Reviews
Jurassic Park III (2001)
This is no Jurassic Park, but a helluva lot better than The Lost World!
If you are like me, and have been following everything on Jurassic Park III for the past 5 months, you've probably set your expectations pretty high, and chances are, you'll most likely be let down. In a way, I was. My expectations were pretty damn high for this film, but that was my own fault. No film could have possibly lived up to those kinds of expectations. But, the movie was everything it promised to be: A superbly crafted, action-packed, rocket of a movie. It was fast paced, and the action hardly lets up, maybe for just a few minutes for you to catch your breath, and then you're hit right slam in the face with another dynamic action scene. The movie is only 95 minutes long, and about 75 of those minutes are nothing but thrills and scares. Yes, the movie is too short, but it's hardly a problem. It leaves you wanting more and that is a sure sign of a great movie. Just don't get your hopes up, thinking this is going to be as good as the first, because it isn't. It is, however, a kick-ass special effects feast for all you hungry movie-goers out there with a taste for fine suspense thrillers...ok, I know that sounds chessey, but who cares. My grade: B+
Supernova (2000)
Could have been a sci fi masterpiece....
People who have badmouthed this film totally missed the point. Supernova was a terrific, and (gasp!) an original sci fi movie. It may have been a little cheesy, but wasn't that what made the Star Wars films so great? The story was very well developed and the characters' relationships were constructed almost flawlessly, especially between Benj's and the ship's computer, Sweetie. The bond between the two gave the film a a kind of sweetness and light-heartedness that's rarely seen in a lot of big budget sci fi thrillers these days. The technical aspects of the film have to be seen to be believed. The film has an almost magestical look to it, and some of the shots are just dazzling. How this film was passed up for visual effects in the Oscar race is unbelievable. The only problem I had with the film was the fact that it was so short. It has a running time of only 91 minutes. The DVD features 20 minutes of wonderful footage was that was cut from the final film for reasons I cannot understand. They really fleshed out the characters and added a lot of understanding to the film's story. There's also an "alternate ending" which adds a lot to the film's overall depth, but it makes the movie more of a downer that it already is. But all in all, the movie is great, and if you are looking for something with a great story, nicely developed characters, and amazing visual effects, Supernova is the movie for you. My grade: B+
Hannibal (2001)
Superbly acted and beautifully shot
What an engrossing movie!! It has a been a while since I've seen a film that's so involving as this. It is rich in character development and dramatic structure, and the intensity and suspense is incredible. It may not be as captivating as its predecessor, but what movie could? The filmmakers would have to have tried extremely hard to make a film better than "The Silence of The Lambs". Ridley Scott did a terrific job, however, at bringing cinema's most unforgettable villian back to life. My grade: A-
Titan A.E. (2000)
A terrific and thrilling sci fi epic
Finally, a big budget animated film that appeals more to adults than kids. The movie had a somewhat dark, and menacing tone, and was a huge welcome after the hugely disappointing "Dinosaur". The story may have been a little cliched, but then again, it is a science fiction film. The script, pace, and most of all, the visuals more than made up for it. The film is eye candy at its striking best. More so than "The Phantom Menace". This is what that movie should have been.
On a 5 star scale, here's a breakdown of the film: Story............4 Characters.......4 Script...........4.5 Drama............3.5 Pace.............4.5 Visuals..........5
Final Grade......4.2
Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors (1985)
The Best Cartoon To Ever Hit The Airwaves
It is a shame that this classic series only lived long enough for 65 episodes. It's an even bigger shame that it no longer airs on television, and cannot be found anywhere on video except Ebay. This show was a great mix of sci fi and fantasy. It had a very unique premise: Audric, a brillant scientist, accidentially creates a race of mutant plants, known as the Monster Minds, after trying to create a plant that would end all starvation. After the MM attack and take over his laboratory, Audric flees and works to find a way to destroy the Monster Minds, eventually developing two halves on a Magic Root, but before he could figure out a way to join the two halves, which would ultimately put an end to the Monster Minds, the MM strike once again, and Audric gives Oon, his Eternal Squire, one half of the root, and sends him to his son, Jayce. Doing this, it would prevent the Monster Minds from aquiring the two halves, and would give him more time to figure out a way to join the two. So, Oon is sent on his way, and Audric disappears with his half of the root. Once Jayce has the other half, he assembles The Lightning League, and begins his quest for the search of his father, and to put an end to the Monster Minds.
What more could you want in a show? A brilliant story line with great characters and lots of action and adventure. Plus, it has one of the best theme songs ever, and the show's animation was terrific for a mid-80's cartoon!
Gladiator (2000)
Brilliant
"Gladiator" is the first true epic masterpiece since 1995's "Braveheart"; a film that is considered one of the best films of the decade. "Gladiator" supasses that film in almost everyway. Filled with wonderful perfomances by all of its stars, brutal and beautifully filmed battle scenes, and truly amazing visuals of Rome, this is one film that has to be seen to be believed. Truly awesome!!! I give it an A+!!!
