Movie Reviews

by Karin Leonard & Daniel Robin

Click here for Newer Movies

or Select Older Movies Alphabetically:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Movies a

American Dreamz

With Hugh Grant, Dennis Quaid, Mandy Moore, Willem Dafoe

Entertainment: 4 Message: 3

Surreal, hilarious and at times painfully poignant, American Dreamz skillfully lampoons three nefarious contemporary themes – the popularity of the TV show “American Idol,” presidential politics, and terrorists. Sure, it’s over the top (not unlike reality) and takes pot-shots at practically everyone. Let’s face it – trying to bring a talent search TV show and current world political affairs under one roof is an ambitious, wild idea. And in the hands of writer/director Paul Weitz (American Pie, Antz), this satirical melodrama works, somehow. Great acting and crazily creative characters throughout …Dennis Quaid is so delightfully pathetic and inept as President we wonder where he got his inspiration. Hugh Grant is perfect as the despicable, self-loathing show host. Casting William Dafoe as the President’s right-hand man (a morph of Chaney and Rove?) was brilliant, and sure to either delight or infuriate (1 hr 55 min).

Apocalypto

Entertainment: 2 Message: 1 Note: Extreme graphic violence & disturbing images

What is this, Mel Gibson’s nightmares writ large on the big screen? Again? Gore and graphic violence beyond imagination (except for Gibson’s, apparently) assault and insult the senses with exaggerated human sacrifices mocking the unusual practices of ancient Mayan religious beliefs. Sure, it is well made – the cinematography is beautiful when it needs to be, the characters and costumes truly impressive – but this simplistic and vacuous story features a constant onslaught of gut-wrenching brutality that seems sensationalistic and distracts from the deeper story of the Mayan culture’s decline. Supposedly the film is meant to be a commentary on end-of-civilization corruption, and Gibson’s skill behind the camera is undeniable. However, he should seek therapy before he inflicts more wrong-headed interpretations on an impressionable movie-going world (2 hrs 18 min).

The Astronaut Farmer

With Billy Bob Thornton, Virginia Madsen, Bruce Willis, Bruce Dern

Entertainment: 3.5 Message: 4.5

Whether believable or not doesn’t matter in this beautiful fable of having faith in your dreams, family cohesion, and ultimately love. This is a tall tale, well told, and as American as apple pie – rugged individualism combined with big goals and a shoestring budget (on the razor’s edge of debt) – yet still shooting for the stars! Filled with charm, humor and surprises, there is plenty here to love. Billy Bob Thornton, you have redeemed yourself (as an actor), and we forgive you for Bad Santa. This Farmer will capture your heart – if you let it (1 hr 44 min).

The Aviator

With Leonardo DiCaprio, Alan Alda, Alec Baldwin, Kate Beckinsale, Cate Blanchett

Entertainment: 4 Message: 2.5

Given that Oscar-nominated director Martin Scorsese has a profound fear of flying, this movie soars! Following the recent trend of outstanding biopics (Ray, Kinsey, Beyond the Sea), Aviator is a vivid portrayal of young billionaire Howard Hughes’ life and eccentric genius, captured in stellar performances by DiCaprio and others. DiCaprio excels in displaying Howard Hughes obsessive-compulsive mental disorder. Boasting 11 Oscar nominations, this is clearly the Academy’s favorite this year (2 hrs 35 min).