Archive for June, 2005

War of the Worlds

  • Written by Box Office Boredom
  • Posted June 29, 2005 at 5:18 pm

A Film Review By Jason L. King

Rating:Rated PG-13 for frightening sequences of sci-fi violence and disturbing images.
Starring:Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Tim Robbins
Directed By:Steven Spielberg

Final Grade:

Few things frighten all of us earthlings like the end of the world does. For years people have told of an advanced race of higher space beings that will inevitably come our planet with plans for a hostile take over. And with the new findings that we discover every day about life and space, no wonder it gives some sci-fi fans the chills. Director Steven Spielberg decided to give us a little taste of what this takeover could be like in his new film, War of the Worlds.

For years aliens have plotted against us, burying their plans for mass destruction beneath the earth long before humans inhabited the earth. Then while the world carries on its daily lives they watched until the time seems right to strike. War of the Worlds tells the story of the chaos attached to the extermination of mankind by the aliens who plan to make earth their new home.

The plot may seem crazier than Tom Cruise (although if you are reading Mr. Cruise we all love you and you are a fantastic human being), but director Steven Spielberg brings it to life with great ease. The story flows nicely from point to point, the destruction of the world as we know it looks incredible. The work that was done in the special effects department was phenomenal. It gives every natural disaster film of the last 10 years a good run for its money. Spielberg also finds a way to make the characters believable, and despite the crazy idea, as an audience you feel like you are trapped right in the middle of the chaos. Your heart is racing right along with the actors. It’s very well directed. Great Job Mr. Spielberg!

Tom Cruise does an excellent job as well, despite of what you may think of his off screen antics. War of the Worlds gives you a chance to look at Cruise again and say “Oh Yeah, I may think he may be nuttier than Mr. Peanut but this is why I love him.” Co-starring with Mr. Cruise is the lovable blonde, young Dakota “Swinging Door” Fanning who plays Cruise’s fearful young daughter perfectly. Also add the talents of veteran actor Tim Robbins and a great bookend narration by the gifted Morgan Freeman and you have a plethora of talent bringing Spielberg’s Vision to life.

Where war of the Worlds falters is the “How do you end the world?” question. No one wants to see the bad guys win. But if you let the humans win isn’t that a little absurd as well? Spielberg gets trapped with that dilemma himself and it does take away from the film overall. Before I get complaint letters about he was following books etc., I wanted to say just once I want to be wowed by a film. Maybe the Underdogs actually lose? That would be interesting.

Should you go or not? Stops trying to figure it out, and just go already. If you haven’t seen it already you’re missing out. In the time its taken you to read this review and decide to go Tom Cruise has already Married Katie Holmes, they now have a 9 year old daughter, and he has fluffed the couch cushions of 50 more talk show hosts with his feet! Just go check it out before your opinion of Cruise keeps you from the film. This is the blockbuster of the summer season and is living up to the hype. It looks and sounds great on the big screen. Head out to the theaters and check it out.

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Filed under: Movies, Science Fiction, Suspense

CSA: Confederate States of America

  • Written by Box Office Boredom
  • Posted June 24, 2005 at 12:29 am

A Film Review By Jeff Fro

Starring: Gil Kircsh, Renee Patrick
Directed By: Kevin Wilmott
Rated: Unrated

Final Grade:

In the format of a British documentary, this satirical look at a very different U.S.A. is an interesting idea with just marginal execution. The premise is that the South won the Civil War and that even today our national economy continued to depend mostly on the use and sell of slave labor. It is a loaded topic to be sure. But this film takes the idea only to one level and then fails to follow through in all of the areas it could have explored to a greater effect.

The film plays like a History Channel documentary. Every few minutes there are parody commercials that use racial labels and tag lines for the products and the results are sometimes cute, but mostly cringe worthy.

