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(04/27/05 5:24am)
I had certain hopes going into "A Lot Like Love" and I thought that they were at least somewhat reasonable. I looked forward to the possibility that it would be cute and funny with an endearing enough plot that it might join the ranks of worthwhile romantic comedies, at least as a temporary, fringe member of the group. After all, it does combine story elements from "When Harry Met Sally" and features Ashton Kutcher -- who I am fond of in spite of many things. \n"A Lot Like Love" is the story of how Oliver Martin (Ashton Kutcher) and Emily Friehl (Amanda Peet) come briefly in and out of each other's lives several times over a 6-year period, as they head toward the realization that they are be meant to be together.\nThe story begins with Oliver being unexpectedly joined in an airplane bathroom by a stranger. The stranger is, of course, Emily. After their encounter in the skies, Oliver wants to get to know Emily, but she insists that it was a one-time thing. Obviously, she could not be more wrong. In the years that follow, Oliver attempts to transform himself from the dork he starts out as into an attractive, successful businessman. Emily works on subduing her many personal problems and vices. Fate and mutual desperation bring them back to each other from time to time for more awkward "friends with benefits" experiences. \nAs a romance, the movie's main failure is that the relationship between Oliver and Emily just isn't inspiring. You just never get the sense that they are really match each other. As Oliver ages into a more confident man it is hard to see why he still carries a torch for Emily. Although Emily's dress style changes over the years, she always seems to be a strung-out wreck. Then again, Amanda Peet always seems this way to me, and I thought it was a bad move to cast her as Kutcher's love interest. \nThere are some good things about the movie: the undeniably adorable scene in which Oliver serenades Emily in an attempt to win her heart, the late '90s pop radio songs that really take you back and several genuinely funny moments. Still, the plot feels cluttered. It tries to be a love story and a story about trying to find what you are meant to do with your adult life at the same time. The dialogue is an attempt at cleverness but comes off as contrived, and the little twists of the plot aren't surprising or as significant as the characters make them out to be. "A Lot Like Love" is a disappointment -- too awkward and flat to be a good date movie and not funny enough to see as a comedy.
(03/24/05 5:00am)
It begins like it's predecessor, with a frightening incident involving scared high school kids and an evil VHS tape. What follows is not surprisingly scary nor distinct among recent horror films. \n"The Ring Two" finds journalist and single mother Rachael Keller (Naomi Watts) and her son Aidan (David Dorfman) having relocated to Astoria, Ore. where they are attempting to build a new life after the events of "The Ring" left Aidan's father dead. The mother and son continue their chain letter-like spread of the mortally dangerous video tape, in order to ensure their own survival. Now Rachael is trying to adjust to her new job and really plug into motherhood. It also looks as though there may soon be a new man in their lives, Max Rourke (Simon Baker from CBS "The Guardian"). But of course, as promised by the previews, Samara (Kelly Stables), the evil girl from "The Ring," will not allow Rachael and Aidan to settle down in peace. This time she singles them out for special attack and may want more than revenge. \n"The Ring Two" has some frightening moments, mostly facilitated by suspenseful music and jarring cuts. The distorted, whispery voice of Samara is pretty chilling, but the movie is not nearly as scary as its predecessor. It is dragged down by several incidents that are meant to be scarier than they are, but seem rather stupid instead. Most notably there is a bad "When Animals Attack"-type incident involving a bunch of CGI deer that should have been left out of the film altogether. The American version of the first "Ring" movie was, to much of its audience, a first exposure to certain elements of Japanese horror that seemed breathtakingly unexpected but will now be unsurprising to most people. Also "The Ring" was scary because it extended a threat to its audience, that by watching "The Ring" you expose yourself to the same danger that is killing the characters onscreen, "The Ring Two" doesn't employ this kind of psychological terror. Fortunately, you are able to care enough about the Kellers that you are concerned for their well-being. \nThe plot of "The Ring Two" seems familiar, not just because of it's elemental associations with "The Ring" but also because it resembles several recent movies, especially "Hide and Seek" (a tense story about a single parent and a creepy child attempting to make a new home after a tragedy). The film also has too much in common with "The Grudge" and the upcoming "Dark Water." As the creepy child, Dorfman, who is now looking less like a Rory Culkin clone and more like an old man with a little kid's body, is good. He is sufficiently scared/scary when called for, although he is not quite at the point of giving Dakota Fanning a run for her money. Fans of "The Ring" may be happy to know that this installment continues to address questions about Samara's origin and plot devices from the first film. \nIf you go into "The Ring Two" with low expectations you may have a decent time with it. If you're expecting great scares like the original, then you'll more than likely be sadly disappointed.
