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Reviews Written By: A2VJ80PM1G00QV

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	Eye of the Beholder
	"Dreary Tale of Two Psychotics"	2009-11-17
One might also call it pointless, aimless, meandering, sodden, incoherent or just plain boring. Actually, were it a simple factual documentary about two severely disturbed personalities and what happened when their lives crossed, one could accept dramatic boredom. The interest of a psychological treatise does not lie in its dramatic qualities but in the intellectual interest generated by the evidence and analysis. In a film, stating this as a subjective reality for myself, everyone has, of course, the right to choose their own evaluative criteria, I expect to get a story and characters which generate some degree of involvement from me; this one left me cold and alienated, wishing only for a quick end to the business. Many reviews, as well as the editorial one, have delineated the plot and characters; no need to do so here. I can only compliment the actors for showing up for work each day and, hopefully, for earning a goodly sum of money for doing so. Obviously, I cannot recommend the film to anyone; no doubt, some found it to be other than I did.
	Panic Room (3-Disc Special Edition)
	"Familiar but Diverting"	2009-11-16
Good version of an ancient formula; worth seeing despite weaknesses. I liked the eponymous panic room, a contemporary variant on the impregnable safe place whose effectiveness depends on the human element. I never mind flaws from the standpoint of the logic of reality, those of dramatic logic are more bothersome and there are some damaging ones here. In fact, one such dramatic flaw pretty well eroded my involvement with a segment of the film. One can't reference the film in the interests of fairness to potential new viewers of the DVD. However, what bothers me will probably not affect others so I discount it in judging the film for their benefit. Adding the pluses and minuses, I believe most people will find it suspenseful entertainment with some good, edge of the seat moments. Not of the first rank, it benefits from the flawed, but, overall, effective performances by Jody Foster, the star, and Kristen Stewart, who plays her diabetic daughter. Hopefully, the excellent actor, Forest Whitaker, was well paid for doing what could be done, with the politically correct role of the African-American criminal.
	The Others
	"WEAK GHOST STORY"	2009-11-15
Perhaps, I was not in the mood; but this entry in the William James look-a-like contest just did not make it with me. No particular complaints, I simply was not caught up in the whirl of creaks and groans. The cast did well enough with what they had to work with, but they were not able to create the aura of mystery and suspense needed to induce the necessary spell.
	16 Blocks [Blu-ray]
	"ONE TENDS TO FORGET THAT WILLIS CAN ACT"	2009-11-14
With not much effort one can add footnotes to the script showing the most recent sources for a good deal of the action. That would be of interest to film historians, but for most of us, it is enough to know that Bruce Willis is not only given the opportunity to please us and build box office with some good action sequences, but , also, is given a chance to show us that he is, indeed, an actor of some quality when given the opportunity (or, insisting on the opportunity, I should think, given his box office clout). Mos Def and David Morse very ably play his garrulous prisoner and ex-partner. Not much else need be said in the light of the attention reviewer have paid to the film in the years since it was issued on DVD. I should think that fans of Willis and the other actor-actioneers will be much pleased by this offering.
	Double Whammy
	"No Doubt There is an Audience for this Kind of Film"	2009-11-12
Well, this is the kind of film which many of us picked up out of the bargain bin not knowing anything but what appears in the blurb. No doubt some will find it funny, others will not. I did not, so I cannot point out just what it is the other group who like it w liked. The lead actress is attractive, though her role mostly involves jumping the bones of the lead actor. She plays the role of a chiropractor, he is a detective with back problems. Of course, in this sort of film, no question of the fact that she is violating a basic premise of her profession, for which she could lose her license, never enters the discussion. It is, she says, just that she is impulsive. Naturally, following what one is to believe is a highly satisfactory session of sex between them, he calls to tell her he doesn't want to see her anymore. You get the idea. I did notice this was supposedly based on a book by Hiassen; no doubt he enjoyed the check he received. Without having read the book, I feel certain that the film bears little resemblance to it. Glancing at some of the other reviews, I see that I have failed to give notice of the girl who plays the teenage daughter of the detectives landlord and friend. That was because I really did not notice her in the film (of course, I saw her, but did not note her). Perhaps, if one is of the age where she shines, one is of the age for which this film was made, and, therefore, one who will get much pleasure from it.
