hokiemo Reviews

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Excellent Day off movie

[10/10 · 6 October 2006]

Matthew Broderick plays Ferris Bueller, a very popular high school senior who decides life is too short to waste a beautiful day in the classroom. He convinces his hypochondriac friend Cameron to join him and they call the principal and impersonate the father of Ferris' girlfriend Sloane in order to get her released from school for the day. Although the plot is simple, it is wonderfully executed. To make the plot more interesting, the principal is suspicious whether or not Ferris is really sick and is so jealous of Ferris' popularity, that he is determined to prevent Ferris from graduating. Jeffrey Jones is very good as the principal along with Jennifer Grey as Ferris' angry sister Jeanie. The film score is well chosen and the fashion, haircuts, and cars bring you back to the 1980s when it was filmed.

I love this movie. Matthew Broderick is extremely likable and the idea of getting away with innocent fun before we take on life's responsibilities is deeper than you realize.

Trust the Man (2005)

Predictable -

[6/10 · 21 September 2006]

Trust the Man is probably the millionth movie with infidelity as the plot. For this reason, it needed to distinguish itself with more interesting characters and plot outcomes. Unfortunately, it delivers everything predictably. David Duchovny can't seem to break from his X-files persona -- it is as if Mulder was married to the character Rebecca played by Julianne Moore. Duchovny needs to take on an accent or a twitch or something to distinguish himself between films. Julianne Moore is good but the material is weak. The best 2 characters are Tobey and Elaine. Maggie Gyllenhaal is wonderful in the part of Elaine and I think her career is just blossoming for her. Billy Crudup was also very good and displayed comedic talent that the film desperately needed to keep your attention. Director/ writer Bart Freundlich should have had Duchovny fall for someone unexpected such as a woman many years older, a woman with a terminal illness, etc. Someone who would have added complexity to the plot and a message about love between people. Duchovny falls for a beautiful mother he meets at a daycare center while picking up his son. Such a typical idea you worry it took Freundlich weeks to come up with it. Also, the boy who falls for Julianne Moore is not realistic. I would picture her character falling for a much more sophisticated man and it would have been quite interesting if the man caused her problems when she tried to break up with him. Finally, the ending is silly and embarrassing in my opinion. The main characters are standing around a theater with the audience watching and listening to their every word.

To sum up, I can only see moviegoers seeing this movie if they are fans of one of the actors. No special insights or memories to be gained with this film.

Casablanca (1942)

First Rate in every way

[9/10 · 10 July 2006]

The film revolves around the lives of WWII refugees who use Casablanca as means of getting out of war torn Europe and into the United States. Humphrey Bogart is excellent as the cafe owner Rick and Ingrid Bergman superb as Ilsa, Rick's old lover who abandoned him in Paris without explanation, and then shows up in Casablanca with her husband. The script is well written and the dialogue flows effortlessly and believably between characters. Ingrid Bergman brings a fantastic amount of complexity to her character's emotions and the mystery surrounding her true feelings for Rick is smartly never fully resolved. Even when Ilsa claims she thought her husband was dead and that's why she had an romance with Rick, I'm not sure I believe her. Ilsa, whether its out of guilt or love, desperately wants to get her husband Victor Laszlo out of Casblanca and on his way to the USA. The Germans are trying to keep Laszlo in Casablanca indefinitely due to his anti-war activities. Claude Rains as Captain Renault is wonderful and leaves a indelible mark in cinema history for his witty retorts throughout the film. The movie was the birth of the often repeated movie lines "here's looking at you kid" and "this looks like the start of a beautiful friendship." I highly recommend this film.

The Birds (1963)

Eery and Satisfying Hitchcock Film

[21 February 2006]

The film starts out interestingly enough with Mitch Brenner checking out Annie Hayworth in a bird store, claiming he would like to purchase a pair of love birds. Annie and Mitch end up knowing each other from a some sort of court dispute. Mitch needles Annie much to her disliking and promptly leaves the store. Annie manages to get his license plate number and decides to buy him some love birds, perhaps feeling she's misunderstood and this is a way to win him over. She drives the birds to the address she tracks down from his plate and drops off the birds. Mitch sees her and promptly catches up to her, asking her to stay for dinner. The birds in the area start to act a little aggressive and increasing in numbers. As usual, no one in the beginning believes the situation will get out of hand. I actually liked Jessica Tandy's character as Mitch's mother Lydia more often than I liked Mitch. Mitch convinces everyone to stay at the house and wait the attack out. Every good film has an antagonist and there are several in this film. The plot could have been developed more as far as how Annie and Mitch work out their differences. Lydia leaves the house one morning and we could swear Annie and Mitch hit the sheets during her absence, though nothing is shown except how affectionate and close they are when Lydia returns.