(03/23/05 4:50am)
It begins like it's predecessor, with a frightening incident involving scared high school kids and an evil VHS tape. What follows is not surprisingly scary nor distinct among recent horror films. \n"The Ring Two" finds journalist and single mother Rachael Keller (Naomi Watts) and her son Aidan (David Dorfman) having relocated to Astoria, Ore. where they are attempting to build a new life after the events of "The Ring" left Aidan's father dead. The mother and son continue their chain letter-like spread of the mortally dangerous video tape, in order to ensure their own survival. Now Rachael is trying to adjust to her new job and really plug into motherhood. It also looks as though there may soon be a new man in their lives, Max Rourke (Simon Baker from CBS "The Guardian"). But of course, as promised by the previews, Samara (Kelly Stables), the evil girl from "The Ring," will not allow Rachael and Aidan to settle down in peace. This time she singles them out for special attack and may want more than revenge. \n"The Ring Two" has some frightening moments, mostly facilitated by suspenseful music and jarring cuts. The distorted, whispery voice of Samara is pretty chilling, but the movie is not nearly as scary as its predecessor. It is dragged down by several incidents that are meant to be scarier than they are, but seem rather stupid instead. Most notably there is a bad "When Animals Attack"-type incident involving a bunch of CGI deer that should have been left out of the film altogether. The American version of the first "Ring" movie was, to much of its audience, a first exposure to certain elements of Japanese horror that seemed breathtakingly unexpected but will now be unsurprising to most people. Also "The Ring" was scary because it extended a threat to its audience, that by watching "The Ring" you expose yourself to the same danger that is killing the characters onscreen, "The Ring Two" doesn't employ this kind of psychological terror. Fortunately, you are able to care enough about the Kellers that you are concerned for their well-being. \nThe plot of "The Ring Two" seems familiar, not just because of it's elemental associations with "The Ring" but also because it resembles several recent movies, especially "Hide and Seek" (a tense story about a single parent and a creepy child attempting to make a new home after a tragedy). The film also has too much in common with "The Grudge" and the upcoming "Dark Water." As the creepy child, Dorfman, who is now looking less like a Rory Culkin clone and more like an old man with a little kid's body, is good. He is sufficiently scared/scary when called for, although he is not quite at the point of giving Dakota Fanning a run for her money. Fans of "The Ring" may be happy to know that this installment continues to address questions about Samara's origin and plot devices from the first film. \nIf you go into "The Ring Two" with low expectations you may have a decent time with it. If you're expecting great scares like the original, then you'll more than likely be sadly disappointed.
