Aeon Flux

Charlize Theron
Marton Cskokas
Jonny Lee Miller
Sophie Okonedo
Frances MacDormand
Peter Postlethwaite

PG13           93min           2005

“Aeon Flux” is based on the MTV’s cartoon of the same name, reimagined and reinterpreted. In a world of the future Aeon Flux is a warrior fighting against the oppressive regime of Trevor Goodchild.

When this film was announced I thought it was an ambitious undertaking. Never fully understanding what I was watching, from the hand full of episodes I saw late night when I had insomnia. It is an interesting story that felt was incomplete and poorly executed story telling. The special effects, stunts, and locations are the only redeeming qualities of this film.. I commend Charlize Theron for taking the part and coming back after her injury.

There really isn’t anything that stands out in this film. I was mildly entertained by the cartoon and maybe that’s one of the reasons I don’t get this film. The characters were under-developed and you really don’t get some of the characters’ motivation. Even after the reveal it leaves you question why anything happened in the first place.

The special effects in this film are stunning. This is nowhere near ‘The Matrix’ but they motive the story. They are cool to look at. The effects are in a heighten reality that lend to the evolution of mankind. The effects make all the stunts more believable.

The stunts as proved by Charlize Theron’s accident were risky and looked cool on film. Even stunt was fluid and moved the story. Combined with special effects it really made you think, ’what was practical and what was green screen?” This one of the few film where the stunts stood out from the story.

The locations of this film are just beautiful. It paints this future as an utopia, where everything is beautiful, peaceful, and serene. Not on scene in this film is dark or depressing even when it should. If the future could turn out like this everyone would want to live forever.

The three elements of special effects, stunts, and locations combine to create a stunning film. The breaking in sequence is a combination of all three that is just one part of this story. The story is at a lost and the characterization leaves something to wanting. This film is ok at best. But if you are truly a fan of the television show you may be a fan of this film.

I give it a 2/5 Gs.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Georgie Henley . . . . . . . . . . .Skandar Keynes
William Moseley . . . . . . . . . . Anna Popplewell
Tilda Swinton . . . . . . . . . . . .James McAvoy

PG 140min 2005

This being my first post as guest contributor to Gary's blog "Movies at a Glance", I must say there could not be a better movie to celebrate my first review with. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, was a spectacular movie. Definitely geared towards kids as they were the main characters in the movie. However, this movie has a little something for everyone. Sci-fi, medieval themes, action, intense story plot, and great special effects. The Chronicles of Narnia, follows the lives of four European children in a WWII era. An accidental discovery during a game of hide and seek leads to mystery, excitement, and adventure. There hasn't been a story plot so unique since the Harry Potter Series. If you are looking for a fantastic movie that will appeal to parents and kids a like you have got to see The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Jackie rates The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 5/5 stars.

The Marksman

Wesley Snipes . . . . . . . . . .Emma Samms
William Hope . . . . . . . . . .Warren Derosa
Serge Soric . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tim Abell
Gabi Burlacu . . . . . . . . . . .Peter Youngblood Hills

R 95min 2005

“The Marksman” is a direct to video starring Wesley Snipes & Emma Samms. Wesley Snipes players a covert op soldier with a special in marking target, hence the name of the movie, that must stop a rogue general from restarting a power planet in Chechnya. Then betrayal ensues and then Snipes changes the plans. Emma Samms plans covert ops planner with a history with Snipes, who helps him figure out the true nature of the Russians.

There are far better action movies on the market, than “The Marksmen”. If you are in a Wesley Snipes mood there are better direct to videos from Wesley. Chasing Liberty or Unstoppable are better choices. It’s not the bottom of the barrel but it is fairly predictable. It was strange to see a mature Emma Samms in a movie. When I picture Emma Samms, it from her hey day on Dynasty, she is still a beautiful woman.

2/5 Gs



What do you think the future of the Blade franchise be?

Four Brothers

Mark Wahlberg . . . . . . . . . . .Tyrese Gibson
Andre Benjamin . . . . . . . . . ..Garrett Hedlund
Terrence Howard . . . . . . . . . Josh Charles
Sofia Vergara . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fionnula Flanagan

R 109min 2005

John Singleton brings us a rousing tale of four adopted brothers that come back to town for their mother’s friends. When they get information that their mother’s death may be suspicious, they come a four man wrecking crew to get justice for their mother. The movie is a strong emotional story and grounded in reality. This great movie about family and the lengths we go to protect our family.

Andre Benjamin a.k.a. Andre 3000 makes a great emotional entry into movies. His performance lets you know that he can have a great future in movies just as Mark Wahlberg has done for himself. The center and heart of this movie is Evelyn Mercer played by Fionnula Flanagan. Her performance is crafted as the emotional centers of each brother given insight to each character.




How far would you go to avenge for your family?

The Island

Ewan McGregor . . . . . . . . . . . . Scarlett Johansson
Djimon Hounsou . . . . . . . . . . . Sean Bean
Steve Buscemi . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael Clarke Duncan
Ethan Phillips . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian Stepanek

PG13 136min 2005

“The Island”, this year’s Michael Bay movie, if you did not know it was a Michael Bay movie you did once it started. It has a look and feel of Armageddon; the texture, the scene, the way the movie looked. Ewan McGregor and Scarlet Johansson stars as insurance policy clones of people told that “The Island” is the last pollutant free zone after the rest of humanity is dead. The only way to get to the “The Island” is by lottery.