We are treated to talking head “experts” telling the story of how the South won the war and the subsequent effects on the country and the economy. These lessons are re-enacted in some cases and those segments have lower production values than even a real History Channel program. All black people in these segments are played by white actors painted in “black face” like they just came from an Al Jolson impersonation contest.

I found a segment about an exiled President Lincoln on the run in the underground railroad with Harriet Tubbman to be the most interesting and entertaining. It only lasted about ten minutes though and then we were back to stories of world wide economic sanctions and attempts by the C.S.A. to conquer South America.

If I were a History buff I might have enjoyed more of this, but I am also sure that if I knew more historical specifics I would have seen many more flaws with this film as well.

What I felt was missing was how this change in History would effect every average man and woman. I would have been much more interested in seeing an average family household today living with the effects of those changes. A film like that would not have to spoon feed each of its points to the audience, it could just let allow us to witness the changes and connect to the realism of how our own lives would be different today if the South had won. In some ways it may be similar, but the ways in which it would be altered could in some ways be curiously humorous and horrific all at once. This film missed that opportunity.

The biggest flaws presented were the presumptions that if the South had won the war we would still own slaves in this day and age, we would continue to outwardly support all forms of racism, and that we would have been a political contributor to Adolf Hitler in WWII. All of those things seem hard to comprehend, even if we had extended our use of slavery past the end of the Civil War.

The Verdict:
I can’t really recommend this film unless you are a big American History fan, and maybe not even then.

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Filed under: Drama, Movies

Herbie: Fully Loaded

  • Written by Box Office Boredom
  • Posted June 22, 2005 at 12:21 am

A Film Review By The Mike

Rating: G Thanks to Digital Breast Reduction and Lindsay Lohan not being to drunk to stand up in most shots. 
Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Justin Long, Matt Dillon 
Directed By: Angela Robinson 

Final Grade: 

Disney’s pulling a two-for-one sale this summer, bringing back both their old hero Herbie and their newer heroine Lindsay Lohan for one movie. I’d say that both are bigger than ever, but in the case of Lohan my words might get digitally reduced.

That situation beside, Disney’s latest is a by the numbers affair, a slight and unmotivated film that’s sure to bring in the family buck. The story has Herbie left for dead in a junkyard until Lohan and her Nascar chief father (Michael Keaton) save him. Of course, Herbie seems to have a life of his own, and soon the relationship goes right into buddy feature territory. Within no time, the duo is racing a Nascar champ on multiple occasions, while moonlighting with activities like demolition derbies and the everlasting search for love.

It’s a standard “coming-of-age” plot, with a sports movie kick that deals with the young girl’s quest to be a racer like her father and grandfather were. You won’t be surprised by anything that occurs. In fact, any viewer over 10 shouldn’t have a problem knowing the next scene before it happens.

This Herbie flick does have a few good points. The supporting cast, specifically Justin Long (who’s again used as a human piñata) as the mechanic/love interest and Matt Dillon as the cocky Nascar Champ, is a relatively good one. Lohan still has that sweethearted look that she used so well in Freaky Friday and Mean Girls, but anyone old enough to have seen her publicity of late might have trouble believing she’s the wholesome girl the film wants.

Herbie himself, the “tricked-out” ‘63 Volkswagen Beetle, is handled well. There’s no ridiculous talking car gags, and his lifelike status is portrayed with adequate restraint in most scenes. The final race provides moments that will induce several eye rolls, but it’s nothing the target audience will find annoying.

I can’t really say Herbie: Fully Loaded is a bad film, nor can I praise it. It might be lacking in the aspects of drama and filmmaking that make most people who’ve passed puberty enjoy film, but it’s also got enough gas in the tank to keep the young audience entertained. As simple children’s cinema, you could do a lot worse. It’s not something that’ll teach your kids the most valuable lessons in life, perhaps, but it should at least keep them entertained. 