(03/03/05 5:00am)
What if Robert De Niro and Al Pacino got in a fight? The answer is Michael Mann's "Heat." The two master tough guys race to outfox each other as Neil McCauley (De Niro) tries to pull off the heist that will culminate his career as a professional thief, while Lt. Vincent Hanna (Pacino), a tenacious detective, hunts McCauley and his crew. You find yourself rooting for both sides at once, all the while stung by the knowledge that either can only triumph at the expense of the other.\nSuspenseful chase scenes and gunfights ensue, including a memorable showdown between cops and robbers in the daytime streets of L.A. What makes "Heat" special among crime movies is its study of McCauley and Hanna: how alike they are as they each live for action. Hanna's third marriage is troubled and his young stepdaughter (Natalie Portman) is an emotional wreck due to his refusal to engage in family life. McCauley advises his crew -- "Don't let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner." Of course, human nature threatens to undermine his formula for success. \nThe dialogue is sometimes a bit heavy-handed, but the actors make it work. De Niro and Pacino are both in their element. The multi-layered plot comes together over the course of the long and rather dark film with the help of a large, well-developed group of minor and supporting characters. Val Kilmer appears in one of his most endearing roles as a young thief motivated by the desire to please his wife (Ashley Judd). Unlike many films of this genre, "Heat" explores several interesting female characters as they relate to the men of the story and how it impacts them all. The many noteworthy cast members include Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight, Danny Trejo, Amy Brenneman and Mykelti Williamson. \nIn addition to the movie, disc one of the set includes a director commentary track (but no cast commentary) and theatrical trailers. Disc two contains 11 deleted scenes, which do not add a lot to the film, and five "making-of" featurettes which fans will definitely enjoy. These include interviews with cast, writer/director/producer Michael Mann and others who worked on the project. Insight into the characters and the filmmaking process is given, more than I have seen in many similar features on other DVDs. I recommend "Heat" as a solid addition to any DVD collection. If you have not seen it in the 10 years since it came out (or ever) give it a chance. It will engage you.
(03/02/05 4:48am)
What if Robert De Niro and Al Pacino got in a fight? The answer is Michael Mann's "Heat." The two master tough guys race to outfox each other as Neil McCauley (De Niro) tries to pull off the heist that will culminate his career as a professional thief, while Lt. Vincent Hanna (Pacino), a tenacious detective, hunts McCauley and his crew. You find yourself rooting for both sides at once, all the while stung by the knowledge that either can only triumph at the expense of the other.\nSuspenseful chase scenes and gunfights ensue, including a memorable showdown between cops and robbers in the daytime streets of L.A. What makes "Heat" special among crime movies is its study of McCauley and Hanna: how alike they are as they each live for action. Hanna's third marriage is troubled and his young stepdaughter (Natalie Portman) is an emotional wreck due to his refusal to engage in family life. McCauley advises his crew -- "Don't let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner." Of course, human nature threatens to undermine his formula for success. \nThe dialogue is sometimes a bit heavy-handed, but the actors make it work. De Niro and Pacino are both in their element. The multi-layered plot comes together over the course of the long and rather dark film with the help of a large, well-developed group of minor and supporting characters. Val Kilmer appears in one of his most endearing roles as a young thief motivated by the desire to please his wife (Ashley Judd). Unlike many films of this genre, "Heat" explores several interesting female characters as they relate to the men of the story and how it impacts them all. The many noteworthy cast members include Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight, Danny Trejo, Amy Brenneman and Mykelti Williamson. \nIn addition to the movie, disc one of the set includes a director commentary track (but no cast commentary) and theatrical trailers. Disc two contains 11 deleted scenes, which do not add a lot to the film, and five "making-of" featurettes which fans will definitely enjoy. These include interviews with cast, writer/director/producer Michael Mann and others who worked on the project. Insight into the characters and the filmmaking process is given, more than I have seen in many similar features on other DVDs. I recommend "Heat" as a solid addition to any DVD collection. If you have not seen it in the 10 years since it came out (or ever) give it a chance. It will engage you.
