BlockChuckster Reviews

Lord of War (2005)

A Blow To Arms Dealers

[8/10 · 21 January 2006]

I had apprehensions over this movie, could Nick Cage pull off the complexities of such a demanding character as an international gunrunner without making his character look lampooned. Cage delivers the goods! All of the actors brought their A-Game...Ethan Hawke is especially nice as the By-the-books ATF agent on Cage's trail. Jared Leto was a good choice as the troubled brother, Vitaly. He brought a nice dimension to Cage's character that helped complete the overall picture of who Cage's Yuri actually was. On the other hand, Bridget Moynahan was likable as the supermodel Yuri was obsessed with...again, adding a dimension to Cage's Yuri to complete the tapestry of who his character was and defined Yuri's motivations.

This movie is a really good film from some of the cinematographic aspects as well. The opening sequence of following a single bullet from it's manufacturing to the end use was really powerful and put into perspective the volatile nature of the subject matter. After watching this movie, I could easily compare it to the Johnny Depp movie, Blow. What Depp did for Cocaine traffickers in his film, Nick does for the arms dealers in Lord of War. To tell you the truth, it broke down arms dealers into an occupation that one never put the perspective to in this light. Bottom line: this movie is worth adding to your collection.

Raise Your Voice (2004)

Terrible message for Duff fans

[2/10 · 12 February 2005]

My wife convinced me to bring this fluff little movie home, and to tell you the truth, I was disappointed for not so obvious reasons. Granted this was just another teen-queen Duff vehicle that runs on sugar and not gas, thus it doesn't get very far...

*****SPOILERS***** however, I didn't think it was appropriate for the movie to take the tack that she lied to her father (David Keith) to get into the summer program, then continue to lie to him to stay in it...then the aunt character played by Rebecca DeMornay conspired with the the mom (Rita Wilson) character to continue the lie against the father. According to the movie, the ends justifies the means. This is not a great message to teach the teens and preteens, that it's OK for a kid to lie to their parents and that it's OK for a wife to lie to her husband. No wonder this movie bombed like it did...well...there are other reasons for it's failure. I also didn't buy into the setup of the school, when stated that if you get caught doing things you're not supposed to do, (i.e., drinking, etc.) you will be dismissed. Then the Jay character (Hillary's on screen boyfriend) proceeds to go out drinking after Hillary walked in on him and another girl kissing...there are no negative consequences for him. I would have liked to see Duff take a harder stance with the issue, especially in light of the fact that her brother was killed by a drunk driver. The wrong message is put forth in that it's OK to drink when you're underage to cope with your problems, and the only consequence is spending the night on the roof with Hillary Duff. Puh-leeeeeeeze! This movie is horrible for kids today...and they had an opportunity to make it enjoyable, although it has been done before with Fame. There was one bright spot in the casting...Johnny Lewis, who plays a nerdy innovative percussionist. His character was enjoyable to watch, and hindsight 20/20, I wish the movie had starred him and taken it from his perspective.

I thought the hubris Duff showed in one interview I heard about was tragic, she was quoted as saying that it was a challenge for her to sing badly in parts of the movie to show her character's growth as a singer...ha!!! My my my, aren't we full of ourselves!!!

National Treasure (2004)

Step aside Indiana Jones

[9/10 · 10 November 2004]

Nick Cage has hit a home run in this one. He has created a character that is interesting, a bit puzzling, and a joy to watch. The cast that surrounds him is also impeccably in place...from Justin Bartha and Diane Kruger to Sean Bean and Jon Voight, they are all perfect in their respective roles.

Though the plot line centers around the mysterious nature of the Free Masons and our founding fathers relationships within that organization, this is definitely a movie for serious history buffs...but don't fret if your recollection of Paul Revere and Sam Adams is sketchy, it doesn't go over the heads of the lay-person in the audience (the film uses Riley's character to explain and set up some of the history lessons that it uses to move the plot line along).