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Filed under: Comedy, Family, Movies

Sideways

  • Written by Box Office Boredom
  • Posted June 21, 2005 at 2:34 am

A Film Review By Jason L. King

Rating:Rated R for language, some strong sexual content and nudity
Starring:Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Sandra Oh, Virgina Madsen
Directed By:Alexander Payne

Final Grade:

The year 2004 is winding down and yet another year in movies is about to pass. The Oscar flicks are milling about, trying to attract attention as the year closes and the holiday shopping season is coming to a close. But just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean that there still can’t be some great laughs and fun in store for you in the near future. Alexander Payne’s flick, Sideways, should be the perfect little comedy for you to ring in the New Year with.

Sideways is the story of two former college roommates. All grown up now, Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) are celebrating Jack’s last day as a free man. No, no Jack is not going to jail, Jack is going to be married in a week. (Some people may think Jail sounds better than a wife, but not me of course…if someone is reading this… Umm never mind). Anyhow, Miles decides to treat Jack to a week long vacation filled with Wine tasting, golf and great conversation. But Jack has other plans on his mind. Jack finds himself falling in love with a girl he just met named Stephanie. With Stephanie in the picture, Miles to decides to take a chance with a girl he’s known for years, named Mya. Though complete opposites in nearly every way, Jack and Miles, best of friends, learn from each other about taking chances, making mistakes, having fun and enjoying life.

I really loved this film. This flick is getting a lot of buzz, some even calling it the best of the year, and it’s not hard to see why. The film was made fairly low budget, and it’s yet another fine example that a little independent film can really spark some attention. Snowballing off of the success of last year’s indie favorite, Lost in Translation and this year’s indie cult success, Napoleon Dynamite, Sideways is yet another example of great film making with out the big names and glamour that Hollywood normally provides. There is no good reason why the Academy shouldn’t at least consider the film for Oscars. With that being said, it doesn’t have to win, but it at least deserves to be recognized for the great little film that it is.

What makes the Sideways work so well is the humor works on so many different levels. There is a bit of something for everyone. There is more intelligent high brow humor for those who think they are “better” than everyone else, and there is some low brow humor tossed into the mix as well. As an audience member it is easy for you to either understand Jack or Miles because their characters in a lot of ways are just everyday normal people like you and me. No matter what type of person you are, one character or the other will probably remind you of yourself at times, even if It is just because of a silly comment that is made. Sideways does a great job of being humorous but not being so funny it’s annoying. Instead of films like Meet The Fockers, that rely on plays on words and people falling down to create humor, Sideways takes a stab at the more intelligent humor that we can all find existing in our everyday lives. The mannerisms, our actions, our reactions and more can provide just as many laughs and probably more than any Ben Stiller film (except perhaps Dodgeball) that was seen this year.

Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church are fantastic in this film. Both actors do a great job on their own, but when they are together in a scene it is almost always golden. The two actors have a great chemistry on screen and even though they seem complete opposites you almost expect them to be best of friends off set as well. Paul Giamatti, who last year starred in American Splendor, is one of those great actors who just aren’t known. His name is becoming more and more recognized, but when you are a slightly round, balding, nearly over the hill actor, you aren’t always going to be one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People. His Co-star Thomas Haden Church is an even lesser known actor who has had lots of bit parts but has never been given the chance to do something big on his own. Church is probably most easily recognizable for playing Lowell Mather on the TV sitcom Wings for quite a few years. Aging quite a bit from his days of playing Lowell, Church does a nice job of proving that he still can make audiences laugh.

If I had to find a few things where Sideways fails, I guess my only main complaint was that when Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church weren’t on screen together to me it felt as though the film stumbles just a bit. Those two actors do such an outstanding job together, that when they aren’t actually together on screen the scenes (though still done very well) feel like it is missing something. I can’t really explain it any better than that, so I guess you will just have to see for yourself. Some people may also find Jack’s morals to be a little twisted, especially since we are in a time in America where the Moral brigades are on patrol, but all it all the film still finds a way to make a somewhat “immoral” character so much fun.

