "Shallow Hal" was a fairly good movie so I had to see for myself. After seeing the Farrelly Brother's last movie, " Stuck on You "; I was hoping for something better and "Shallow Hal" was definitely better. First of all, the movie stars three wonderfully talented people: Jack Black, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jason Alexander. The film is about a 'shallow' man named Hal who is obsessed with Hot women; in fact he does not bother to look at any other women except beautiful ones. After a meeting with (self-help Guru) Tony Robbins in a stopped elevator; Hal is motivated towards looking at the inner beauty of people rather than attractiveness. This premise seems to be rehashed from many other films and it probably is but it is executed rather nicely. The meeting with Tony Robbins calls upon this generation's obsession with self help media, and Tony's help 'works' depending on how you look at it.

What I really enjoyed about the film is how it blended human interest with hilarious comedy. This is what "Stuck on You" tried to do but failed miserably. The jokes are often raunchy but there is a nice message overall. I think you consider your own motivations after seeing this film. Yes, I am pretty shallow and maybe I should consider a new perspective. Ultimately this film is worth seeing. I think, in this respect, the other comments were far too harsh. It is by no means great but it is fun and you may think in a new way after watching it.

7/10

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

This is hilarious

[8/10 · 23 January 2004]

I rented this movie on a day when I felt stressed beyond belief and needed a break. Let me tell you, this movie completely cheered me up. It is absolutely hilarious!! You will laugh until you bust a gut because it is so fun to watch these two moronic characters. The film has everything: great comedy, awesome co-stars; cameo appearances, and of course, hot girls (with a surprising lack of nudity). Nonetheless, this movie has a razor sharp wit; it spoofs itself and the Hollywood machine. Rent this film, take a load off and laugh until you spew soda out of your noise.

8/10 ********

Kingpin (1996)

Long Live the Comb Over

[7/10 · 30 December 2003]

I thought this movie was great. It has a fantastic cast made up of Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, and Bill Murray. I agree with other users that this film has not been rated fairly. You simply have to take it for what it's worth, and I personally think it's wonderful!

Woody Harrelson plays Roy Munson, a drunken, former pro-bowler trying with much difficulty to earn a buck. He discovers a young Amish man who may be his ticket back to bowling prestige (if that actually exists). The two bowling hopefuls proceed on a road trip to win the grand prize in a bowling championship in Las Vegas. This movie is truly hilarious! Woody Harrelson does a fantastic job in the role of the sad sack ex-bowler with a rubber hand. He seems to have aged ten years in his portrayal of this character. Bill Murray is his adversary, "Big Ern" McCracken, whose bad toupee seems to have a life of its own. Murray is wonderful in this role with his cocky and pompous attitude. There are certain scenes of his character in a television commercial that are quite literally, marvelous. Finally to finish off this stellar cast we have Randy Quaid as Ishmael, the Naïve Amish man who could quite possibly be the next Bowling legend. I must also mention the gorgeous Vanessa Angel as Claudia. Her character is under developed but she still has the charisma and sex appeal to ignite her scenes.

This movie must be viewed for what it is worth. This means, it is not Oscar material but it is a very funny movie. So watch the film with this in mind and enjoy all the hilarious scenes and great performances.

7/10

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

A heart warming comedy, See it!!

[26 November 2002]

I hope none of you saw my tag line and decided that this was not the movie for you. Planes, Trains...is a truly wonderful movie, that is not to be missed. It is two fantastic actors igniting each scene with their comic skills. For some it may be overly sentimental, but I believe this is a part of the charm. These two fine actors work so well together and it is a pleasure to watch them on screen. I read one user's comments about keeping this movie as a tradition and that is exactly how it is for me. I am excited to share this wonderful film with some new people yet again this year. I am currently reading the unauthorized biography of John Candy and one of the quotes that John Candy says in the film seems to parallel to his character of Gill. " I am just Gill, thats all, and if you don't like me thats your problem ". John Candy was a lovable guy who truly cared for people. He honestly seemed to believe that everyone was innately good and sometimes this could give him problems like his character Gill experiences. So another interesting way to look at this movie is to see John Candy's human qualities shine through. The pair of actors make a sort of " Odd Couple " and though we all know the final destination. It is the beauty of the travels, by plane, train, and automobile that truly make this movie hilarious and highly enjoyable.