One minor note is that Mitch's younger sister looks more like she could be his daughter, but this doesn't detract from the film. I enjoyed Suzanne Pleshette's teacher character and found her to be the most engaging character in the whole film.

Overall, a good film with excellent directing, cinematography and film editing. The plot of how birds can increase in numbers and attack people is believable in my opinion, especially with today's bird flu epidemics and such. If you've ever eaten food on an East coast beach, some birds will swoop down at you with a few getting a little too close. I wasn't disappointed with the ending -- it leaves the idea of what happens next to both imagination and a possible sequence.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

Lara Croft is Action, Beauty and Brains

[8/10 · 24 January 2006]

Lara Croft Tomb Raider is enjoyable camp. All the parts are clichéd such as her evil nemesis, Manfred Powell, her ever dependable butler Hillary, and Wilson, the old man she seeks wisdom from and then betrays her. The story is about a group called the Illuminata who are looking for the 2 halves of a triangle which when joined and after following a series of steps, gives the holder the power to control time and space like God, putting the stability of the entire universe at risk. The plot and action scenes reminded me of a video game and I didn't mind it one bit. Jolie poses in various monochromatic outfits and pouts her famous lips a lot but I think this will one day secure it as a cult classic. The film is if anything, gorgeous to watch, moves quickly, and has an excellent lead player. Finally a film that knows 100 minutes is enough time to play itself out. Jolie brings a depth to the role of Lara Croft that many other actresses would have fallen flat with. And the stunts were fantastic; I was surprised during the bonus footage to find out Jolie did all of her own stunts. She's not only fit, she's brave. The stunts look difficult because they are. I thought the scene where she is being chased out a tomb by water was computer animated, but it wasn't.

Overall, the film is true to its inspiration. When it is over, you'll want more.

Fame (1980)

Overrated but great music and original plot

[7/10 · 12 January 2006]

I expected FAME to be an uplifting film but it ended up the opposite. The overall plot which follows the lives of several determined students attending a performing arts school has strong potential. However, FAME builds its characters up beautifully and then leaves us with so many questions when its over. I was very surprised when the graduation scene pops up -- we thought the DVD had skipped or something. All of the characters have internal and external conflicts of some sort and virtually none of them are resolved when the movie ends! You might think there are too many characters, but its probably too many scenes. Its evident the film was cut up and shortened because its sometimes lacks transition. I think Laura Dean as Lisa Monroe is my favorite character. I really connected with her character's ambition and following her heart. Boyd Gaines as Michael, the stereotypical poor student who can't read but is a divine dancer, is also very good. I didn't especially like Irene Cara's character of Coco, but this is not Cara's fault since her script is weak and her character is not fleshed out. Her voice is beautiful and hearing her songs warrants watching the whole film. In summary, the film could use many improvements, but the quality actors and great music earn its place in film history.

Meatballs Part II (1984)

1980s Summer Camp Fodder

[6/10 · 10 January 2006]

Meatballs 2 has nothing to do with the first Meatballs and does not have a strong lead like Bill Murray. Actually it doesn't seem to have any lead actor which to me is the film's main flaw. As other IMDb critics have noted, the opening scene was funny with Paul Reubens as the bus driver. He is very talented and one of the best reasons to rent the film. Kim Richards is also very good and does a great job with her part. The aerobics outfit she wears looks like a bathing suit so I can see why men everywhere go gaga over that scene. The film is basically about how a junior boot camp across the river tries to eliminate the kiddie camp run by Coach Giddy (Richard Mulligan). Mulligan is good but his script is very weak. He doesn't even touch the surface of the hilarity Bill Murray brought to the first Meatballs. The part of Flash by John Mengatti could also have been improved with a better script. Flash isn't nice to the kids and I never warmed up to him. Overall, the film has some funny scenes and the 1980s clothes and music provide some entertainment on a rainy day.

Grease (1978)

That's entertainment!