	Wicker Park
	"Now, Let's Be Honest, Folks..."	2009-11-10
Now, Lets be honest folks. You're in what we used to call a record store, looking for a film with some mystery, some action, some suspense; you know few of the current group of stars and up-and-comers, few of the current (last 20 years) crop of movies, and you come on a DVD whose blurb on the front cover reads, "dangerous, sexy thriller" , whose back cover includes the words, " a sizzling, action-packed noir thriller that will leave you breathless" . Isn't it reasonable to expect at least a little bit of "dangerous", just a particle of "thriller", perhaps not a "sizzle" but certainly a sputter or two, maybe not packed with action but with at least some movement, and as for "noir", at least a bit of grey or a smidgen of charcoal. Did we get any of this, not on your life. At the end of the first hour of excruciating absence of even a whimper never mind thrills, I began to figure we were in for a very, very slowly developing Hitchcockian ordinary people find themselves in extraordinary circumstances type of film; by the end of the film, I was still waiting. Forewarned, you might enjoy this mirthless romantic travesty. Don't get me wrong, There is almost no evidence the creators sought for comedy. I just want to give them the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps a mild ha (not ha! ha! ) would be elicited from some easily pleased viewers but, on the whole none of the players seemed to be directed to show some flair; no, I take this back, there were a few minutes at the very beginning in the dance studio where a rehearsal was briefly shown-that had a soupcon of sizzle, no more, but more than anything else in the film. Now, being forewarned by the Amazon reviewers, knowing what you were to see, and wanting it, you might enjoy yourself. Perhaps, if you are familiar with one or more of the stars and live to see him or her perform in anything, you might enjoy yourself. I am still waiting for some danger, thrill, or sizzle...but, I have given up on finding it on this disc.
	The Game
	"Mystery Suspense Thriller-Worth Seeing"	2009-11-09
I have reservations about this film which involve matters which cannot be discussed without taking an edge off it. Suffice to say that, despite my reservations, I can recommend it with little qualification. Michael Douglas is good as the central character, the others do what they are supposed to do competently. The creative and directorial staffs did a good job of creating the game plan but quite visible flaws remain nonetheless. These will probably influence one's aftertaste but not much the pleasures of the film. See it if you can.
	Angel Heart
	"Unpleasant Film You Might Find Intriguiing"	2009-11-09
Mickey Rourke does a fine job making a P.I. look like an amoral thug. DeNiro supports as a client beyond reproach with a somewhat aloof demeanor. There is murder, mayhem, voodooism, blood-letting, cannibalism, incest, brutality, and assorted other barbarisms. It does what it sets out to do rather successfully. You might find the foregoing colorfully filmed acts artfully accomplished and intriguing to experience as necessary fulfillment of the creative staffs concept. You might find them off-putting and good reason to eject the disc. In any case, be aware that this is not Sam Spade, the Thin Man or Marlowe.
	Insomnia (Full Screen Edition)
	"Murder Where The Sun Never Sets"	2009-11-08
I should say that the fact that the sun doesn't set for months becomes a major theme in the film, coupled with the question of just what is the behavior that a good cop will expect of him-or herself. Al Pacino gives a bravura performance as the cop who suffers from insomnia due to the sun and whose actions in the past and present lead him to question his self-conception as a good cop. He is ably abetted by Swank and Williams, with the supporting roles being filled well. There is some action, some talk, some scenery, and no sleep. All in all, an above average effort to portray The Detective and The Criminal. Good watching.