The action is non-stop, so I seriously recommend going to the bathroom and getting your popcorn before the movie starts because once you see the opening scene set in the Arctic, it's a roller-coaster ride from there to the end credits. And a fun ride it is at that!

Around the World in 80 Days (2004)

Great chemistry

[7/10 · 17 June 2004]

I was reluctant to go see this, as I was sure it was just going to be another no-brainer Jackie Chan vehicle. Well, it was, but...but, it was very well done and had some cute cameos. All the pre-release buzz centered around Arnie, and yes, once again, the Governor showed that he has the acting range of a Daisy Air Rifle. However, Rob Schneider and the Wilson brothers, put a smile on my face and left me wanting to see more of them, which proves the old adage, "Less is more." The cinematography is phenomenal, blending nice CGI effects with a cool use of color. It left me going, "whoa, nice transition" more than once. Overall, a nice little escapist movie that, if you don't think about it too much and just take it on face value, you will walk away entertained.

Connie and Carla (2004)

a little wooden, but totally fun

[7/10 · 12 April 2004]

Toni Collette will face a lot of comparisons to another Tony: Tony Curtis from Some Like It Hot, and possibly even to Julie Andrews for her performance in Victor/Victoria, why? Simple, there just aren't that many mainstream drag queen movies out there. Should those judgement's toward previous entries into the genre be fair or not will be up to the audience. However, on it's own merit, I found the movie was incredibly well written, particular in the scenes involving the gay community in West Hollywood.

My only problem came with the cartoon-two dimensional depiction of the straights. Whether it be David Duchovny as the brother of a Drag Queen who wants to get close with his brother prior to his upcoming nuptials, his character's intolerant girlfriend who isn't aware of her future brother-in-law's lifestyle, or to a point even Nia Vardalos's acting in general...there were scenes that were stiff. Nia seriously reminds me of Al Gore...she has some moments of brilliance but more often than not, she is as stiff as a board and reminiscent of the talent you see in some small town dinner-theaters.

Despite throwing in the kitchen sink of every gay joke, save one...no references to Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz...it was an overall enjoyable experience. Just enough titillation to warrant a good time by everyone.

Crime Spree (2003)

French version of something Guy Ritchie would have done

[8/10 · 23 December 2003]

Four words encompass this movie..."Be Prepared To Laugh!" It is reminiscent of Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, and Snatch. It's just an hilarious crime caper that mixes action and comedy very nicely. It is a must see for everyone!

Gigli (2003)

A multiple choice supposition...

[1/10 · 1 December 2003]

Which is worse, the premise, the execution of the premise, the fact that I made it 46 minutes and 50 seconds into it before I had to turn it off, or the headache that came from trying to follow the dialogue? The one thing positive I can say about it is that it was slightly better than Masters Of Disguise...not much better, but better nevertheless. The ludicrousness of things such as J-Lo's Tai Moi Chai to erase the memory after you liquefy an eye, made me think what would be next??? Tae Toe Cheese Do...the use of toe cheese to render your opponent helpless?? My biggest debate is which was more disturbing, seeing Affleck give a shot in Laine Kazan's rear or the insipid use of the F word...neither one was used effectively and both were overused (of course, any use of Laine Kazan's rump is an overuse). Even for those curious, this one is definitely a movie people should pass on.

Gigli (2003)

A multiple choice supposition...

[1/10 · 1 December 2003]

Which is worse, the premise, the execution of the premise, the fact that I made it 46 minutes and 50 seconds into it before I had to turn it off, or the headache that came from trying to follow the dialogue? The one thing positive I can say about it is that it was slightly better than Masters Of Disguise...not much better, but better nevertheless. The ludicrousness of things such as J-Lo's Tai Moi Chai to erase the memory after you liquefy an eye, made me think what would be next??? Tae Toe Cheese Do...the use of toe cheese to render your opponent helpless?? My biggest debate is which was more disturbing, seeing Affleck give a shot in Laine Kazan's rear or the insipid use of the F word...neither one was used effectively and both were overused (of course, any use of Laine Kazan's rump is an overuse). Even for those curious, this one is definately a movie people should pass on.