[10/10 · 14 November 2005]

"Grease" is a quality musical with a tremendous cast. Danny Zuko (Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) meet at the beach during summer vacation and fall in love. Sandy has to return to Australia, but then her family unexpectedly decides to stay in the USA. She enrolls at Rydell High School having no idea that Danny attends there. When they finally run into each other, Danny acts differently because his friends are watching and he has a tough guy image. Sandy is very upset by Danny's behavior and although she tries to get over him, she can't deny her feelings for him. Danny is a sweet guy at heart and does his best to win Sandy back. The entire cast is well chosen and the chemistry between John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is perfect. The choreography is excellent, especially in Greased Lightning and the dance-off contest.

Some viewers have commented that they don't like the fact that Sandy changes her image at the end of the movie. I didn't think this was a big deal, but I guess one could interpret this as a result of peer pressure. I think Sandy was waiting until she was confident enough to deal with the consequences of an adult relationship with Danny. Sandy sings that she's scared and unsure of herself shortly before her transformation. Another viewer comment I read is that the viewer thought it was bad that the Pink Ladies never accept Sandy as one of their own. The Pink Ladies not completely accepting Sandy is extremely realistic of cliques. I think it is positive that Sandy strived for the relationship she wanted with Danny despite the comments and jabs from the Pink Ladies. If we all waited for the acceptance of other people before pursuing something, most of us would still be waiting around 20 years later.

I'm glad casting decided to choose 2 leads who can sing instead of picking non-singers to lip sync. The film gives you a good idea of what going to high school in the 1950s is like with the peer pressure, cliques, music, clothes, etc. I wouldn't change a thing about this movie.

Take the Money and Run (1969)

Enjoyable silliness with original gags

[9/10 · 9 November 2005]

Woody Allen demonstrates his brilliant comedic gift with this early film. Not many comedians could pull off a joke where a side effect of a drug is that he grows a beard and talks like a Jewish rabbi. Woody plays Virgil Starkwell, a pathological liar and clumsy crook who falls in love with the beautiful Louise, played by Janet Margolin. You kind of feel sorry for Virgil's lack of direction with his life and root for him to be successful with something, even if it's robbery. Woody's dialogue and variety of characters keep your interest. The movie is also spattered with funny anecdotes like when Virgil's asked if he thinks s*ex is dirty and he answers "only if you're doing it right". Woody also comes up with many memorable situations like when he and Louise are arguing about what color shirt he should wear to a robbery. Another time Woody cuts a hole in a jewelry store window and runs off with the piece of glass. Allen had influences from earlier comedians, but he uses that influence to develop a truly original style.

Dirty Dancing (I) (1987)

Enjoyable and Nostalgic

[8/10 · 19 October 2005]

Baby Houseman, her parents, and sister take a summer vacation at a fictional place called Kellerman's Resort in New York. Baby quickly grows up when she falls in love with a dancer at the hotel named Johnny. Baby helps other at the resort face their fears such as the female dancer Penny who decides to end an unwanted pregnancy. Baby disappoints her doctor father by the type of people she befriends at the resort, but he fails to realize until the end of the movie that she is having a positive effect on these people rather than them having a negative effect on her. Each time I watch this movie I honestly have a hard time believing Johnny falls in love with Baby because Baby looks so young and naive. However, the casting really is well done because one of the movies themes is you sometimes have to take risks to find true happiness.

The movie is enjoyable with the well choreographed dancing scenes and also nostalgic because many people today are glued to their television screens and computers and don't enjoy old fashioned fun anymore. "Dirty Dancing" was filmed about 10 miles away from Virginia Tech at Mountain Lake Hotel in Pembroke Virginia. This is a beautiful hotel that I recommend to everyone visiting Southwest Virginia. Some of the movie was also filmed in Lake Lure, North Carolina and this is also a gorgeous place well worth a visit.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

One of Will Ferrell's best movies

[3 October 2005]

Very funny portrayal of a self-consumed anchorman, Ron Burgundy, who thinks he's God's gift to the women. Everything is going super in Burgundy's life until Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) shows up, knocks him off his feet romantically, and then threatens his position and status at the station. Ferrell's experience on Saturday Night Live shines through as he's able to make the most out of just about every joke. Steve Carell is fantastic as the retarded weatherman. Even his simplest lines or facial expressions made us crack up hysterically. Applegate also does well and her controlled portrayal of Veronica plays very well against Ferrell's zaniness.