**** out of 5

Brewster's Millions (1985)

Good times a plenty with a spend happy Pryor

[6 October 2002]

I just watched this film for this first time and I thought it was pretty good. I have read several of the other reviews which are dismal to say the least but I am now a fan of Richard Pryor after this film. For truly awesome Pryor watch " Stir Crazy " instead. This is a revamp of an older film of the same name that came out even before " talkies " in fact Thomas Jefferson may have seen the original! The 1919 version could only be an archaic dusty relic that should be examined by archaeologists. That is exactly why this film needed a fresh new take, forget people that feel it is not close enough to the original; it was 1985 during the " me " era and people were spending their dough like it was going out of style. Ronald Reagan was president and Michael J. Fox was Alex P. Keaton on " Family Ties " the Capitalist was the flavor of the week. Richard Pryor is Brewster a washed up baseball player who has been in the minors for 15 years, it seems as if his dreams are being washed up along with his game. His friend Spike played by John Candy (not a super performance from him I might add) is his good friend and catcher on the minor league ball team. Brewster discovers that his great uncle ( a " honky " in his own words) is giving his last surviving heir a chance to get $ 300,000,000 or play it safe and get $1,000,000. The only stipulation to get a the big pay out he needs to play a little game, his great uncle was a crotchety tormented man (too much cigar smoke, watch the flick). Brewster has to spend 30 mill. in 30 days, with absolutely no assets. That is a tough situation if ever there was one. The movie is really fun, its fantastic to watch Pryor trying to spend every last penny. I guess the movie's intention is to show how extravagance can be a real pain in the ass!! I loved Pryor as Brewster, I wanted him to be successful, he is so damn funny and a truly likable guy. Candy is the buddy role, and his character is unfortunately, two dimensional. I love John Candy (Bless Him) but he cannot make much out of an under developed role. Watch a hilarious performance of Seventh Heaven (TV Minister) as the conniving lawyer who seems like he has a rake up his ass and you really want to see him get his just desserts. The movie is a little slow at times but you will be cheering for Brewster along the way and see the hordes of regular people (those without 30 mill to blow) enjoying his riches. The conclusion is a little bit weak as well but the many comic moments make up for it. Watch this flick, it might be a winner for you.

6.5/10

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

This movie actually has Depth! Ain't Ferris Cool Too!

[8/10 · 28 September 2002]

I saw this movie originally in the theatre way back in 1986. I even remember my friend saying, " one for Ferris Booger's day off " and this made me laugh hysterically. This obviously demonstrates my young age when I saw this movie back then. Now when I watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off, now much older, it gains a timeless quality as I still love it just as much, or more than I did originally in 1986. I strongly believe it is one of John Hughe's finest films. Ferris Bueller's character (Matthew Broderick) demonstrates a heroic quality, with his charm, cunning and zest for life. He displays a confidence that many of us could only dream of. His friend Cameron on the other hand is the anti-thesis to Ferris' high strung personality, as this character is contrastedly low spirited and worrisome about life and his possible future after high school. And this is the beauty of the movie, Ferris allows Cameron to finally bust out of his nervous shell and take hold of the reins of life. The plot is simple, Ferris a high school student is pretending to be home sick with the flu so he can enjoy a kick ass day o' fun. His parents buy into his ploy but Ferris must do a little tampering with his attendance record (to avoid being caught by the nasty Mr. Rooney, Dean of Students played by Jeffrey Jones) by hacking into the school computer. He is successful and notifies his good friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) of his plan to have an incredible day in the city of Chicago. Cameron is wallowing in his own self pity and this situates his character symbolically as an everyman who we can all relate to, he is a person who is scared of life and would rather hide than face the bitterness of reality. Therefore it is Ferris' job to aid Cameron in his voyage towards self realization. And you thought Ferris Bueller's Day Off had no depth, think again! But first they must rescue Ferris' hottie girl friend Sloan (Mia Sara) from the drudgery of her high school English class so they can escape to the city. The fun begins once the trio take off to the city and many hilarious and wonderful scenes take place. One particularly excellent scene takes place in the art gallery where Cameron is galvanized by one particular painting. He cannot take his eyes off this painting and this scene strongly signifies his transformation towards self realization.Mr. Rooney is continually on a quest to defile the academic career of Ferris Bueller in his hilarious performance. He remains the huge obstacle that stands in the way of our hero's enjoyment of a kick ass day 'o fun in the city. Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a fascinating romp of hilarity with true moments of tenderness to keep every viewer happy. Look for a young Jennifer Grey (from " Dirty Dancing " fame), she is fabulous in this movie as Ferris' despising sister Jeanie, all she wants is for her brother to be ruined in this whimsical tale of spiritual renewal.

I give this movie *** out of 5 stars! A very good film.