"Dreamer (2005)"

Kurt Russell
Dakota Fanning
Kris Kristofferson
Elisabeth Shue
David Morse
Freddy Rodriguez
Luis Guzman
Oded Fehr

PG           106min           2005


“Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story (2005)” is a young girl’s ambition turns into a family dream to see a race horse that had a career ending leg break race again.

Dreamer is a nice gleaming beautiful film in a time wear Hollywood it about gritty, raw and too real drama. It’s a heart-warming tale about overcoming adversity and finding your dreaming. It’s a family drama that is beautifully acted. It’s a story for the entire family.

The root for this family too succeed, it’s something you want as much as they do. No one character is more important than any other and it truly tugs at your heart. Its not cynical or contrite as some of these family dramas can be. It portrays a real family struggling between success and family, living in reality or chasing after a dream.

Some of the best work from a child that is wise beyond her year, Dakota Fanning. It’s her star that shines in this film and she is the drawing attraction. She outshine her other costar. I think this movie was made with her in mind and it shows. As the movie is about the horse but its only compelling when is she on the screen.

Dreamer is film for the whole family. You cheer in the happy moments and cry in the sad. For some it gives them a good cry. As a family you can enjoy for the acting or for the majestic animals horses are. It made me appreciate how hard it is to raise horses. I found a new appreciation for the Triple Crown and just how hard is to win.

I give it a 3/5 Gs.

"One Last Thing..."

Michael Angarano
Cynthia Nixon
Sunny Mabrey
Matt Bush
Gideon Glick
Johnny Messner
Gina Gershon
Wyclef Jean

R           93min           2005

“One Last Thing…” is about a young man with a terminal illness makes a unconventional last wish on local television, and his journey to fulfill this one last thing.

This story is about over coming adversity and fulfilling your dreams. He doesn’t let terminal cancer stop he from this one last thing. He keeps his head up and focus until the very end.

Cynthia Nixon and Michael Angarano are believable as a mother and son. Nixon portrayal as mother trying to cope with the death of her only child is beautiful and heartbreaking. Angarano as a dying teenager has some of the funniest moments, which just come from his situation. You really believe he is dying.

I’m not saying terminal cancer is funny, the situation that a sixteen-year has are funny. There are things and realities you don’t think of until you are dying. I think dying of something that’s slow and painful strips a person do to their fundament self. Things that most people consider important fall by the waist side. His perspective on life is stripped to his bare essentials.

‘‘One Last Thing…’ is a inspiriting tale of living with every breathe you have. The relationship between Nixon and Angarano are the backbone of this film. It’s a dark tale about a dark situation done with a sense of humor.

The DVD is pretty bare. It has one featurette about the behind the scenes. The audio commentary with the director is pretty bland a lot more informative than the featurette.

I give 5/5 Gs.

"Ultraviolet"

Milla Jovovich
Cameron Bright
Nick Chinlund
Sebastien Andrieu
Ida Martin
William Fichtner

Unrated           94min           2006

“UltraViolet (Unrated Extended Cut)” is about a beautiful vampire in a futuristic world that has to protect a boy, who is a secret weapon: the cure for all the humans transformed into vampires.

This is an prime example of how a studio can screw up a film. Screen Gem cut this movie down to 88min from the 120 min the writer/director had intended. They said it was “too emotional”. The crap that they put on the screen made me too emotional.

After watching ‘Ultraviolet’ I thought the trailer misrepresented itself. Then I read about what Screen Gem did to this film and it outraged me. It also explains why this film was Resident Evil: Apocalypse meets Terminator 3 minus Arnold, the machines are vampires and we’re supposed to root for the machines. Knowing that forty minutes of this movie was cut makes a difference to a film.

Let that be a lesson Screen Gem just because you’re the studio doesn’t make you GOD. Kurt Wimmer had an idea of what he wanted portrayed on film. You should have left it alone because this movie sucked.

‘Ultraviolet’, on the bright side, did tell a tale that was interesting in theory. I would have loved to see Wimmer’s original film; it can’t be any worst than Screen Gems. It was well done for an action film and the action sequences were awesome, but the story lacked cohesion and focus.

The DVD had nothing in special features worth mentioning.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"Hoodwinked"

PG           80min           2005

“Hoodwinked” is a re-imagining of the ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ tale. It’s the mystery that unfolds as Red is on her way to granny’s house, to protect her secret recipes.

It is imaginative, funny, and funny for all to have. It took a tale we all know and throw against the wall and let the piece fall where they may. Kids will love it for all the action and animation. Parents will love it because of the familiarity with the characters and how they have been re-imagined.

“Little Red Riding Hood” has elements of the original story but its been torn apart and stretched like ‘Play Dough’. It’s a old story told new to a new generation, that the old will find interest and funny too. There are characters added that make the story so funny,

‘Hoodwinked’ has big name star voices that complement their characters and some voices are distinct but you can place the actor. Kids will love the animation because of its bright vibrant colors. The colors are cheery and delight.