History of the World: Part I (1981)

History can be fun

[3 October 2005]

If you are expecting an astute account of world history, you'll be disappointed, though not sadly. Mel Brooks puts together an outrageous array of characters who portray early history and speak their minds with silly lines and double-entendres. Dom Deluise is a stand-out as Caesar -- I would say his part is almost the best reason for renting the film. Madeleine Kahn is also excellent as Empress Nympho. The movie is corny at times, pokes fun at itself, and sometimes goes too far.... or does it? Nothing is going too far for Mel Brooks! The urinating scenes are a bit much, but if you take it in the spirit intended, it's quite funny. Maybe we'll be a little more grateful we have modern plumbing! Mel Brooks makes us feel like we're really at the time period portrayed. Surely the folks back then told dumb jokes, wore some silly clothes, and had some strange customs. History had some lively characters we can relate to today.

Finally, if you're easily offended, you'll be very offended watching this movie. Perhaps rent the movie and try not to take things so seriously!

Blazing Saddles (1974)

Badges! We don't need no stinkin' badges!

[9/10 · 30 September 2005]

This is just one of the funny memorable lines from Mel Brooks' classic comedy. Another memorable one is "Where all the white women at?!" This movie would receive such criticism today if were released as it is peppered with many derogatory words and expressions. In fact, it probably would be so watered down if made today that it would be a entirely different movie. Not that prejudice is funny but the movie shows how stupid these bigots are so it makes you laugh. Actor Clevon Little excellently portrays Bart, the sheriff put in place by Heldey Lamarr in the hopes that the residents will leave town so Lamarr can build a railroad through it. Lamarr's plan backfires because Sheriff Bart wins over the townspeople with his willingness to put his life on the line to save the town from demolition. Mel Brooks often uses clichés and jokes about the customs and traditions of particular groups. He often pokes fun at the Jewish and he himself is Jewish.

Actors Harvey Korman (Heldey Lamarr) and Gene Wilder (the Waco Kid) are also excellent and perfectly casted. When you find out Richard Pryor co-wrote the screenplay, it all makes sense that such an original and fresh movie came out in 1974. Pryor is arguably one of the greatest comedians of the 20th century. The ending of the movie is over the top chaotic fun, but it's hard to picture the movie ending any other way.

If you haven't seen "Blazing Saddles", you're truly missing out on a comedic gem.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Excellent Performances

[8/10 · 1 August 2005]

"Million Dollar Baby" is perfectly cast --- the actors take on their parts and make them their own. The story is about a white trash girl, Maggie, who wants to make something of herself and believes that boxing is her calling. She seeks out Frankie to train her at the gym, but he refuses to take her on at first. At first you think Frankie's sexist, but his character is not that simple. The story builds steadily and you later realize Frankie has many good reasons not to train Maggie, but her spirit and dedication win him over eventually. Frankie ties himself emotionally to each person he trains and tries his best to make them champions. Morgan Freeman is excellent as Scrap the gym's custodian and his intelligence and ability to decipher Frankie even surprises Frankie. Scrap reminds me of a man I met one time at my company who earned a purple heart in the Vietnam War, but spent his days sorting mail in the mail room. Surely, this veteran had more to offer the world or maybe I just didn't understand that he had experienced and accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime. I think the situation is the same with Scrap -- being at the gym doing whatever is still immensely satisfying to him. How many people can say they'd want to live at their place of work like Scrap?! Hillary Swank is wonderful as Maggie and Clint Eastwood... well what's not to like? The man is brilliant in every way -- acting, directing, writing, and so soft spoken in real life that you love and respect him even more.

I also was immensely impressed by the minor players in the film, especially the actor who plays Maggie's mother, Margo Martindale. She is just excellent in her supporting role. Lucia Rijker is also fantastic as "Billie the Blue Bear". She is one tough lady! It wasn't until I watched the behind the scenes footage that I saw how pretty she is off screen.

One minor problem I can see with the film is the diction and audibility -- I couldn't understand everything Scrap said and had to use the subtitles feature on the DVD player. I understood all of his narration, but not some of his lines when he appeared on film. My complaint sounds like nitpicking and that's not my intention.