In the end, Sideways may possibly be the best film I have seen this Holiday season. Former Box Office Boredom Critic Michael Haley and I have often talked about what constitutes a “truly great” film. I’ve always said a truly great film is a film that is not only remembered and loved by critics alone, but audiences as well. When the end of the year comes around and both critics AND audiences are calling it the best film this year, you know you have a winner. While the verdict is still out on Sideways, I’m going out on a limb and saying I think this will be that type of film. In Past years it’s been films like Shawshank Redemption and American Beauty, which have made their ways into most DVD buyer’s movie collections. Chances are those films are going to have to make room for a DVD copy of Sideways as well. If you go see any movie this Holiday season, there are a lot of great ones out there seriously consider putting Sideways on your list. Chances are you will be very glad that you did.

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Filed under: Comedy, Drama, Movies

The Perfect Man

  • Written by Box Office Boredom
  • Posted June 17, 2005 at 1:57 am

A Film Review By Jason L. King

Rating:Rated PG for some mildly suggestive content. Starring:Hillary Duff, Heather Locklear, Chris Noth Directed By:Mark Rosman

Final Grade:

The Curse continues…. Never tell a friend that you will watch all Hillary Duff movies if he watches all Lindsay Lohan films. I guess I can now say I am happy because I did not have to see Herbie Fully Loaded, but I did have to sit through the latest Hillary Duff vehicle, “The Perfect Man.”

Hillary Duff stars as the new kid in school, Holly, who has the world’s most embarrassing mom. Her mother keeps getting dumped and takes it out on the kids by moving around a lot. In order to keep he mom form embarrassing her at PTA meetings and school events, Holly starts sending secret messages to her mom pretending to be “Her Perfect Man.” With the help of a new friend and her smooth talking Uncle who claims to know everything about what women really want, she thinks that she will keep her Mom convinced her perfect man is out there. What she doesn’t think about is what happens when her little white lie catches up with her?

Duff once again plays the girl who doesn’t fit in. And once again I ask, whom is she trying to fool? Duff isn’t that type of person; she seems more like the type of girl that would be picking on those girls instead. But none the less she tries to fool us again by once again mugging the camera, and being incredibly annoying as always.

Playing the role of her mother, is the wonderful Heather Locklear. The aging Locklear is definitely struggling for roles and has now moved onto playing housewives. It’s a progression all actresses head towards as they stay in the business, but for me this seemed a bit odd. What frightened me even more is that this movie is about someone as beautiful as Heather Locklear and how she can’t get a date with a good guy! Sorry Girls but if Heather Locklear can’t find a good guy, there isn’t a lot of hope left for all of you!

Also joining the cast is Chris Noth, who is better known to Women as Mr. Big from Sex and the City. North does a nice job, but halfway through I realized that Hilary Duff keeps working with Sex and the City Stars and that kept me from paying attention to him or his character. Last year we saw her in a film with John Corbett (Raise Your Voice) and Now Noth. That means her next film should be with Ron Livingston who also guest starred on the show. You heard it here first guys!

I’m trying to think of good things to say, but I can’t. This is cheesy formulaic crap that was churned out quickly with out a lot of thought put into it. With big budget summer fun out and about; avoid this film like the plague. Why this was a summer release, I don’t know. This is normally they type of Hollywood drivel they dump on you in January and February. It’s truly a waste of money. If you’re in the mood for a mediocre chick flick you could pick it up on rental shelves in a month or so, but why waste your time? I hate spending time watching “bad” cinema. Unfortunately for your guy’s sanity, I do it for you. Don’t follow in my footsteps. Rumors have it that Interrogators are now using Christina Aguilera Music to torture prisoners. It’s only a matter of time before they move to cruel and unusual punishment- making them watch a Hillary Duff Film Marathon…

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Filed under: Drama, Movies
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