This is a movie is what I call a science to be movie not science fiction. It supposedly takes place in 2019. It will probably take place in 2069. If is not secretly happening now, doubtful. "The Island" is a good action movie, very entertaining. I liked all of the concept cars in the film, especially the concept MACK truck. I would like to see it turned into a television show and see how society deals with the clones walking around.

4/5 Gs

Painkiller Jane

Emmanuelle Vaugier. . . . . . . . . . . .Tate Donovan
Richard Roundtree . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eric Dane


Sci Fi Channel


"Painkiller Jane" is based on a comic book of the same name. It has a decent plot, pretty effective action scenes, and it kept me interested. Its one if not the best Sci Fi Channel movie I have scene.

Emmanuelle Vaugier, who can be seen in Saw 2, stars as an army captain that is infected by a biological agent that enhances her. She can run faster, see further, think and processs more information, and can self-heal. You can just imaginae what the rest of the story is. But don't let that stop you from watching. Tate Donovan is one of the scientist studying her, more believable in the part, than his Jimmy Cooper from "The OC". Richard Roundtree as the colonel with parternal feeling and Shaft-appeal for Jane.

"Painkiller Jane" didn't fill comic booky. The ending did setup the premise as a television series. Produce injunction with, NBC Universal, it could be a poosiblity. A real slim possiblity though. "Painkiller Jane" is Dark Angel having a baby X- Files. You know it has strong parent but can never replace the originals.

Overall is was an ok movie, a strong television pilot; but then again just look at "Thoughtcrimes" by the USA Network some television movie pliots stay just movies.

2/5 Gs




In the "War on Terrorism" how much civil liberities, also know as freedoms, are you willing to give up?

Against the Ropes

Meg Ryan . . . . . . . . . . . . .Omar Epps
Tony Shalhoub . . . . . . . . . Tim Daly
Kerry Washington . . . . . . . Joe Cortese
Charles S. Dutton

PG13 110min 2004

Inspired by the true events of Jackie Kallen's life, ,Against the Ropes is a about a woman finding success in the male dominated arena of boxing promotion. Meg Ryan is outstanding in her portrayal of Jackie Kallen. She is supported by a stellar cast that includes the director Charles S. Dutton. The is a great inspirational film.

3/5 Gs



Do you think Meg Ryan lost her girl next door appeal?

The Dukes of Hazzard

Johnny Knoxville . . . . . . . . . . .Seann William Scott
Jessica Simpson . . . . . . . . . . . Burt Reynolds
Joe Don Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynda Carter
Willie Nelson

Unrated 107min 2005

Although this is a modern reinvention of "The Dukes of hazzard", it still finds cousins Bo(Scott), Luke (Knoxville), and Daisy (Simpson) Duke trying to save their Uncle Jesse's (Nelson)farm from Boss Hogg (Reynolds) and Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane (M. C. Gainey).

I found this version funnier than the television show, although I cherish the television show, it is one of those fond memories from childhood that you like to visit. The DVD has a lot of features including 2 sets of Additional Scenes and 2 Gag Reels. It is not tongue in cheek but it does have a little fun with itself.

There are a couple of easter eggs on the DVD. On the menu screen with Bo Duke highlight the Z in Led Zepplin. On the screen featuring Boss Hogg highlight his ring.

2/5 Gs



Having seen the movie and the television show which do you like?

House of Sand and Fog

Jennifer Connelly . . . . . . . . . . Ben Kingsley
Ron Eldard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frances Fisher
Kim Dickens . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shohreh Aghdashloo
Jonathan Ahdout . . . . . . . . . . .Navi Rawat

R 126min 2003

House of Sand and Fog" is an emotionally griping story anchored by Oscar caliber performances by Jennifer Connelly and Sir Ben Kingsley. This movie... it hits you in the heart and keeps hold of it.

Having experienced a similar situation as a child it tugged at my heart. You feel for both Connelly & Kingsley's characters. This situation happens everyday in America which is disheartening. "House of Sand and Fog" is a great film.

5/5 Gs



Should the city have paid for it is crime, if you rob someone don't you have to pay for your crime?

Equilibrium

Christian Bale . . . . . . . . .Taye Diggs
Emily Watson . . . . . . . . . Angus MacFadden
Sean Bean . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Harbour
William Fichtner . . . . . . .Dominic Purcell

R 107min 2002

Equilibrium is a fresh take on an old story done in the post Matrix style of filming. It has a strong plot, and very few logic miss cues. Christian Bale and Taye Diggs lead a strong group of performers for an action movie.

Set in a future were society has acheived world peace but at the cost of what makes us human, our feelings. Equilibrium gives you that Orwellian future setting where government control is totalatarian and its punishment is swift and direct, if caught "sensing", death is your punishment

Preston (Bale) is one of tish society's top enforcer, when he misses one of his emotional inhibiting drugs it opens him up to a revolution.

Equilibrium starts running its engine from start to finsh. a hidden gem in the video store.

5/5 Gs



Before Adam and Eve bit the apple did they have emotions?

National Lampoon's Gold Diggers

Will Friedle . . . . . . . . .Chris Owen
Louise Lasser . . . . . . . Renee Taylor
Nikki Ziering

Unrated 90min 2003

This is the funniest, dumbest, moronic movie I have ever seen. It's a modern day "Cheech and Chong" movie. National Lampoon's Gold Digger was made to please the lowest common dominator, males. This movie will make you laugh up a lung and half your guts.

Friedle (Boy meets World) and Owen (Sherminator from American Pie) are great as a pair of bumbling brothers trying to "achieve" the American dream... Nikki Ziering, aspiration wanting to be achieve by large population of men. Its a great guy movie.

2/5 Gs



In American society, where capitalism reigns supreme is gold digging really wrong?