	Syriana [HD DVD]
	"Cold War Attitudes in Remarkably Incoherent Film"	2009-11-07
I have to admit this was far too artsy a production for me. None of the characters were sufficiently defined to care about, none of the action sufficiently comprehensible to break through the torpor induced by the cross-cutting of scenes and characters. The cynicism which was the hallmark of fine cold war films, was marked, but I was led to indifference since it was all puppetry devoid of human characteristics. I shouldn't think any blame accrues to the actors whose playing seemed to be in tune with the desires of writers and the director; George Clooney, in particular, is to be congratulated for his heroic underplaying which dimmed his impact to near zero. Over-all, it was quite an achievement to convert a hot issue into a bedtime story.
	Bad Company
	"Routine Action Film"	2009-11-07
Admittedly, I had never heard of Chris Rock until looking him up a moment ago. I had the impression he was playing the stereotyped civilian type dragged into action but felt that he did so in a style somewhat similar to what the public knew him for. Apparently, that is roughly correct. At any rate, while generically suitable to the role of unwilling sidekick to a veteran CIA agent, I found it grating in its particulars. Perhaps, that was only a personal response. Anthony Hopkins, wildly miscast, or rather, cast against type, as always, turns in a highly professional performance. For the rest it is into and out of trouble, lots of shooting, yelliing, car chases, derring do and general violence which are entertaining if it's your night for that. So, I can recommend it as a no-brainer with well-done fireworks. some plot to provide continuity, and a generally acceptable cast to while away a couple of hours harmlessly.
	Bad Company
	"Routine Action Film"	2009-11-07
Admittedly, I had never heard of Chris Rock until looking him up a moment ago. I had the impression he was playing the stereotyped civilian type dragged into action but felt that he did so in a style somewhat similar to what the public knew him for. Apparently, that is roughly correct. At any rate, while generically suitable to the role of unwilling sidekick to a veteran CIA agent, I found it grating in its particulars. Perhaps, that was only a personal response. Anthony Hopkins, wildly miscast, or rather, cast against type, as always, turns in a highly professional performance. For the rest it is into and out of trouble, lots of shooting, yelliing, car chases, derring do and general violence which are entertaining if it's your night for that. So, I can recommend it as a no-brainer with well-done fireworks. some plot to provide continuity, and a generally acceptable cast to while away a couple of hours harmlessly.
	Bad Company
	"Routine Action Film"	2009-11-07
Admittedly, I had never heard of Chris Rock until looking him up a moment ago. I had the impression he was playing the stereotyped civilian type dragged into action but felt that he did so in a style somewhat similar to what the public knew him for. Apparently, that is roughly correct. At any rate, while generically suitable to the role of unwilling sidekick to a veteran CIA agent, I found it grating in its particulars. Perhaps, that was only a personal response. Anthony Hopkins, wildly miscast, or rather, cast against type, as always, turns in a highly professional performance. For the rest it is into and out of trouble, lots of shooting, yelliing, car chases, derring do and general violence which are entertaining if it's your night for that. So, I can recommend it as a no-brainer with well-done fireworks. some plot to provide continuity, and a generally acceptable cast to while away a couple of hours harmlessly.
	Basic
	"Neat Military Puzzler"	2009-11-06
Can't say that any of the actors in this were allowed to do their best; but, despite this, the film was entertaining, if not first rate. Travolta often seemed to be acting at acting in the role of a Department of Drug Enforcement agent called in to try to untangle a messed up Ranger exercise in which a number of recruits and their training sergeant had been killed. The objective was interrogation of the two survivors. Jackson is the over the top brutal training sergeant who is seen in flashbacks as the questioning elicited conflicting stories of his death. He played the part to the hilt. Nielsen as the official interrogator is pretty convincing. There are times when the film seems to lose momentum but soon gets back on track with some bit of action. All-in-all, the 100 minutes will pass quickly and leave a good taste behind.
