Scary Movie (2000)

I guess the fact that it went more overboard than most gross-out comedies could be considered admirable...? Naw - it was too much. It did have some genuine laughs, but the fact that they never ever let a groaner go by got both predictable and boring after a while.

C+

Music for Millions (1945)

Sweet story with the adorable O'Brien playing little sister to June Allyson. Nothing great, but obviously filmed to provide those waiting for word of their loved ones to return from the war hope that they're OK. It works, but it could've done without about half of the music.

B-

Lantana (2001)

Every single bit of this movie made sense and was lovely in its own way. The acting was top-notch -- couldn't have been better. The soundtrack, cinematography, oh EVERYTHING came together beautifully. A fantastic film.

A

The Man Who Wasn't There (2001)

Beautiful to look at – especially Thornton, who was apparently made to be photographed in black and white. It was so interesting and quiet, just letting this series of events unfold in a non-spectacular way with Thornton the picture of calm in the center.

But then they got a bit too ambitious (and perhaps greedy?) and tried to pack too many coincidences and poetic justices in, I wound up disappointed with the ending. But the acting was exquisite and the photography and somnambulant feel were amazing.

C+

An American Rhapsody (2001)

A family escaping from Hungary to America must leave their baby behind - to be reunited with her in three days. Unfortunately, things don't go the way they planned and three days stretch to 5 years.

The first hour of the film is wonderfully interesting and I felt connected to each character I saw. The last portion, however, failed to perform at the same level. Scarlett Johannsen (playing the daughter) is sullen and rebellious; Mom is controlling and fearful; Dad seems like a nice, impotent figurehead.

In skipping ahead nearly a decade, they lost the most crucial period of the family development. Seeing the first week of her new American life was interesting – but how did she get from then to now? I wanted more...and the first hour set me up to expect more.

C+

That Obscure Object of Desire (1977)

Older man's obsessed with younger woman. Does she love him? Is she just shy? Is she making a complete fool of him? I was drawn into trying my best to answer these questions, but after about an hour I despised the girl so much I no longer cared. No wonder I didn't date much when I was young – I didn't understand the formula for keeping a man interested! There WAS a kind of cool device of having two actresses playing the same role – but it ended up being a stunt rather than the breakthrough it might have been.

In a nutshell: Sexy girl ruins man’s life. Silly man.

C+

Crimes of the Heart (1986)

Apparently, a mother's suicide can really screw kids up.

Duh.

C

Lenny (1974)

Extremely well acted linear look at Lenny Bruce's nowhere beginning, his ride to the comedy circuit top, and his flattening crash and death. I gotta admit…the guy ain't funny to me; but that doesn't mean that I don't sympathize with his cause. It also doesn't mean that I give a damn about his personal life. As a first-amendment crusade, the story's interesting. But the relentless focus on the seedy real-life behind his celebrity only weakens his worthy message.

C

Butterflies are Free (1972)

Way too long to have to endure Goldie's amateurish acting and unbelievable flightiness. The movie doesn't even merit viewing until Eileen Heckart arrives (at a bit past the halfway point). She livens things up a bit, but not enough. Albert is good enough that I checked to make sure that he isn't actually blind, but that doesn't make the draggy story worth watching.

I wish I could get that damn "Butterflies Are Free" song out of my head!

C

Jack the Giant Killer (1962)

Story book adventure that looks silly and old -- but that's what’s so great about it. It's as though the guy profiled in the documentary “American Movie” filmed the original Zelda game in too-bright colors. We all liked it, even though we poked at it (a la MST3K) throughout.

B

Bread & Tulips (2001)

A warm film that made me happy. "Shirley Valentine" without the sex and sarcasm. I loved the main character – so I wanted her happiness above all. I was also taken with her neighbor and the detective who comes after her. It was just so heartwarming! I'm so glad that I don't have to run away to find happiness. How horrible it must be not leave an impression in your own bit of the world.

A-

Unfaithful (2002)

Realistic look at how easy it is to slip into adultery – even when satisfied with your life. The guard needs to be always up, the promise always kept. I loved how tired Lane began to look as the affair and the lies began to build up. I also liked the ambiguity of the ending. It reminded me a bit of "In the Bedroom" in that you must draw your own conclusions.

B+

Joe (1970)

The acting was, at times, so unprofessional that it was hard to stay "in the moment." Joe's tirades were more than uncomfortable – they went on so long that they became BORING. Unbelievable that anyone considered casting Sarandon in anything after this pedestrian start.