Finally, it is great to finally see a major film about women's boxing. I didn't know the women's version is just as violent as the men's. I am quite surprised boxing headgear is not worn in women's or men's boxing. Boxing with your bare head makes no sense when you see how many injuries are sustained such as concussions, broken eardrums, detached retinas, and such. The sport makes complaining about a broken nose sound like you're complaining about a broken finger nail. I've heard some of Muhammad Ali's present health condition is attributed to numerous blows to his head during his boxing years.

Overall this is an excellent film and well worth the time viewing.

Sideways (2004)

Highly Recommended Wine Trip

[10/10 · 21 April 2005]

Sideways is one of those great original movies that rarely comes along in a movie world full of sequels, remakes, and recycled plot lines. The casting for this movie is excellent and each actor brings something extra special and memorable to his or her role. Paul Giamatti as Miles and Thomas Haden Church as Jack are paired perfectly. We all have those unusual friends who may seem quite different from us, but appeal to some part of our personality. In this movie, Jack is Miles' optimistic party friend. Jack and Miles go on a week long bachelor party in California wine country. Jack is due to get married the following Saturday and Miles is still recovering from his divorce. Jack and Miles are quite different in the relationship department -- Jack has a womanizing problem while Miles has a problem getting too close to anyone. The sometimes dark comedy is expertly played out by using California wine country as a back drop and a metaphor. Jack and Miles sometimes lose control of their emotions and its only exacerbated by the wine they drink in large quantities throughout the movie. Miles' love interest, Maya, sobers Miles up with her beauty and down to earth personality. Similar to enjoying different wine brands, Miles realizes he can appreciate and love another woman after his divorce. Slowly and patiently, Maya and Miles learn how much they have in common and enjoy being together. Jack, on the other hand, aggressively pursues women for temporary gratification. It's hard to imagine he's getting married in a few days and pushing himself to settle down. It takes Jack almost losing the wedding rings to sober him up and make him realize there's much more to a relationship than good s*ex.

The best comedic scenes in a long time is when Miles goes back into the house of a woman Jack slept with in order to get Jack's wallet back. After Miles grabs the wallet, the camera shows the woman's nude husband chasing Miles down the driveway. We were rolling with laughter at the sight of all this. One of Sideways' greatest strengths is it's ability to find the humor in everyday situations.

One last comment is that Paul Giamatti should have been nominated for an Oscar for his role as Miles. I think his acting talents are underrated.

I strongly recommend this film.

Cape Fear (1962)

Suspenseful and Timeless Film

[9/10 · 19 April 2005]

The timeless plot of a disgruntled ex-convict seeking revenge is perfectly executed for a film considered the predecessor of today's suspense thriller movies. Robert Mitchum is excellent as Max Cady and a true scene stealer as the creepy tough guy terrorizing Sam Bowden's family. Mitchum's good looks and charm fool many people into believing his lies. Gregory Peck is excellent as Sam Bowden and he lends just the right amount of zest to his role. He reacts as you'd expect to Max Cady's stalking and tries to resolve matters peacefully. Mitchum's con man stint is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago and it's yet another film showing how many criminals are not reformed through the prison system. Just like the film, "In the Bedroom", some victims fight back when the law fails to protect them.

Overall I highly recommend this film.

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

Enjoyable & original movie

[9/10 · 28 March 2005]

The movie is about 2 young men mistakenly blamed for a store clerk's murder and how one of the young men's cousins, Vinny, represents them in court. The plot doesn't sound hilarious, but how it plays out is very hilarious. The cast is excellent, most especially Joe Pesci. Although Marisa Tomei does a fine job with her script, I think her 20 year age difference with Vinny (Joe Pesci) is too much for their relationship to be believable. Also, Tomei looks 10 years younger than her age so that doesn't help! However, I wouldn't change Joe Pesci as Vinny and Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for her role as Lisa, so what do I know?! Some of the best humor comes from Vinny's way with words and how people misinterpret what's he saying. I can relate well to both sides of the humor since I have lived both in the both the Northeast and the South.

"My Cousin Vinny" is an enjoyable movie with many good laughs.

