Change Your Image
cheersfan213
Reviews
The Mentalist (2008)
A Taut Drama That Is More Than Meets the Eye
This past May, I watched with bated breath to see if Patrick Jane would ever emerge from his descent into lunacy in the season finale of "The Mentalist." Of course, however, this was simply another of Jane's clever ruses to catch his longtime enemy, Red John, the serial killer who claimed his wife and daughter's lives almost 10 years ago. "The Mentalist," like its protagonist, is shrewd and clever, a crime drama that is also a mystery show. Its characters, unlike many other cop shows, are painstakingly drawn out and full of personality and complexity. Showrunner Bruno Heller is a master of suspense, and creates characters that are so believable through a mix of light comedy and their individual personalities, that you almost think that they are real people. Watching the relationships of the main characters unfold and progress is exciting, revealing and many times, shocking. The mythology of the show is unlike any other cop drama on TV, one that involves and grips the viewer. In a barren wasteland of mind-numbing shows, "The Mentalist" is a refreshingly weekly dose of quality television.
The Secret of My Succe$s (1987)
One of Fox's Most Hectic Roles Pays Off...
It'll make you dizzy in part as half the time in this film we see Fox's character juggling 2 different office identities in the same company (which is far-fetched but since this is a comedy, I digress), however it is also a crisp and sharp piece that examines big business and its effects on the common working man. Ross wasn't trying to wax philosophic on his viewers though--- this is meant to be a fun film, and it truly is. It is very funny in parts, and basically mildly funny at all other times. There's no real lull in this movie that seems boring but you'll only laugh out loud three of four times throughout the course of the film, even if you are a big Fox fan. To be honest, an episode of "Spin City" probably has twice as many laughs packed inside of a twenty-two minute episode than this whole movie had. Fox makes this film work though, and generally whenever there's a laugh to be had, it's a line or action Fox was responsible for. The supporting cast is quite good, though Fred Gwynne is sorely underused and when he is introduced in the final moments of the film, he is given absolutely no funny material to work with. That was probably the major disappointment of this movie for me, but other than that, it's pretty sharply-written, directed, the music is first-rate and you truly root for Fox throughout. 8 out of 10 stars.
For Love or Money (1993)
Michael J. Fox Makes A Pretty Weak Script Entertaining...
While this movie is certainly not one that stands out about all other Fox movies, it's entertaining nonetheless due to Michael J. Fox's innate charm and it's fun to see his attempts at juggling a demanding investor, eccentric clients and an eclectic group of co-workers all while trying to figure out if he should go for the girl... or the property he wants. The script is really quite weak but the way it's shot is brilliant and Sonnefeld's direction makes it flow quite effortlessly. It's an hour-and-a-half and change movie that only feels like it takes an hour to sit through. I agree with the others who said it's a good movie to watch on a rainy day, or just when you're in the mood for a feel-good (though granted not laugh-out-loud) comedy. The funniest scenes are with the elderly bellhop and the parrot. Incidentally, the parrot was almost as good as Michael J. Fox in this movie (that's not an insult to Fox, by the way; the bird is just that funny--- definitely something you have to see to believe). I recommend it, but will everyone like it? No, in fact, some won't be able to sit through it because it can get slightly boring in parts. If you have patience though and a true love for Fox's work, you'll find it quite charming. 6/10 stars.
Aliens (1986)
An All-Around Fantastic Film, In All Aspects
Great action, great story, but most of all, just a fantastic cast that really knows how to humanize a story. Very much in line with the original, and James Cameron makes sure that he doesn't completely ignore the events of the first film which is so often what sequels with different directors do. There seems to be a lot more action in this one than in the original, which was basically a horror film with some action elements. The characters combat the aliens and in some cases are killed by the aliens in very memorable, distinct ways. The script is sharp as a knife and can bring a tear to your eye at any moment, but also is very funny and keen. Jim Cameron is a great storyteller/director, and when he does both write and direct a movie, you know you're in for a real treat. Aliens gets a perfect 10/10.
Almost Heroes (1998)
A Funny Story With Some Dull Spots
First off, Chris Farley is hysterical in any movie and can make even the weakest material work. At some points in this movie, that is exactly what he did. However, the story wasn't a complete mess, it was actually quite good in parts. Especially when they encounter all the pitfalls throughout their journey, the script is very sharp and funny. Other parts drag quite a bit, and Eugene Levy's character was just completely unnecessary and unfunny. Matthew Perry had only a couple funny scenes, the rest of the movie he just served as straight man for Farley, who honestly didn't need him--- he could've made this movie work on his own without Perry's help. Better editing could've made the film seem less strung-out and I think it ran a little too long for a comedy. I also wish Franklin Cover's character could've been featured more extensively, I really enjoyed his scene in the film. All in all, a decent comedy adventure. 7/10.
The Old Man and the Sea (1958)
Only Spencer Tracy Could Pull This Off...
What this story is about is dreadfully boring. But the way Spencer Tracy pulls you into the boat with him as he's trying to catch his big break is absolutely spellbinding. The fish represents oppression and everything man gets himself caught up in. Tracy's character represents a new hope for an old, tattered soul. No matter how down on your luck you may be, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel... a light that never goes out. A light which Spencer Tracy glorifies and is entranced by. The best (practically) one man show I've ever seen. I found the way the movie was lit to be absolutely breathtaking and the colors are rich and vibrant. Tracy's narration is also first class, and the scenes where the boy helps him out are very heartwarming. Found myself teary-eyed on a couple of occasions throughout... the way this film showcases the strength and fortitude of the human character is inspiring and profound. Minute for minute, the best book to film adaptation I've ever seen.
Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)
Very Funny In Parts... Other Parts Are Lacking
This movie started out hysterical especially the interaction between Nicolas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker. Suddenly, however, as James Caan's character was introduced, that chemistry faded away for good and would never again be seen in the movie. Bergman's biggest mistake was that he shouldn't have made Parker's character so fickle and he should've made Caan's more nefarious--- not out for love. It becomes another stupid love triangle tale that's been rehashed a thousand times instead of being something fresh and exciting like it had potential to be at the beginning of the movie. Still, there are many good gags throughout most notably the different types of Elvises and some funny PA announcements that you'll only catch with the subtitles on. The soundtrack is amazing and the closing fifteen minutes start to re-capture the hilarity of the first few scenes, but ultimately there's just too much time allotted to Nicolas Cage screaming and James Caan sweet-talking Parker. Definitely worth a rental, and if you can get it for less than ten bucks, buy it. It's a good film, but it had the potential to be an awesome one.
Dante's Peak (1997)
A Kinetic Story With An Undeniable Human Element
Dante's Peak is a fantastic film that truly captures the essence of the human spirit and also serves as a fabulous achievement in the world of CGI and visual effects. Some of the sequences, such as when Ruth's cabin is inundated with lava, are breathtaking, so much so that you start to think the lava is real and is going to flood straight into your living room. The first hour or so is reminiscent of Alien, as we know something ominous is lurking but can't quite put our finger on an exact time but we know all hell is going to break loose. The best part of Dante's Peak for me, though, is Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton's fantastic chemistry. This is a couple you truly root for, and the intimate dialogue they share at certain parts of the film are the movie's most memorable moments. Only complaint would be the supporting cast--- not as dynamic as the leads and the film suffers for that to a degree. It's not the best action movie I've ever seen and I think the ending could have been slightly more dramatic and lava-filled. All things considered, though, a special film that I think showcases Pierce Brosnan at his most vulnerable best.