	Basic
	"Neat Military Puzzler"	2009-11-06
Can't say that any of the actors in this were allowed to do their best; but, despite this, the film was entertaining, if not first rate. Travolta often seemed to be acting at acting in the role of a Department of Drug Enforcement agent called in to try to untangle a messed up Ranger exercise in which a number of recruits and their training sergeant had been killed. The objective was interrogation of the two survivors. Jackson is the over the top brutal training sergeant who is seen in flashbacks as the questioning elicited conflicting stories of his death. He played the part to the hilt. Nielsen as the official interrogator is pretty convincing. There are times when the film seems to lose momentum but soon gets back on track with some bit of action. All-in-all, the 100 minutes will pass quickly and leave a good taste behind.
	Flatliners
	"A Religious Tract For Our Time ?"	2009-11-06
I see that this is a 1990 movie, so, presumably, everyone but me, has had a chance to see and form an opinion about it. From what people tell me Kiefer Sutherland and Julia Roberts have gone on to great success and I have heard the name Kevin Bacon. This has to be taken, therefore, as a bright opening up of careers for a number of actors. As a film, it held me in its grip through its pseudo-scientific scientists (medical students) and the effectiveness of some of their post-death experiences. Can't ask for much more than that in a DVD. That the "sins" which were brought to life by death were trivial is beside the point; no good Freudian would question the impact of such memories on the normal adult. Somehow, however, in a film propounding the profound significance of what these experimenters did, the kind of memories brought forward hardly made the grade, save in one case. Nevertheless, as I said, the film intrigued and should entertain those who may not have seen it. Why do I (as the four experimenters do) place this in the long line of films propounding a sectarian religious thesis? Simple! It reaffirms the afterlife experience so central to the religious thought of many. That is, even while showing clearly negative responses to these experiences, it is reinforcing the notion that there are afterthoughts even though brain dead. No matter. One can deal with that element anyway one chooses and still be caught up in the film.
	Gosford Park - Collector's Edition
	"CLASSY FUN AND MURDER"	2009-11-05
Altman with some help on the screenplay and production, and a free hand on direction, makes the most of a delicious script through the efforts of a top notch cast. Set in a British upper class home in the year 1932, a richly drawn set of characters capture the class distinctions of upstairs and down as an ill-assorted gathering of the upper class and status seekers are engaged in pursuit of contradictory goals while those below stairs take on the identity of their masters and mistresses while engaged in their own status struggles and attempts at gratification.This is a film for leisurely watching so as to savor the verbal and physical interactions. One of the Good Ones.
	A.I. Artificial Intelligence
	"A Film for Some of Us"	2009-11-04
I don't know for whom the film was intended nor which audience it is actually gratifying. Certainly it is not for everyone. Technically, it is a fine demonstration of what can be done today to make a large screen shimmer with all the action of a three ring circus. The acting is suitable to the theme and the characters involved in the story, "live" and "robotic". Given the film literacy of the creators, many sources are acknowledged within the film and many more are knowingly alluded to; this is not plagiarism, it is fair use in maintaining traditions as well as seeking to give them a fresh look and thus perpetuate them. Perhaps, it should be made a family viewing project so that various differing perspectives can be brought to bear to elicit meaning from the film. Just don't make it the only film available for the evening so that it is a case of watching it or nothing.
	The Peacemaker
	"GOOD ROUTINE THRILLER"	2009-10-25
This is not the best of breed but certainly provides an entertainingly explosive couple of hours. Clooney is suitably heroic and generally appealing; kidman does well what the role requires of her. Since I don't run a reality check on films like this, I was able to go along with the idea of an egghead leader of a presidential task force participating in the actual on the ground policing effort. Never mind, if Police Commissioner McMillan could do it, so can she. No need to point out that it is an entertainment we are watching here not a gritty documentary. Introducing then current political conflicts into the film may give it a degree of verisimilitude but does muddy the water 15 years later when most of us no longer remember which side and what issue positions we were supporting at the time. So just take it as one would a military exercise, it is the blues against the greys. The action scenes are well done, the suspense level moderate.