Rope (1948)

Intriguing plot concept but not fully developed

[5/10 · 14 March 2005]

Rope is well cast and grabs your attention immediately with the opening scene. However, I find it somewhat hard to believe that Phillip Morgan could divulge the truth so quickly. Having a party without removing the body from the crime scene also seems incredibly stupid, but at least the murderers could have temporarily put the body in a place it wouldn't be discovered. The chest was known for keeping the books that one of the party guests came specifically to look at. The entire movie takes place in 1 location in 1 evening which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, I would have found the movie much more believable if it occurred over several days and the murderers left more clues. Talking about murdering people when just about everybody at the party is worried why one of the characters, David, hasn't shown up just seems too easy for Jimmy Stewart to pick up on. Also, I think it would be much better if more was made of Stewart being given the victim's hat accidentally when he leaves the party. It doesn't make sense to me that he remains silent when everybody is still at the party and worried about where David is. It also was risky for him to come back alone when the party is over.

There's also one scene that I'm not sure was intentionally funny. Jimmy Stewart returns to the party claiming he forgot his cigarette case and there's this silly conversation about his character having another drink. Finally, Philip blurts out, "He said you can have another drink!!" Philip's character was almost campy as he frequently overplayed his lines.

Lastly, I think the film would have been much more intriguing and memorable if Stewart's character is never quite sure if Brandon and Phillip are guilty of anything. The movie "American Psycho" with Christian Bale played on this theme and I was very impressed with that movie. Even when Bale's character tells his friends he's psychotic, they laugh and brush him off. Many people believe what they want to believe despite the evidence because of their prejudices and inclination to stereotype criminals. This film is similar in that Brandon and Philip are well to do and look like the type of fellows your parents would want you to date.

Rope is worth watching if you're interested in Hitchcock's work although it could use some improvements.

The Manchurian Candidate (2004)

Good Premise but too long and not fully developed

[6/10 · 8 February 2005]

This movie has an interesting plot, but the movie focuses far too much on some parts and not enough in others. The movie also doesn't depict how having Raymond Shaw being run by the Manchurian Corporation is a bad thing. It's not that I want a robot running the USA, but the movie doesn't demonstrate enough how Raymond is a threat. Surely the corporation's purpose isn't just to have Raymond kill off people who discover his secret. The DVD box called the movie a thriller and I disagree. A true thriller to me is "Terminator" or "Jurassic Park" where you're on the edge of your seat the entire movie. I was a little bored during the movie and since we were renting, we took a few short breaks.

Denzel Washington and Merryl Streep do their best with the script, but it falls short in my opinion. It would be far more interesting if we learned in detail how the Manchurian Corporation was going to harm the USA through Raymond Shaw. Changing memories and corruption is scary, but it would be far more disconcerting to see how the safety of American citizens was hanging in the balance. I give the move 1.5 stars out of 4.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Original love story

[10/10 · 17 January 2005]

I was pleasantly surprised at the depth and poignancy of this movie. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet are fantastic! Their acting brings much more to the movie than just dialogue. Although they wanted their memories erased at first, it was only because they loved each other so much. This love causes them to constantly bicker and disagree, but they didn't realize how lucky they were to have each other until they almost lost each other forever. Really there are very few people in life worth erasing forever. I actually can think of 2 people I'd gladly erase from my life. The only reason I might not erase them is because I learned a lot from the experiences and I do not want to make those same mistakes again. Joel and Clementine have something so special that when they meet a second time as strangers, they still find a connection! It does seem that they are soul mates. They realize that they want the same things in life, but not necessarily in the same order. They must agree to disagree and not take every discussion as a personal attack. This movie makes you think so much about your own love life and friends that it's frightening! This is one of the few movies that you will continue to think about long after you've seen it.

Winslet and Carrey definitely deserved their Golden Globe nominations. This movie is a must see!

Thelma & Louise (1991)

Road Trip Adventure (contains spoilers)

[9 December 2004]

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I believe anyone who has been seriously wronged, male or female, will relate well with the movie's characters. Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis reserved well deserved Oscar nominations for their roles. The supporting players are also excellent, especially Christopher McDonald and Michael Madsen. Brad Pitt's turn as the sexy con artist is a show stealer. His career took off in high gear after this movie. The movie has much symbolism. Louise kills the rapist in the parking lot because she's never come to terms with her own rape experience. She suffers deep mental anguish and damage from it and refuses to discuss it. Thelma wants to do what's right, but is very influenced by Louise's thinking. Thelma believes Louise is right that society labels people and provides more support to the guilty than the innocent. The Grand Canyon is an excellent back drop to the movie's conclusion. Thelma and Louise are exposed like the canyon and they find there's no turning back. They know the euphoria they've experienced in rectifying society's wrongs will end and they might be in prison for a long time. As a side note, statistics do show that female criminals serve much longer sentences than men for the same crime. Thelma's and Louise's actions have pushed them over the edge (pun intended!) and they'd rather end their lives on a high note. All in all, I highly recommend this movie.

