Month: April 2022

Today’s quick review: Natural Born Killers. Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory (Juliette Lewis) Knox are serial killers who are madly in love with one another. The couple takes the public by storm as they rampage across America, while their crimes serve as fodder for sensationalist media personality Wayne Gale (Robert Downey, Jr.), self-absorbed supercop Jack Scagnetti (Tom Sizemore), and power-drunk prison warden Dwight McClusky (Tommy Lee Jones).

Natural Born Killers is a psychedelic crime drama and satire from director Oliver Stone. The movie follows the exploits of Mickey and Mallory, a married couple in the middle of a cross-country killing spree, as they evade the police and plan their future together. Natural Born Killers is a unique movie that uses heavy stylization and over-the-top performances to convey its points about modern culture, making it a bizarre and highly polarizing watch.

Natural Born Killers is an indictment of modern culture. Mickey and Mallory are not reviled for their indiscriminate murder but revered, the darlings of a media, justice system, and television-viewing public who all feed on scandal. The criticism can be seen in the corrupt, distorted characters of Gale, Scagnetti, and McClusky, as well as direction that presents Mickey and Mallory’s many crimes in the styles of different genres of television.

Natural Born Killers takes this stylization to an extreme. Nearly every shot in the movie has something unusual about it. The movie uses strange camera angles, black-and-white photography, skewed color palettes, flashes of violence, animation, cartoon sound effects, stock footage, television transitions, and dozens of other techniques to create a surreal, off-putting atmosphere. Those who like unconventional cinematography will have plenty to chew on.

All of this adds up to a bloody fever dream of a movie that will repulse certain viewers and enchant others. Prevalent violence, despicable characters, scathing cultural criticism, and an extreme presentation style will make Natural Born Killers an unpleasant ordeal for anyone whose tastes don’t line up the right way. Still, the movie’s bold decisions and uniqueness make it well worth a watch for those curious to see what the insanity is all about.

For a similarly manic action movie, try Shoot ‘Em Up. For similar violence and stylization delivered with a lighter touch, try the films of Quentin Tarantino.

7.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for dark subject matter and a polarizing style; your score will vary substantially depending on taste.

Today’s quick review: Taking Lives. FBI agent Illeana Scott (Angelina Jolie) travels to Montreal to help local detectives Duval (Jean-Hugues Anglade) and Paquette (Olivier Martinez) with a murder case. Their investigation reveals the murder to be the work of a serial killer who takes on the identities of his victims. But the case gets complicated when Scott becomes involved with James Costa (Ethan Hawke), an artist and their sole witness.

Taking Lives is a crime thriller about a serial killer who hides in plain sight. The movie follows Illeana Scott as she digs into the life of Martin Asher, a man who began killing as a teenage runaway and never stopped. Scott’s sharp intuition gives her an edge in the investigation, but as the bodies pile up, she realizes that she is missing something. Taking Lives features a good setup and a decent plot, but it misplays its hand in several ways.

At its core, Taking Lives is a typical serial killer story. The movie features creepy crime scenes, close calls, and clues that contradict each other. Angelina Jolie makes for a fine protagonist as Scott, a sharp investigator who’s far from invulnerable. The twists and turns of the case are enough to make the movie an interesting watch, while Scott’s brushes with the killer give the movie a suitably unnerving atmosphere.

However, Taking Lives suffers from a few flaws that keep it from having the impact that it should. The movie tips its hand too soon about some important information, leaving Scott to catch up with what the audience already knows. These early revelations throw off the pacing of the movie, which is further damaged by some mistimed fake-outs and a couple of dull leads. Finally, in spite of her intelligence, Scott spends too much of the movie behind the curve.

Taking Lives will appeal to fans of the darker side of the crime genre. It is a by-the-numbers serial killer investigation with some good ideas, a pair of skilled leads, and a decent sense of atmosphere. However, the way its plot plays out leaves something to be desired. Taking Lives has all the pieces it needs to be successful thriller, but it assembles them in the wrong order. Fans of the genre will get something out of it, but others may want to pass.

For a more masterful thriller about a serial killer, try Se7en or Zodiac. For one with a similar tone and a more elaborate investigation, try The Bone Collector.