	The Peacemaker - DTS
	"GOOD ROUTINE THRILLER"	2009-10-25
This is not the best of breed but certainly provides an entertainingly explosive couple of hours. Clooney is suitably heroic and generally appealing; kidman does well what the role requires of her. Since I don't run a reality check on films like this, I was able to go along with the idea of an egghead leader of a presidential task force participating in the actual on the ground policing effort. Never mind, if Police Commissioner McMillan could do it, so can she. No need to point out that it is an entertainment we are watching here not a gritty documentary. Introducing then current political conflicts into the film may give it a degree of verisimilitude but does muddy the water 15 years later when most of us no longer remember which side and what issue positions we were supporting at the time. So just take it as one would a military exercise, it is the blues against the greys. The action scenes are well done, the suspense level moderate.
	A Murder of Quality
	"Conventional British Mystery"	2009-10-24
Denholm Elliott, Joss Ackland, and Glenda Jackson are fine actors. Le Carre here gives them a chance to perform in one of his first post-cold-war vehicles as he searched for a substitute for the espionage-counterespionage thrillers on which his reputation was based. Somehow, however, George Smiley, his hero, seems diminished in the role of volunteer investigator into a situation at an English public school. The three stars do their best in these low-key roles but it is swimming against the tide of the many other similar British mysteries which have populated the TV airways with Morse, Frost, Dalgliesh and others doing the investigating. Nevertheless, these stars are what provide the interest in this film.. The remainder of the cast also meet the high standards set by British television for this type of show. Those of us who are addicted to the British "non-violent" detectives will find the film a suitable way to spend a couple of hours; others may find it a bit slow and unclear. Oh, yes, as one reviewer indicates, there is some problem at times in making out the dialogue with no subtitles to help.
	What Lies Beneath
	"Two Stars Show How it is Done"	2009-10-24
Just a note to indicate that the years intervening since this film appeared have done nothing to dull the luster of this thriller nor of the two stars who, singly and together, pretty much hold the stage throughout the performance. Credit should be given to everyone concerned with the film but it is the actors we get to see. The transition from joy- to terror- filled days is done well while the twists and turns make dramatic logical sense. Recommended for anyone who takes pleasure in the suspenseful.
	Lake Placid (En Espanol)
	"Fun and Gore"	2009-10-23
The picture should not have been as entertaining as it is. It has all the makings of another trivial monster from the lagoon film but saves itself with sufficient fun to make it worth watching.....if you have nothing better to do. Another element to its credit is the sketch of a romantic comedy which sort of weaves through the film, not taking the spotlight but adding a note of gaiety. Bridget Fonda and Bill Pullman handle that part of it about as well as its throwaway role in the picture allows. The other players do a good job with the stereotypes they are playing and the creators of the monster are to be congratulated for the credible threat and camera-suitable appearance of their invention. Betty White is a happy addition to the cast in a small role. All in all, not a film to search out and pay much for; but one that can be enjoyable when you are in the mood for it.
	Lake Placid (Full-Screen Edition)
	"Fun and Gore"	2009-10-23
The picture should not have been as entertaining as it is. It has all the makings of another trivial monster from the lagoon film but saves itself with sufficient fun to make it worth watching.....if you have nothing better to do. Another element to its credit is the sketch of a romantic comedy which sort of weaves through the film, not taking the spotlight but adding a note of gaiety. Bridget Fonda and Bill Pullman handle that part of it about as well as its throwaway role in the picture allows. The other players do a good job with the stereotypes they are playing and the creators of the monster are to be congratulated for the credible threat and camera-suitable appearance of their invention. Betty White is a happy addition to the cast in a small role. All in all, not a film to search out and pay much for; but one that can be enjoyable when you are in the mood for it.
	Collateral Damage
	"A Good One for Schwarzenegger and Other Action Fans"	2009-10-23
One more for the fans who can count on no new ones until the Governor leaves office.....if then. It has what his fans want, plenty of action with the good guys winning, and a decent story of a fireman who seeks revenge for the murder of his wife and child by Colombian terrorists. No doubt it will satisfy action fans with other heroes besides "The Big Guy". Not at all bad.