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
It may not be the best "Star Wars" movie but it is a breathtaking joyride from beginning to end!!!
"Star Wars: Episode One-The Phantom Menace" has everything in it that you would expect from a "Star Wars" movie: Spectacular special effects, tons of action, great characters, and kid-friendly humor. I walked into the theater with my expectations down because of the so so reviews it had gotten from the critics, but I walked out of the theater with a glimmer in my eyes and a big, silly grin on my face. I absolutely loved this movie. And no matter what everyone says, Jar Jar Binks is not annoying. Well, okay, he started to get on my nerves a couple of times but I still loved him. He made me laugh a a few times, too. All of the actors in this film were great, especially Liam Neeson. He may not win any Oscars for this movie but his performance in this movie blows away the performances by all of the actors in the original trilogy. Jake Lloyd is a lot better than everyone would lead you to believe him to be. I was quite surprised that a 9 year old boy could act that good. He was terrific. The script of the movie is on par with the best "Star Wars" film, "The Empire Strikes Back". But this movie is more like "Return of the Jedi" that the other movies. The movie could have been a little more serious than it was. Not that I am complaining, though. "Return of the Jedi" was an outstanding movie, even though it was somewhat childish. Same here with "The Phantom Menace". But isn't that what "Star Wars" is all about? The movies are made to appeal to the likes of kids. But I seriously doubt that the kids who this film will fully understand the adult-like plot. I myself found it a little confusing at times. But you really don't have to understand EVERYTHING to enjoy this movie. Just sit back and relax and prepared to blown away. I give "Star Wars: Episode One" an A+.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
It may not be the best "Star Wars" movie but it is a breathtaking joyride from beginning to end!!!
"Star Wars: Episode One-The Phantom Menace" has everything in it that you would expect from a "Star Wars" movie: Spectacular special effects, tons of action, great characters, and kid-friendly humor. I walked into the theater with my expectations down because of the so so reviews it had gotten from the critics, but I walked out of the theater with a glimmer in my eyes and a big, silly grin on my face. I absolutely loved this movie. And no matter what everyone says, Jar Jar Binks is not annoying. Well, okay, he started to get on my nerves a couple of times but I still loved him. He made me laugh a a few times, too. All of the actors in this film were great, especially Liam Neeson. He may not win any Oscars for this movie but his performance in this movie blows away the performances by all of the actors in the original trilogy. Jake Lloyd is a lot better than everyone would lead you to believe him to be. I was quite surprised that a 9 year old boy could act that good. He was terrific. The script of the movie is on par with the best "Star Wars" film, "The Empire Strikes Back". But this movie is more like "Return of the Jedi" that the other movies. The movie could have been a little more serious than it was. Not that I am complaining, though. "Return of the Jedi" was an outstanding movie, even though it was somewhat childish. Same here with "The Phantom Menace". But isn't that what "Star Wars" is all about? The movies are made to appeal to the likes of kids. But I seriously doubt that the kids who this film will fully understand the adult-like plot. I myself found it a little confusing at times. But you really don't have to understand EVERYTHING to enjoy this movie. Just sit back and relax and prepared to blown away. I give "Star Wars: Episode One" an A+.
The Matrix (1999)
The greatest motion picture ever made!
"The Matrix" is, without a doubt, the greatest movie ever made. Everything about this film is remarkable: the script, the acting, and, of course, the special effects. This movie has the most mind blowing visuals that you have to see to believe. They are simply breath taking. The plot of this film is unlike no other. It's the most original movie ever made, and also, the most thought provoking. You will leave the theater wondering if something like this could ever happen. Or is already happening.... Do not wait for this movie on video. See it at the theater while you can!!!
Alien³ (1992)
The Best of the Series
I've never had any idea why everyone hated this movie and I never will. "Alien 3" is the best of the series by far. It's an artistic movie that is well directed by David Fincher and the acting is Oscar worthy. The script may have had its flaws, but so did "Aliens". "Aliens" had one of the lamest scripts I have ever seen and the acting was even worse. My grades for the "Alien" films:
Alien......A- Aliens.....B Alien 3....A+ Alien Resurrection....B+
The Matrix (1999)
The greatest motion picture ever made!
"The Matrix" is, without a doubt, the greatest movie ever made. Everything about this film is remarkable: the script, the acting, and, of course, the special effects. This movie has the most mind blowing visuals that you have to see to believe. They are simply breath taking. The plot of this film is unlike no other. It's the most original movie ever made, and also, the most thought provoking. You will leave the theater wondering if something like this could ever happen. Or is already happening.... Do not wait for this movie on video. See it at the theater while you can!!!