6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for the makings of a gripping story, hampered somewhat by its execution.

Today’s quick review: Law Abiding Citizen. Clyde Shelton’s (Gerard Butler) life is shattered when his wife and daughter are murdered in a home invasion, only for one of the killers to escape justice by cutting a deal with prosecutor Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx). Ten years later, Clyde enacts his revenge on the killers and sets out to dismantle the justice system that failed him. Now Nick must decipher the clues and stop Clyde’s plan before it’s too late.

Law Abiding Citizen is a crime thriller about a grieving father who comes up with a sadistic plan for revenge. Clyde Shelton, a brilliant tactician with nothing left to lose, squares off against Nick Rice, a prosecutor whose principles are shaken by Clyde’s challenges. Law Abiding Citizen is a battle of wits between the two men as Nick races to keep Clyde from killing again. A compelling plot and strong execution make the movie a worthwhile pick.

Law Abiding Citizen embraces its premise wholeheartedly. Clyde is not just a man with a grudge, but a mastermind who has considered every possibility. Seeing his plan unfold is the highlight of the movie. Clyde comes up with clever ways to kill his victims while keeping his hands clean, and Nick’s attempts to outsmart him give the movie plenty of back-and-forth. The result is an elaborate plot that’s gripping from start to finish.

Still, Law Abiding Citizen doesn’t have the fine touch needed to properly answer the moral questions it raises. The movie is set up as a debate over the priorities of law enforcement: to punish the guilty or to protect their civil rights. Clyde tries to push Nick to the edge, forcing him to repudiate his own principles to put an end to the killing. However, Law Abiding Citizen muddies the waters too much for it to reach any meaningful conclusion.

Law Abiding Citizen is a gripping thriller with a strong premise and plenty of good twists. Although the movie doesn’t quite reach the level of moral conundrum it seems to be aiming for, it has solid fundamentals and does a great job of keeping the audience hooked. Those who don’t mind something tense and on the darker side should give it a shot. Those who dislike thrillers with dire consequences may want to look elsewhere.

For an even darker thriller about a serial killer taking justice into his own hands, try Se7en or The Bone Collector. For another cat-and-mouse thriller starring Jamie Foxx, try Collateral. For a thriller with a lighter tone and a similarly elaborate plot, try Inside Man.

7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for an impressive plot.

Today’s quick review: Rules of Engagement. After his attempt to defend the US Embassy in Yemen ends in a bloodbath, Colonel Terry Childers (Samuel L. Jackson) is court-martialed for ordering his Marines to open fire on a crowd of civilians. With the government determined to make him a scapegoat, his only hope of clearing is name is Colonel Hayes Hodges (Tommy Lee Jones), a second-rate military lawyer whose life Childers saved in Vietnam.

Rules of Engagement is a military drama about the trial of a Marine Corps colonel accused of killing unarmed civilians overseas. Samuel L. Jackson stars as Terry Childers, an honorable man and a lifelong soldier betrayed by his country when his actions lead to international outrage. Tommy Lee Jones plays opposite him as Hayes Hodges, a washed-up lawyer who finds himself searching frantically for the truth of an incident the US government wants to cover up.

Rules of Engagement explores the moral dimension of military service and war. In many ways, Childers is an ideal soldier: brave, capable, and utterly loyal. But those same qualities make him prone to crossing the line when his men are in danger. The trial unearths not only a complicated situation in the present but ghosts from Childers’ past that threaten to unravel Hodges’ defense. The result is a multifaceted trial with plenty of twists and turns.

However, so much of the movie depends on the morality of Childers’ actions that it’s easy for a viewer to sour on the whole thing. Childers is not a perfect man, and the movie has a hard time reconciling the need to make his case morally ambiguous and keeping him sympathetic. The fact that the movie is dealing with sensitive real-world issues is another easy source of dissatisfaction. Not everyone will agree with its particular style of patriotism.

Overall, Rules of Engagement is a drama that does have something to offer for the right viewer. Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones are in fine form, and the story deals with more nuanced questions than a lot of other films. But the combination of odd tensions on the story, realistic subject matter, and a story that falls short of the best legal dramas means that Rules of Engagement is not a surefire pick. Drama fans should approach with caution.