(02/03/05 5:00am)
Samantha Mackenzie's frustration with the pressures and scrutiny that come from being the president's daughter reach a new level when she finds leaving home to start college only makes her situation more complicated rather than offering an escape. Samantha fights to have a "normal" college experience in spite of the Secret Service team that follows her everywhere, the paparazzi eager to share her every misstep with the world and even her jealous roommate. Things seem to be looking up for Samantha when she starts spending time with a guy who treats her like a normal person and knows how to foxtrot. \n"First Daughter" features two of the most promising young actors from the crop of ex-WB stars. The film's love story is cute, despite the absence of almost any chemistry between Samantha (Katie Holmes) and James (Marc Blucas of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"). Blucas leaves nothing to be desired on his side. He is charming; you can feel how much James wants Samantha, even while there are issues that threaten to hold him back from pursuing her. Unfortunately, Holmes' performance leaves you unconvinced of Samantha's feelings; her heart just doesn't seem to be in it. This is especially disappointing because in past projects such as the under appreciated "Abandon," Holmes has proved herself to be capable of more.\nWhile the exploration of what it is like to grow up in the White House fails to go deep enough to be as interesting as it could be, the relationship between the "first daughter" and her parents is well done. Samantha has loving parents, but their lives and plans have defined her, to the point that she seems to have little of her own to offer the world and a faltering conception of who she really is. She must find a way to develop her sense of self away from her parents while also mastering the identity she was born into. Michael Keaton takes on the role of President Mackenzie whose instincts to shelter his little girl are heightened by his political aspirations as he campaigns for a second term. The adoring relationship between Samantha and her father feels believable and is quite touching. \nThe special features are few and rather unexciting. The cast commentary (there is no commentary by director Forest Whitaker) mostly consists of the actors talking about how nice everyone who worked with them on the film was. There is also a special tribute to Michael Kamen, the composer who worked on the project, as well as a featurette on Blucas, Holmes and Keaton learning to dance for the ballroom scenes of the movie.\nThe story is cute and fairy tale-ish, but not particularly clever or exciting.This, coupled with the lack of spark between Blucas and Holmes, drains away the amount of enjoyment this film has the potential to provide.
(02/02/05 5:11am)
Samantha Mackenzie's frustration with the pressures and scrutiny that come from being the president's daughter reach a new level when she finds leaving home to start college only makes her situation more complicated rather than offering an escape. Samantha fights to have a "normal" college experience in spite of the Secret Service team that follows her everywhere, the paparazzi eager to share her every misstep with the world and even her jealous roommate. Things seem to be looking up for Samantha when she starts spending time with a guy who treats her like a normal person and knows how to foxtrot. \n"First Daughter" features two of the most promising young actors from the crop of ex-WB stars. The film's love story is cute, despite the absence of almost any chemistry between Samantha (Katie Holmes) and James (Marc Blucas of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"). Blucas leaves nothing to be desired on his side. He is charming; you can feel how much James wants Samantha, even while there are issues that threaten to hold him back from pursuing her. Unfortunately, Holmes' performance leaves you unconvinced of Samantha's feelings; her heart just doesn't seem to be in it. This is especially disappointing because in past projects such as the under appreciated "Abandon," Holmes has proved herself to be capable of more.\nWhile the exploration of what it is like to grow up in the White House fails to go deep enough to be as interesting as it could be, the relationship between the "first daughter" and her parents is well done. Samantha has loving parents, but their lives and plans have defined her, to the point that she seems to have little of her own to offer the world and a faltering conception of who she really is. She must find a way to develop her sense of self away from her parents while also mastering the identity she was born into. Michael Keaton takes on the role of President Mackenzie whose instincts to shelter his little girl are heightened by his political aspirations as he campaigns for a second term. The adoring relationship between Samantha and her father feels believable and is quite touching. \nThe special features are few and rather unexciting. The cast commentary (there is no commentary by director Forest Whitaker) mostly consists of the actors talking about how nice everyone who worked with them on the film was. There is also a special tribute to Michael Kamen, the composer who worked on the project, as well as a featurette on Blucas, Holmes and Keaton learning to dance for the ballroom scenes of the movie.\nThe story is cute and fairy tale-ish, but not particularly clever or exciting.This, coupled with the lack of spark between Blucas and Holmes, drains away the amount of enjoyment this film has the potential to provide.