Super Size Me (2004)

Very informative

[10/10 · 1 December 2004]

It is not a surprise that fast food is high in calories. The surprise is the LOW QUALITY of the food. A McDonald's strawberry shake contains some 40 different chemicals. A McDonald's hamburger is made from the meat of over ONE THOUSAND COWS! Many of the ingredients in the food are artificial and people continue to patronize McDonald's. Unfortunately, Americans like cheap food and they don't want to pay the price for a quality lean hamburger or a shake made with real strawberries.

The FDA really should outlaw some of the products in the McDonald's menu. However, the FDA is not outlawing diet soda although aspertame is a known carcinogen which can cause sugar cravings, headaches, and health problems. Morgan points out how McDonald's lures children and parents to the restaurant with free toys and giveaways. I feel truly lucky that when I was a child my Mom never let us eat much at McDonald's because she thought it was too expensive! We only ate out for special occasions or if we were on a road trip. This was the 1980's and at least the burgers were made from 1 cow's meat back then!

People who say this movie is stupid didn't pay attention to the message. IF YOU CONTINUALLY EAT FAST FOOD, YOU MIGHT PAY LATER WITH OBESITY AND HEALTH PROBLEMS. Finally, be sure to watch the bonus section with the author of "Fast Food Nation".

Halloween (1978)

Excellent Halloween Fright

[2 November 2004]

I rent this movie on Halloween every couple years and it never disappoints. Your attention is hooked from the opening scene to the last frame of the movie. The entire cast is well chosen. Jamie Lee Curtis is fantastic as studious babysitter Laurie Strode. Her ability to fend off psycho Michael Myers is believable. Also, I can't imagine anybody else but Donald Pleasance in the role of Dr. Sam Loomis. Pleasance's delivery of his lines sends chills up your spine. Truly, director John Carpenter understands what it takes to develop a scary story. There isn't one scene in the movie that I would delete. The actors who are Laurie's girl friends in the movie also act very well in the movie (Nancy Kyes and PJ Soles). They deliver their lines so naturally they remind you of your own high school classmates. I like the little boy in the film also, actor Brian Andrews, who plays Tommy Doyle. I enjoyed his sweet and shy character and he and Jamie Lee Curtis interact great. Lastly, I like that John Carpenter doesn't fill up the film with gore. He briefly shows Mike Myers stabbing his victims and quickly moves to the next scene. Carpenter lets us imagine the worst by not showing everything.

Overall, this movie is a classic film worth watching.

Psycho (1960)

Timeless Thriller

[1 November 2004]

Psycho is an excellent thriller no horror fan should miss. Alfred Hitchcock knows how to create chills without gore. The film being in black and white also adds to the spooky mystique. Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins are perfectly cast. Leigh's character makes you sympathetic for her despite her criminal intentions and Perkins' portrayal of a serial killer ensnaring his prey is brilliant. I can't imagine why this film was remade in the 1990's --- the 1960 version is just so perfect that I wouldn't change a thing.

Overall I recommend this film. It's so good you'll want to watch it twice in a row.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

Two Thumbs Up

[13 September 2004]

I highly recommend this movie. This movie may be somewhat overrated by now.

If you didn't like it, you may have been expecting too much by the time you saw it. I think it's best to see a movie before the hype. This happened with the movie "The Full Monty". A lot of people saw it after all the media attention and then wondered what all the fuss was about.

I agree with other IMDb comments that Tim Blake Nelson is a standout, though George Clooney does a great job. The soundtrack with its bluegrass flavor is fabulous too. The movie has a fairly simple plot about the trials and tribulations of 3 convicts who escape a chain gang. Although they're minor criminals, they're very likable and you find yourself routing for their freedom and happiness. Some characters could have had bigger parts such as Holly Hunter's role. I liked the symbolism employed in the movie, especially the reference to the "Wizard of Oz" in the KK*K scene. The 3 convicts attack 3 clan members and steal their outfits to sneak into to a ceremony and save a friend of theirs just like the lion, tin man, and scarecrow did to 3 guardsmen when they broke into the castle to save Dorthy.

The ending scene is fantastic and not at all expected. Overall, see this film and enjoy the interesting characters.