This isn’t our ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ this is Red for a new generation. She is a confident young woman who is capable of making to Granny’s house. Granny’s no longer sitting by the fire waiting to die. The re-imaging of all the character is what make this tell funny.

“Hoodwinked” is one of the better-animated movies. This will make most children complacent enough to finish an entire load of laundry. It’s one that you can what it several times and pick up a clue that you didn’t see before.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

Dracula III: Legacy

Jason Scott Lee
Jason London
Rutger Hauer
Roy Scheider
Diane Neal
Alexandra Wescourt

R           85min           2003

“Dracula III: Legacy” is the second sequel to Dracula 2000, film back to back with its predecessor Dracula II: Ascension. Uffizi (Jason Scott Lee) and Luke (Jason London) go to Romania to save Elizabeth (Diane Neal) from Dracula. Along the way in this war torn Romania they face a TV News crew and rebels trying to curb the rising vampire population.

This sequel I could actually believe happening if it were not from its predecessors. This film was executed better and better suited the actors. This film was more of an action adventure with the villain, Dracula, than a horror film. The story stumbled in several places until it lost all footing in the end.

Dracula III: Legacy flowed better and gave you reasoning for the actors’ casting thin the previous film. Lee and London are a Riggs and Murtaugh pairing. They complement each other in this film. But the switch to a new Dracula was a little disconcerting, with flashbacks using the other one.

Where as the previous was boilerplate horror, this one was an action adventure. There is a lot more character development for Uffizi. Jason London acting stood out in this film as compared to everyone else. Although it was better execution it was still a bland action adventure.

Legacy still had some plot point stumbles and illogical moments, just not as many as it predecessor. The major plot I have trouble with is the movie is the ending. It left me with “Is that it?”. I don’t know why these sequels were made and I don’t care. They are a waste of time.

As. I asked myself what was the point of these films; I told myself, “I only paid a dollar to see it I really can’t complain”. If you pay any than that you will be disappointed. There are better horror movies out there.

I give it 1/5 Gs.

Dracula II: Ascenison

Jason Scott Lee
Jason London
Craig Sheffer
Diane Neal
Khary Payton
Brande Roderick
Stephen Billington

R           85min           2003

“Dracula II: Ascension” is the sequel to “Dracula 2000,” with the immortal dark lord, Judas of Iscariot; being used in medical experiments to cure a crippling disease. As always nothing good will come of it.

This and its sequel were filmed at the same time and were definitely a waste of production money. The plot was illogical and the characters were under-developed. It was weak in its execution and boring. There were many miss cast parts in this film. I classify it as an “End of Days.”

At the end of Dracula 2000, if there was going to be a sequel the villain would have been female, as Van Helsings’ daughter was the only one left. I would have thought that Dracula’s body would have incinerated and left nothing but ashes. There was not one character you cared about. You’ll actually root for them to die. Once they figure out whom they’re dealing with instead of finishing him off, they decide that it’s in the best interest of science to study him.

Dracula II: Ascension is your standard boilerplate horror movie. Imbeciles doing stupid things fight a villain that’s way out of their league. Instead of ending with everyone dying, this movie sets up its sequel Dracula III: Legacy. This movie is tiring and gave me a headache, Jason Scott Lee comes in as a mystery vampire hunter, acting like he was transplanted into this film from Timecop: Berlin Decision.

There really isn’t anything redeeming about this film, even the actors were miss cast in parts. They were not believable in their parts and didn’t fit together as a group of medical students. You didn’t believe that Diane Neal and Craig Sheffer are or ever in a relationship. They seem just as they were, two actors meeting and doing a job. Even the death scenes, which were greatly appreciated, were boring.

Dracula II: Ascension is a waste of time. It doesn’t resemble anything of its predecessor. Its boring and poorly executed, you know the death are coming 10mins before they happen. It doesn’t do anything to enhance the legend of Dracula and it actually detracts from it. It makes him seem less.

I give it 1/5 Gs.

16 Blocks

Bruce Willis
Mos Def
David Morse
Jenna Stern



PG13           105min           2006

“16 Blocks” is about an alcoholic cop (Willis) that is assigned the grunt work task of escorting a jittery witness (Def) “16 Blocks” from police custody to the courthouse, when outside forces start to intervene to prevent this from happening.

This is an exceptional well-done drama. Great performances from well established actors. A story that is gritty and well define, it’s a moral tale in disguise. It’s a well-timed jog.

“16 Blocks” is a drama that holds upon inspection. You think it might be a good story and once you watch it you realize it was so much more. Not only was it an action adventure but a drama, mystery, and a good buddy film. IT was makes you fell for this character and even when you know what the outcome will be, you hope for the best. This movie doesn’t disappoint.

