Deathtrap (1982)

First half much better than the second, despite the hideous overacting of Dyan Cannon. Caine is marvelous, but the script tries just a little hard to be clever.

Entertaining but forgettable.

B-

Ella Enchanted (2004)

I think I might have really enjoyed this film if it weren't for the fact that I read and loved the far superior book. Good - but should have been great.

C+

Prime Suspect 6: The Last Witness (2004)

The real story here is the private struggles of Tennison & her intent to prove that she's still able to do her job. Good stuff.

B

Mean Girls (2004)

Starts out wonderfully -- but, by the halfway point, has devolved into predictability. Some terrifically incisive portions, but disappointing as a whole.

B-

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold (1965)

Overwrought spy movie that's too morose for its own good. I didn't hate it, but I was itching for it to end.

C+

Trembling Before G-d (2001)

Amateurish and indulgent. I'm neither Jewish nor gay, but it's no surprise to me that attempting to be both would meet with considerable opposition.

D-

Black Knight (2001)

Easily one of the laziest movies I've ever seen. Story is boring and sloppy - Martin over"acts" every scene. He's the whole show and he fails miserably.

F

Champion (1949)

Kirk shoots from poverty to prizefighter - and becomes an ass on the way. Pretty good.

B-

People I Know (2003)

Depressing as all get out. I don't always mind depressing…but making the story nasty and predictable as well? Not a smart move. Blech.

D

Topper (1937)

Rich & fancy-free couple die and then haunt their uptight banker in order to do a "good deed" and get into heaven. It's not particularly bad -- it's just boring. The same joke done 20 times just isn't funny. Also, this version of death looks alright to me. You get to do everything you used to do plus be invisible! What's so bad about that?

C

Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

Eh. Poor girl leaves behind her past and becomes a NY fashion designer who somehow manages to get engaged to a JFK Jr-type though he knows nothing about her not-quite-ex-husband or her actual background. It's fluff - but not nearly as enjoyable as fluff usually is. Saving grace is Josh Lucas (hubba hubba).

C

Prime Suspect 4: The Scent of Darkness (1995)

Interesting to revisit an old case and watch Tennison privately doubt but publicly assert her earlier decisions as correct. Biggest problem was the recasting of Marlowe. Tennison's personal life in this episode is especially interesting.

B+

Bedazzled (2000)

Fine little comedy that may depend on how much one likes Fraser. I have a soft spot for him, so it worked great for me. Quite a few laughs here.

B

American Wedding (2003)

A definite improvement on the second…and it might be better than the first too. Certainly not worth recommending (or even remembering), but I enjoyed many of Stifler's antics. Lots of gratuitous nudity and gross-out gags, though. A little too far on the juvenile side.

C+

School Ties (1992)

Jewish boy goes to Protestant prep boarding school on a football scholarship and puts up with casual bigotry while keeping his heritage under wraps. Untillllll (dun dun dun) his secret is discovered. Square but alright film - notable especially for early appearances by Damon & Affleck.

C+

Confidence (2003)

This is my kind of movie. I love twisty sting/grift stories & this had a great style to boot. The only portions I didn't like were the ones involving Dustin Hoffman. His character was unbelievably annoying.

A-

Moulin Rouge (1952)

The "effects" to make Ferrer appear short were laughable -- "Dorf on Golf" is more convincing. His height varied by half a foot at times and when he moved, I'm sure he was rolling. But the film, for all that, isn't awful. It's just not as good as it could be. It just went its predictable way. I also have no idea why this was named "Moulin Rouge" rather than "Lautrec."

C-

Normal (2003)

Although I just don't buy the "love conquers all" and "church is bad" message -- the topic was interesting and the film was well-done. I felt for the principals (well, maybe not the roadie son…).

B+

Touching the Void (2004)

Absorbing documentary recounting the amazing story of the struggle to survive after a mountaineering accident. I generally have no pity for those who climb as I view them as thrill-seekers without enough respect for unforgiving nature. This, however, was a movie that sucked me in. The honesty of it simply blew me away. I just can't believe that these guys still climb. Idiots.

B+

Prime Suspect 4: Inner Circles (1996)

Feels more Hercule Poirot than the others…"oh, but see, it wasn't the redheaded daughter, but the mother…" Doesn't belong in the same class. Still, it's worth watching -- even a bad Prime Suspect is good TV.

C+

Taking Lives (2004)

Director's Cut
Not a masterpiece by any means, but hit its aim -- I jumped a couple times and was blindsided by twists a couple of times.

B-