View from the Top (2003)

Cute and predictable

[6/10 · 5 September 2003]

This isn't the type of movie that will thrust it's stars into the stratosphere in terms of the poignancy of their work...it's fluff. It knows that it's fluff, it takes pleasure in being fluff, and overall it succeeds at being fluff. It is the type of movie that would probably succeed as a sitcom, but hey, let's not give TV any ideas here...take this one for what it's worth...eye candy that will satisfy a taste but by no means appease a hunger.

Bringing Down the House (2003)

ring ring ring...that was a wake up call for ending racism

[4/10 · 3 August 2003]

C'mon, let's put aside the sophomoric humor that we can find in racism and be honest...it isn't funny. I was appalled at the fact that the two main stars would agree to do a film that was so offensive and so detrimental to race relations, and I'm not referring to the obvious black/white commentary in the movie, but to the slams towards other ethnicities, such as Betty White's characterizations of the hispanics. Should we just chalk up her agreeing to do this movie as a sign of senility...is she too old to distinguish comedy from stereotypical trash? Or is it the fault of the writers? How about the third assistant makeup person??? Nope, the fault is with us for perpetuating this kind of crap (in the guise of comedy), that hollywood will continue to feed us until we have the decency to say enough is enough...racism is for real and it isn't a laughing matter. We're all different, let's celebrate that diversity, not poke fun at it and promote divisiveness.

Rat Race (2001)

Call the Doctor

[8/10 · 21 July 2003]

While watching this ensemble piece, one thought came to my mind...I'm going to have a coronary from laughing so hard. I'd put this movie off primarily due to the premise...cross country chase movies are like the little branch of parsley on your plate at Denny's...nice to look at every now in then, but something we all usually brush to the side to get to what we're really interested in. This was different though...it was brilliant writing and wonderful timing on everyone's part...especially kudo's to Jon Lovitz who had me snorting ice tea out of my nose...and I hadn't had any ice tea for three weeks prior to watching this movie. WWII veterans, vacationing families, Neo-Nazi's, Smash Mouth Fans, red heads, female pilots and gamblers will all love the tongue in cheek approach this movie took in sparing no one from the sights of their humorous antics. All in all, it is most definitely worth watching, and for certain a must in any dvd/video collection.

Frida (2002)

If you can get past the unibrow...

[6/10 · 17 July 2003]

it's a fine movie. Familiarity with Frida Kahlo's work also makes it more enjoyable, as some of the scenes in the movie will transpose into her paintings. Salma Hayak did an admirable job portraying a very talented and multifaceted woman. It wasn't however, the most compelling movie of the past year...that distinction goes to Antwone Fisher...but it was nice to watch at least once. Not a light hearted fare to just have on in the background...this movie demands that you stay riveted until the closing credits.

Analyze That (2002)

your hour is up

[4/10 · 10 July 2003]

Yawn...nothing worse than a sequal that doesn't perpetuate the story nor the characters any. This movie was amusing, but only out of respect to the original. After a while, the same rehash of jokes and amusing quips got old...fast. Is the Hollywood writing machines this hard up that they will throw out any piece of crap that has the same characters from the original and call it a must see comedy (especially when you have De Niro singing show tunes...please!) His character should have stayed in jail, the producers should have chosen a different script, and Crystal and Kudrow should be looking at different movie ideas...hey, here's one...City Slickers 3. Arrrrrghhhh!

Secretary (2002)

A different kind of love story

[8/10 · 10 July 2003]

If you get down to it on the level of the two lead characters, this is as powerful a love story as anything I've seen in recent years. For the majority of society, this film will go by unseen, which is a shame, due to the content of the subject matter. I mean, c'mon, will ma and pa Kettle out in the heart of middle America care if dominant and a submissive find love...let alone, love at the office? This movie should be given a chance, and I hope that those who do give it that chance, find themselves in a relationship that is as intense as this.