It has great performances from great casting. With so many great actors, its Mos Def that standout and outshines everyone else. His subtle nuisance of an OCD witness is perfect. It’s your compassion for this character and his plight than makes this movie work. This is one of his best performances and why he’s a talent on the rise in Hollywood.

This story is well defined and keeps you on your toes. It shows one instant of a man overcoming adversity to be a better man; to give someone the help they need to have a better live. It’s shows the double edge sword of morality, how choices have consequences and being a man takes more.

The DVD is packed full of extras and includes an alternate ending that was far better than the original. It fit better with pacing and story told in the framework of the movie. Maybe one day will better our own movie editors and define the movies the way we see fit.

“!6 Blocks” is a great morality action adventure. It has a standout performance from Mos Def in a great acted ensemble film. It’s a story that was well defined, with good character development and characterization.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

Dave Chapelle's Block Party

Dave Chappelle
Kanye West
Mos Def
Talib Kweli
Common
Dead Prez
Erykah Badu
The Roots
The Fugees
Jill Scott

R           103min           2005

“Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” is documentery of him putting together this block party. It follows Dave Chapelle across the country giving out tickets, meeting the neighborhood, and setting up his all-star free block party in New York.

This film is part sketch comedy, party musical concert, and all brilliance; Dave Chapelle puts together one of the best films of 2005. It’s Dave being Dave and giving back to the community. It has the funny, brilliance, comedy found on his show but in every day life meeting everyday people.

He put together some of the best musicians of the hip-hop community; he even got ‘The Fugees’ to reunite after seven years, to perform some of their hits. Even though, you weren’t there you still fill the vibe and you realize just how powerful it must have been to be there live. It features some of the best music and it makes you wish that you were actually there.

DC’s Block Party is right up there with best comedy concert DVD. I want to say thank you to Dave Chapelle for film this journey. It was a experience that I am glad I had and wished that I could have been there live. I can say nobody throws a block party like Dave Chapelle. The party was truly over there.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

Stay

Ewan McGregor
Ryan Gosling
Naomi Watts
Bob Hoskins
Elizabeth Reaser
Katie Burton
Janeane Garofalo

R           99min           2005

“Stay” is a movie that is about a psychiatrist trying to save a patient from committing suicide while holding on to his sanity.

From the beginning reality is not what it seems and you never grasp what’s going on until the ended. This film flips and turns. Once you think you got it figured out it throws another curve ball. Not until the end of the movie do you get and then you question what you just saw.

'Stay' is poorly executed. When you do finally reach the end you are disappointed. It’s not what you expected from this film. The story didn’t support the talent that was cast in the roles. McGregor and Gosling hold there own against each other.

Naomi Watts did a good job in a character that was under-developed. It was as if she was thrown in just to have a female in the cast. Other characters could have figured out what her character brought to the film. She was definitely misused in this film.

What this film was going for and what it pulled off are two different things. I don’t know if it was designed to be this way given the ending, if it was then it went over my head. I like the actors in the film but I felt cheated at the end. Only fans of one of the actors will appreciate this film.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"The Cooler"

William H. Macy
Maria Bello
Alec Baldwin
Ron Livingston
Paul Sorvino
Shawn Hatosy
Estella Warren

R           101min           2003

“The Cooler” Is about a man, Bernie Lootz (Macy), with the worse lucky, is so bad that it can rub off other people. He’s employee by the manager of the Shangri La, one of the last casino doing business the old way, to ‘cool’ anyone on a hot streak. Until his lucky changes when he meets his ‘Lady Luck’, played by Maria Bello, a waitress at the Shangri La.

If you’re looking for a good moral tale, this is your man. It’s a believable story with some unbelievable events. I found Macy acting perfection. You get engrossed in this film and root for these characters.

From the start Bernie Lootz is that everyday man, down on his luck, trying to change and find a better way. He is what you imagine what bad luck in Vegas will do to a person. It’s this character that makes you come to love the story. You care for Bernie and hope that he finds the happiness that he deserves.

Macy brings that everyday fell to Bernie. He acts him to perfection, from his bad knee to his rotten luck, Macy portrays him as a optimistic pessimist. He is down and out, with rotten luck and you empathies with Bernie’s plight. When Bernie finds love with a down on her luck waitress, he finds his ‘Lady Luck’ and everything in Bernie’s life changes.

An outstanding cast supports Macy. Alec Baldwin, as the manager of the Shangri La, gives you that old school mobster fill. Maria Bello plays her waitress with a heartbroken warm. Even Paul Sorvino came comes at up out of nowhere and grips you. It was a shocking role, for me to see, from Sorvino that he pulls off.

“The Cooler” is a rare film that was more of an Indy film done with mainstream talent. You care for the character and hope that meet with the best. It is a great ensemble piece. ‘The Cooler’ is a film that shouldn’t be missed.

I give it 4/5 Gs.