	Lake Placid
	"Fun and Gore"	2009-10-23
The picture should not have been as entertaining as it is. It has all the makings of another trivial monster from the lagoon film but saves itself with sufficient fun to make it worth watching.....if you have nothing better to do. Another element to its credit is the sketch of a romantic comedy which sort of weaves through the film, not taking the spotlight but adding a note of gaiety. Bridget Fonda and Bill Pullman handle that part of it about as well as its throwaway role in the picture allows. The other players do a good job with the stereotypes they are playing and the creators of the monster are to be congratulated for the credible threat and camera-suitable appearance of their invention. Betty White is a happy addition to the cast in a small role. All in all, not a film to search out and pay much for; but one that can be enjoyable when you are in the mood for it.
	Collateral Damage
	"A Good One for Schwarzenegger and Other Action Fans"	2009-10-23
One more for the fans who can count on no new ones until the Governor leaves office.....if then. It has what his fans want, plenty of action with the good guys winning, and a decent story of a fireman who seeks revenge for the murder of his wife and child by Colombian terrorists. No doubt it will satisfy action fans with other heroes besides "The Big Guy". Not at all bad.
	Lake Placid (Widescreen Edition)
	"Fun and Gore"	2009-10-23
The picture should not have been as entertaining as it is. It has all the makings of another trivial monster from the lagoon film but saves itself with sufficient fun to make it worth watching.....if you have nothing better to do. Another element to its credit is the sketch of a romantic comedy which sort of weaves through the film, not taking the spotlight but adding a note of gaiety. Bridget Fonda and Bill Pullman handle that part of it about as well as its throwaway role in the picture allows. The other players do a good job with the stereotypes they are playing and the creators of the monster are to be congratulated for the credible threat and camera-suitable appearance of their invention. Betty White is a happy addition to the cast in a small role. All in all, not a film to search out and pay much for; but one that can be enjoyable when you are in the mood for it.
	The Client
	"Well handled thriller"	2009-10-22
While sometimes verging on caricature, the film comes through with an exciting story , well told. I wouldn't call it realistic; rather as Raymond Chandler said of his "gritty" stories of Bay City, California, and environs, they are romances, not sociology. From its earliest moments, one knows that this kid is in trouble, the question is what happens to him once the law and the killers know he has information helpful to the first, damning to the second. Tommy Lee Jones, as the ambitious U.S. Attorney is directed to give an over the top performance but the last, more human scenes, save the film from falling into the pit of farce. Susan Sarandon does a fine job as the kid's attorney and Renfro, as the kid with dangerous knowledge, does a fine job of being a pain in the neck without losing the special qualities of an eleven year old. I note from the product information that the film has been around a while but, since there is nothing timely in the story, it is as good as new, so to speak. It will hold your interest .
	Spy Game (Full Screen Edition)
	"Redford Back with the CIA"	2009-10-20
Having entered the CIA at about the age of 40 (Three Days of the Condor), Robert Redford retires from it in this film made, appropriately enough, when he was about age 65. While a lesser film, it is still worth seeing the now senior actor go through his paces. He is tough, chillingly focused on the target, and prepared to do whatever it takes to get that job done. Inside, however, we do find a spark of professional loyalty. He won't let one of his "boys" get the short end of the stick just because their bosses are willing to make the expedient choice. There is a fair amount of action but the essence of the story lies in the personality of Redford's character, that of his protege, Brad Pitt., and the relationship between them. No question that it was up to Redford, the actor, to make or break the film. He came through in style providing the anchor for everything else that goes on. Brad Pitt does a good job as the youngster, while the others carry through with some style in the supporting roles. There is no doubt that this is fiction, a story with conflicts among characters which give it substance and interest. I feel no need to treat it as other than making a film that people would come to see. You may see some sort of message in it; so be it. Either viewpoint can spend an interesting evening watching the DVD monitor with this one playing