(01/20/05 5:00am)
Three buddies reunite after the death of a childhood best friend to go on the camping trip/treasure hunt they dreamed of as children. At 30 they are each, in their own ways, struggling to settle into adult life. This trip offers a return to their carefree childhood days and a "last chance to do something really stupid together." The guys must navigate a formidable river, survive fantastic encounters with wildlife such as being carried away by a bear and the variety of people they meet up with as they try to make their way through the woods. \nThe guys nostalgically reference the pop culture of their '80s boyhoods, all the while mulling over their current problems. The storyline involving Matthew Lillard's character is given more attention than that of the others. Lillard plays a guy who resists the life of career and family until he finds himself on the verge of losing both job and girlfriend. Fondness for Lillard was one of the reasons I was attracted to this film and I was neither disappointed nor impressed with his performance. Dax Shepard plays a guy who loves women and motorcycles, and if you like the way he is on "Punk'd" you will like him in this. Seth Green, in a role that was written just for him, puts aside the coolness he usually brings onscreen. He plays an asthmatic doctor who is crippled by anxiety and desperately wants some respect from the world, as well as someone to have sex with. Green tackled the role admirably and was able to do some funny things with it. \nThe humor definitely reflects the characters' regression to childhood and is on par with what you might expect from director Steven Brill ("Mr. Deeds," "Little Nicky"). There are a few laughs in the film, but most of what is obviously supposed to be funny misses its mark. Also, some of the more serious moments are so sappy that it hurts to watch and one can only hope that the script is trying to be intentionally self-mocking.\nThe special features that come with the DVD are fairly basic and include MTV's "Making the Movie," a video commentary track of the director/cast and thirteen additional scenes. The special features show a lot of Green, Lillard and Shepard horsing around, which is probably exactly what anyone who wants to see this movie is looking for. If you are a huge fan of these guys, you might want to rent this DVD sometime when you have time to kill. Otherwise, I would advise you to skip it.
(01/19/05 2:36pm)
Three buddies reunite after the death of a childhood best friend to go on the camping trip/treasure hunt they dreamed of as children. At 30 they are each, in their own ways, struggling to settle into adult life. This trip offers a return to their carefree childhood days and a "last chance to do something really stupid together." The guys must navigate a formidable river, survive fantastic encounters with wildlife such as being carried away by a bear and the variety of people they meet up with as they try to make their way through the woods. \nThe guys nostalgically reference the pop culture of their '80s boyhoods, all the while mulling over their current problems. The storyline involving Matthew Lillard's character is given more attention than that of the others. Lillard plays a guy who resists the life of career and family until he finds himself on the verge of losing both job and girlfriend. Fondness for Lillard was one of the reasons I was attracted to this film and I was neither disappointed nor impressed with his performance. Dax Shepard plays a guy who loves women and motorcycles, and if you like the way he is on "Punk'd" you will like him in this. Seth Green, in a role that was written just for him, puts aside the coolness he usually brings onscreen. He plays an asthmatic doctor who is crippled by anxiety and desperately wants some respect from the world, as well as someone to have sex with. Green tackled the role admirably and was able to do some funny things with it. \nThe humor definitely reflects the characters' regression to childhood and is on par with what you might expect from director Steven Brill ("Mr. Deeds," "Little Nicky"). There are a few laughs in the film, but most of what is obviously supposed to be funny misses its mark. Also, some of the more serious moments are so sappy that it hurts to watch and one can only hope that the script is trying to be intentionally self-mocking.\nThe special features that come with the DVD are fairly basic and include MTV's "Making the Movie," a video commentary track of the director/cast and thirteen additional scenes. The special features show a lot of Green, Lillard and Shepard horsing around, which is probably exactly what anyone who wants to see this movie is looking for. If you are a huge fan of these guys, you might want to rent this DVD sometime when you have time to kill. Otherwise, I would advise you to skip it.