For a more thrilling legal drama, try Primal Fear. For another drama about a washed-up military lawyer defending a hopeless case, try High Crimes.

6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for solid acting and a decent plot.

Today’s quick review: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Magazine writer John Kelso (John Cusack) travels from New York to Savannah to cover Jim Williams’ (Kevin Spacey) Christmas party, a high-society soiree held at his opulent home. But the evening takes a dark turn when Jim kills Billy Hanson (Jude Law), one of his employees, in self-defense. John finds himself with a story that could make his career—if only he can get to the bottom of it.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a crime drama and mystery from director Clint Eastwood. The story follows John as he investigates what really happened the night of Billy’s death. Along the way, he gets a sampling of Savannah culture and learns a secret that Jim has worked hard to keep hidden. The movie is worth a watch for its flavorful setting and well-developed characters, even if its mystery does not have the impact it could have had.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a cultural portrait of Savannah, Georgia, or at least the offbeat characters who surround Jim Williams. As John inquires into Jim’s personal life, he’s exposed to a society whose genteel exterior masks more complicated social dynamics. The warm welcome John receives, the unusual people he meets, and the sense of peeking behind the curtain give the movie an anthropological appeal that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Still, the movie does not pack as much of a punch as other murder mysteries. The trial unfolds at a sedate pace, with only one or two important points brought up by either side. John does play a role in the investigation, but he turns up more about Jim’s social circle than the murder itself. There are a few revelations and moral ambiguities that make the mystery worthwhile, but mainly it is an excuse to look at the world through the eyes of John Kelso.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a solidly constructed drama with a distinct flavor to it. As a mystery, it has just enough substance to be interesting, but its main value comes from its foray into the lives of Savannah’s residents. Those who appreciate open-ended stories that let the audience draw its own conclusions will find the movie engaging. Those hoping for a tight murder mystery will find it to be slow and unfocused.

For a more thrilling legal drama with sharper twists, try Primal Fear. For a darker investigation into a celebrity’s dirty laundry, try Hollywoodland. For a mystery with more bite to it, try Mystic River or Gone Baby Gone.

6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a rich setting and vivid characters without the compelling mystery needed to tie it all together.

Today’s quick review: The Last Airbender. A century after the disappearance of the Avatar, Katara (Nicola Peltz) and Sokka (Jackson Rathbone), siblings from the Water Tribe, discover Aang (Noah Ringer), a young Airbender who might be the reincarnation of the Avatar, entombed in ice. Meanwhile, Zuko (Dev Patel), the exiled prince of the Fire Kingdom, tries to redeem himself by capturing Aang and delivering him to his father, Fire Lord Ozai (Cliff Curtis).

The Last Airbender is a fantasy action movie from M. Night Shyamalan based on the Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series. The Last Airbender takes place in a world where some people can manipulate the elements, but only the Avatar can wield all four. The movie follows Aang and his friends as they try to free the world from rule of the Fire Nation. The movie has strong source material and decent action, but its overall execution is sorely lacking.

The Last Airbender falls short in a number of ways. Characters make bad decisions that are hardly commented on and rarely punished. Dramatic scenes are robbed of their tension by the way they are presented. The acting quality varies widely from character to character. The story is also underdeveloped, with a truncated arc for Aang and almost nothing for Katara and Sokka. No single flaw is crippling, but the sheer quantity of them adds up quickly.

In spite of its many flaws, The Last Airbender does show promise. Prince Zuko and his Uncle Iroh (Shaun Toub) are the high point of the film, with Zuko trying to prove himself to his ruthless father and Iroh acting as a much-needed voice of reason. The action scenes are somewhat toned down to keep the movie family-friendly, but they are still flashy and fun, with some solid fight choreography. And while the story is flawed, it does have its moments.

The Last Airbender is an honest attempt at a family-friendly adventure that is hampered by a host of minor issues. The movie still has something to offer lenient viewers and younger audiences, but fans of the television show will find it to be a drastic step down. Those willing to take a gamble may want to give it a shot anyway, but most viewers would be better off looking for something with more polish to its story, action, and presentation.