Swept Away (2002)

Keep Sweeping

[2/10 · 9 July 2003]

Guy Ritchie's noble effort is beat up, knocked down, raped, kicked around, shot, stabbed, spit upon, punched, sodomized, and abused and left for dead by Madonna's dreadful performance. Her acting was very reminiscent of a graduate from the Al Gore School of Dramatics and Public Speaking. Guy Ritchie did do a somewhat noble attempt to remake this, and if you exclude ALL of the scenes that his wife was in, it's a fair movie at best. I think that the best acting job ever, had to be Guy comforting his wife that her performance was good enough not to re-shoot. If you have an opportunity of watching Swept Away or clipping your toenails for 89 minutes...go for the extended pedicure.

The Guru (2002)

A gem

[7/10 · 9 July 2003]

Hollywood meets Ballywood. This movie was a hoot. It didn't take itself too seriously...it's fluff and it knows it's fluff...it takes no shame in being fluff...and most of all: it's fun fluff. It's one of those movies that has an addictive musical score that will cause you to catch yourself imitating the dance moves to when you're on an escalator at the local mall. Ok...that was a bit of a stretch, but it was a fun movie that is capable of putting a smile on your face, if for nothing else...it gives a version of Tom Cruise's Risky Business Dance that has never been done quite the same ever before...and probably never will be again. Hilarious fun.

The Transporter (2002)

Good Action Picture

[7/10 · 7 July 2003]

This is the type of movie that Vin Diesel is probably beating up his agent for him NOT getting an audition for. Stratham is making a serious statement for his contention of being the next up and coming leading man action star, especially after such good action yarns as Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. He has arrived!

Max (I) (2002)

Forget Noah Taylor is sans facial hair...

[8/10 · 7 July 2003]

Menno Meyjes has created a visual masterpiece of the "what if" genre. This goes to the depths of how a monster is created without trying to justify it's existence. This motion picture's ending is reminiscent of something Orson Well's would have done...the symbolism in it is just phenominal...from the use of swastikas to the overlapping of the Noah Taylor rantings...it just makes the whole film worth checking out.

S1m0ne (2002)

Ironic commentary on human nature

[7/10 · 7 July 2003]

Potential Spoiler... When I sat and watched this movie for the second time, I kept flashing back to, of all movies, Monty Python's Life of Brian. It was an ironic calculation to show just how much like lemmings we all are. We will follow any fad, movie, gossip, idea, or even philosophy if it is hyped enough and word of mouth is favorable...how else do you explain the popularity of film's like 8 Mile...another subject for another day. The bottom line on S1m0ne is this...it's a good movie that has a great underlying statement...however, it could have been a really great movie if for one change...when S1m0ne is in concert at the LA Colliseum, she should have sang Milli Vanilli's Blame It On The Rain. That would have added the touch of genius to the picture as a great inside joke. Overall though...it's definately worth watching. Pacino is in fine form, as is the brief appearance of Winona Ryder's caricature of the overindulged starlet.

The Grey Zone (2001)

Visually arresting

[9/10 · 7 July 2003]

Victor Frankl's words in Man's Search For Meaning are evident in this motion picture. There are choices we all make to ensure our self-preservation, but there also comes a time when even amongst the worst of what humanity can wrought upon itself, there is hope. This movie is up there with Schindler's List in my opinion as to the testimony of the human condition. This movie is riveting. The textured performances of the leads make it an ensemble piece that will be long remembered as one of the forerunners to articulate the human suffering of the holocaust. No film could ever capture this time in history accurately, but this film, like Schindler's List and even to some degree, Divided We Fall. This has probably one of the more powerful endings of any movie I'd ever seen.

Interview with the Assassin (2002)

Very nice...

[9/10 · 11 June 2003]

Use of nostalgia to paint the portrait of a man that could possibly be out there. This was Conspiracy Theory Meets The Blair Witch...it just had the right touch, the right feel to make it a truly enjoyable picture about an event that has been overblown in the past. I'm sure that Oliver Stone will be adding this movie to his own private DVD collection.