F

Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2002)

Great idea – following up a fake documentary with story of people interested in the myth, who also acknowledge the fiction of the original movie. Although it's genuinely scary at times, it just ends up devolving into the same ol' horror trappings. Why anyone would ever choose to be alone when scared out of their mind is beyond me. Haven't these people seen the Scream films?

C-

Bottle Rocket (1996)

I liked the smallness of this film and the silliness, too. Owen Wilson is pathetic and cute at the same time as the bumbler with big dreams and no clue of his ineptness. And Luke Wilson matches him with his huge heart and tolerance. Just loved it.

A-

Some Came Running (1958)

Reminded me a lot of Peyton Place: it’s a not-too-important story taking itself waaaay too seriously.

MacLaine is good as a floozy hopelessly in love with Sinatra who can't see her for the ice princess he loves. Predictably ends in "tragedy." Dean Martin is wasted in a character hampered by idiosyncrasies.

C+

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Pretty enjoyable goof on noir movies - everyone plays it straight, which makes it pretty hysterical at times. Only complaint is that Lloyd's "toon" eyes are truly frightening.

B-

Waking Life (2001)

Lovely to look at for the duration – but after I got over the beauty, I started wondering…if this movie weren't animated, would it suck? My answer for the first half-hour or so was "yes," but then it really drew me in. Some of the observances were nothing short of revelatory and the premise of the entire film – that of the possibilities of lucid dreaming - was fantastic. Boy, I liked the main character. He was charming and confused.

B+

Cradle Will Rock (1999)

Fascinating, almost unbelievable story about theater in the paranoid '30s. Director Robbins did a good job defining and juggling the many characters and facets of the story, but I almost felt that he might have tackled too much. Cherry Jones is WONDERFUL as Hallie Flanagan, the boss at the production offices.

In all, I just ended up a little tired of the whole thing before it was tired of itself. The ending "performance" is inspiring - but the play itself? And Watson's singing? Horrid.

C

Spider-Man (2002)

Maguire's perfect as the geeky hero in spandex. I especially liked the early cage match scene. Dunst isn't much of a presence, but neither is she a detraction. I can see that Franco (Harry) could turn into a sympathetic villain. The graphics were, at times, a little too noticeable - especially when standing in for Parker during web-slinging scenes. They moved like graphics...too quick and rubbery. But, really, with a strong story and brooding cast, that's a quibble.

B-

Heist (2001)

Ah, Mamet’s quirks are on full display: the cutesy dialogue that in real life rolls off of no one's tongue, the double-crosses that never end so that we come to expect them even as the main characters expect them, and the serviceable but not noteworthy performance of Pidgeon, aka Mamet's woman. Hackman's good, Lindo's good...heck! everyone except DeVito (way too enamored by the fact that he's finally a REAL BAD GUY) is good. But it was just too much and not enough. Know what I mean? The plan and cool execution of said plan was nifty, though.

C+

The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (1961)

Does Williams not believe in the "happy ending"? Ever?!

Once again, Tennessee Williams reveals his utter disillusionment with humanity in his depressing story about an aging star and her relationship with a young buck for hire. Beatty is OK as Italian gigolo, although his accent seemed like an accent. Leigh broke my heart, but her last act was too rash for me to go along with it.

D+

Hope and Glory (1987)

At times cute, at other times kind of sordid, and never touching. I really think that the director has no idea how to coach children, as they were all pretty self-conscious and unconvincing on screen.

C

Angels and Insects (1996)

This is a good movie. We are able to feel the frustration and loneliness of the main character, while at the same time acknowledging that he has invited it through his shallow choice of a mate. Scott-Thomas is fantastic, actually managing to look dowdy rather than her usual regal self. And they got the "feel" just right...but it is, in parts, just downright nasty. I mean, "let-me-pause-it-and-run-a-wet-wipe-over-myself" nasty.

A-

Slums of Beverly Hills (1998)

This film is a bit like "Say Anything" in that the scope isn't too broad – it's more of a slice-of-life. Sure, the family's dysfunctional, but also very recognizable and there's a palpable feeling that they care about one another. And, although set in the '70s, for once the set decorator didn't go nuts in trying to make everything look "groovy." The rooms looked like I remember my childhood looking – tackily understated.

B