For a more action-oriented fantasy movie with a similar flavor, try The Great Wall. For a less successful adaptation of a popular animated show, try Dragonball: Evolution. For family-friendly fantasy action set in the present day, try The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

4.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 5.0 for decent action and a few good characters, held back by issues with its story, acting, and overall presentation.

Today’s quick review: Hudson Hawk. After ten years in prison, Eddie (Bruce Willis), a cat burglar known as the Hudson Hawk, wants nothing more than to go straight. But when he and his friend Tommy (Danny Aiello) are blackmailed into stealing a sculpture by Leonardo Da Vinci, Eddie finds himself caught up in an international conspiracy orchestrated by two eccentric billionaires (Richard E. Grant and Sandra Bernhard) and a CIA spook (James Coburn).

Hudson Hawk is an adventure comedy about a world-class cat burglar who gets roped into a villainous scheme. Bruce Willis stars as Eddie, whose upbeat attitude and quick thinking help him stay alive amidst his enemies. Hudson Hawk is an offbeat blend of influences, mashing up the over-the-top schemes and globe-trotting adventure of the spy genre with the playfulness of a family comedy. The movie manages to be fun and creative, but it lacks consistency.

Hudson Hawk is all over the place. The premise of a reformed convict forced to do one more job comes straight out of the crime genre. The general tone of the movie is closer to a family comedy, in spite of its coarse language and occasional violence. The plot is a fanciful adventure with a couple of heists thrown in for good measure, and the whole thing is held together with Eddie’s unflappable attitude and a jazzy soundtrack.

The downside of all this is that there’s no firm ground for the audience to stand on. Every time the movie settles on a direction, another twist happens and it goes veering off towards something wilder. There are no fixed rules to the universe, and the mixture of adult content and cartoonish characters leaves it without a clear target audience. Still, for the right viewer, its optimistic tone, likable hero, and mash-up of genres will make it a fun time.

Hudson Hawk does not fit neatly into any of the usual boxes, and that alone will make it a hard sell for most viewers. Those expecting an ordinary crime comedy, or even a typical adventure, will find the movie odd and unsatisfying. But those who are in the mood for something playful and creative and have flexible tastes may want to give it a try. Hudson Hawk may not have the cohesion most viewers are looking for, but it does try something unique.

For a crime comedy with a more down-to-earth plot, try A Fish Called Wanda. For an action comedy that tries for a similar tone, try Last Action Hero. For an even more stylized crime adventure with a cartoonish tone, try Dick Tracy. For a more family-friendly heist, try National Treasure. For a chaotic spy adventure with a playful tone and a more focused vision, try The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

5.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for mixed execution of a creative premise, resulting in a movie that will appeal strongly to a niche audience.

“I have a really bad feeling about this.” —Han Solo

Today’s quick review: Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. Now trained in the Jedi arts, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) returns to Tatooine with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt. Reunited, the group rejoins the Rebellion for its final battle against the Empire: an attack on the newly reconstructed Death Star and a chance for Luke to confront Darth Vader (James Earl Jones).

Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi is a classic sci-fi adventure and the final film in the original Star Wars trilogy. Return of the Jedi brings the war between the Rebellion and the Empire to a head, as well as concluding the character arcs of Luke, Leia, and Han. The film continues the series’ tradition of excellent characters and high-quality special effects, but parts of its story are a slight step down from Episodes IV and V.

The greatest strength of Return of the Jedi is the way its characters come into their own. Luke and his friends have been through a lot over the course of three movies, and Return of the Jedi gives them a chance to show how much they have grown. The story is a satisfying conclusion to all of the major character arcs, especially the conflict between Luke and Darth Vader. Along the way, the film delivers more than its share of sci-fi action.

Still, Return of the Jedi has a few weaknesses not found in its predecessors. The rebuilt Death Star is less compelling of a threat than the original in A New Hope, and the plot is not as organic as the plot of The Empire Strikes Back. There are also tonal inconsistencies where Return of the Jedi tries too hard to be comedic, robbing a few scenes of their full impact. These issues are relatively minor, but they will affect some viewers’ enjoyment.

Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi is a high-quality science fiction adventure and a fitting end to the Star Wars trilogy. Although the film makes a handful of missteps, the characters, setting, special effects, and overarching story are just as engaging as ever. Anyone who enjoyed the last two films would do well to finish up the trilogy. Those who disliked A New Hope or The Empire Strikes Back will want to steer clear.

8.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.0 for high all-around quality with a few minor flaws.

“I have a bad feeling about this.” —Princess Leia

Today’s quick review: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. After the Empire destroys the Rebel base on Hoth, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) escape in the Millennium Falcon, pursued by Darth Vader (James Earl Jones). Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) goes to Dagobah to find Yoda (Frank Oz), a reclusive Jedi Master, and continue his training so he can fight Vader, the man who killed his father.

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back is a classic sci-fi adventure and the second movie in the original Star Wars trilogy. The Empire Strikes Back picks up several years after the events of A New Hope, as the Rebellion continues its war against the Empire under the leadership of Luke, Leia, and Han. The film retains the strengths of its predecessor while expanding the Star Wars universe and pushing the story in successful new directions.

The Empire Strikes Back does an excellent job of building on the foundation laid by A New Hope. Where A New Hope was a straightforward heroic yarn with an external threat, The Empire Strikes Back introduces a touch of personal drama that works wonders for the characters. Han and Leia are forced to deal with the fact that they care for one another, while Luke must master his emotions to have any hope of using the Force to avenge his father.

These personal arcs form the emotional core of the film, but there’s plenty of sci-fi adventure to be had. New planets, new vehicles, memorable battles, iconic new characters, and skillful special effects make The Empire Strikes Back every bit as impressive as its predecessor. The only real mark against it is that its story feels like the middle entry in a trilogy rather than a self-contained sequel, but even then the film ends on very strong note.

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back is an excellent movie that earns its place near the top of the sci-fi genre through a combination of solid storytelling, memorable characters, and a rich, adventurous setting. The movie accomplishes the rare feat of matching its predecessor’s craftsmanship while establishing an identity of its own. This makes it a must-see for science fiction fans and a worthwhile gamble even for critics of the genre.

8.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.5 for an engaging story backed by excellent craftsmanship.

“I have a very bad feeling about this.” —Luke Skywalker

Today’s quick review: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Before she is captured by Darth Vader (James Earl Jones), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) sends a message to Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) asking for his help. The message is found and delivered by Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). With the help of smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Luke and Obi-Wan set out to rescue Princess Leia and warn the Rebellion about the Empire’s new superweapon.

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is a classic sci-fi adventure that follows Luke Skywalker and his friends on a galaxy-spanning journey. A New Hope takes the conventions of the action adventure genre and gives them a fresh coat of paint. The story is a timeless battle between good and evil set in a unique sci-fi universe. Iconic characters, memorable dialogue, and exciting action scenes cement A New Hope’s place near the top of the genre.

A New Hope has countless individual pieces that fit together to form the whole. Chief among these are the characters, who have clear-cut personalities, bounce off each other well, and benefit from solid performances across the board. Just seeing Luke, Leia, and Han go on an adventure is enough to give the movie a simple and enduring appeal. The high-stakes battle with the Empire and galaxy full of robots and aliens are just icing on the cake.

A New Hope also delivers when it comes to action. Dogfights in space, lightsaber duels, daring escapes, and a dash of mysticism give the movie plenty of action to work with, and nearly every scene leaves a lasting impression. Skillful work on the models, puppets, and sets helps bring the setting to life, while a top-tier soundtrack from John Williams ties the whole thing together. A New Hope shows a high degree of craftsmanship everywhere that counts.

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is a must-see for fans of the science fiction genre and an enjoyable pick for anyone else. The film combines creative world-building, likable characters, and a solidly constructed plot to make for a thoroughly satisfying experience. Not everyone will enjoy the type of adventure A New Hope embodies, but those willing to get into the spirit of the film will find it to be an unusually accessible and rewarding watch.

8.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.5 for memorable adventure executed with true skill.