"Tracks"

Chris Gunn
Ice T
John Heard






R           86min           2004

The true story of a suburban teenager whose one mistake leads to a life changing punishment. Peter Madigan, a 15 year old from the suburbs commits a senseless act of violence, causing a commuter train to derail killing the engineer.

In a controversial decision, Peter becomes the first juvenile in New Jersey state history to be sentenced to serve time in a maximum-security adult prison. While in prison he becomes interdependent and friends with correction officer Clark (Ice T). “Tracks” is the ultimate story of survival and redemption.

Although it tells his true story it was a little on the dull side. The characters were never truly flushed out. It does give their motivations but they characters seem wooden and hollow. Even after going to jail he seem to never learn his lesson until the very end. He reformed and found redemption but failed to help his love ones on the outside.

I don’t know how much of “Tracks” was dramatized and how much is authentic. The ending of this film was unsatisfying. It left you to figure out what happen to him and everyone around him. It left many questions unanswered and felt like it was a film rushed into production.

This is a bare DVD with no special features. It has movie previews for “The Contract”, “The Black Widow”, “Cherry Crush”, “The Far Side of Jericho”, “Kovak Box”, “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saint”, “The Breed”, and “The Dead Girl”.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"Havoc (2005)"

Anne Hathaway
Bijou Phillips
Shiri Appleby
Michael Biehn
Joseph Gordon-Lewitt
Matt O’Leary
Freddie Rodriguez
Laura San Giancomo
Mike Vogel
Raymond Cruz
Alexis Dziena
Channing Tatum

Unrated           92min           2004

“Havoc (Unrated Version)” is about two friends who are done with playing it safe. When Allison (Hathaway) and Emily (Phillips) leave their rich suburb for a joyride through East L.A., they glimpse a frightening landscape of drugs, violence and gang brutality. Nut as their fear turns to infatuation, the friends find themselves seduced by a dark and dangerous world – where a pretty girl can get anything she wants… except a second chance.

Having seen a preview in a previous film I didn’t expect to see so much of Anne Hathaway. This is truly a departure from the squeaky Disney image. She showed that see could handle more mature subject matters and was ready to graduate from the children films. Although at times she does seem to be uncomfortable with unexplored facets of this role.

“Havoc (Unrated Version)” is a caricature of what would have happen but illustrates that there are worst things to fear than the boogeyman. Situations in this film are too easily solved or left open to the viewer’s interpretation. I think that it placed too much emphasis on the sexual nature and not enough on the characters development. It illustrated situations too black and white.

Even though it does have flaws it does what it set out to do…be entertaining and be a sort of cautionary tale. Showing that even with the sophistication of teenagers today they still have things to learn. Although they can emulate the “Hollywood” street life, the real life street is much more dangerous, complicated, and complex than they can imagine.

There are only special features for a DVD-ROM drive. It has movie previews for “The Purifiers”, “Refuse 2 Die”, and “11:14”.

I give it a 2/5 Gs.

"Torque"

Martin Henderson
Ice Cube
Monet Mazur
Adam Scott
Matt Schulze
Will Yun Lee
Jaime Pressly
Max Beesley
Jay Hernandez
Christina Milian
Faizon Love
Fredro Starr

PG13           84min           2004


“Torque” is the “Fast and the Furious” on motorcycles, it’s about a biker exiled to Thailand comes back to California to get the girl and correct the situation that exiled him to Thailand in the first place.

Although it’s from the same producers as “Fast and the Furious” Torque tries to hard to separate itself from its cousin. It’s a basic story with bike as the highlight and nothing else. It displays some of the most over the action sequences on film.

I think of “Torque” as Fast and the Furious: Torque, just another one of the stylized racing films. One of the problems with “Torque” is that it tries to separate itself from “Fast and the Furious”. For one it stars Matt Schulze one of the stars of “Fast and the Furious.” One the commentary they talk crap about the Fast franchise until Matt Schulze speaks up. In the open sequence the motorcycle pass a sign that it spins to form ‘Cars Suck’. Second if it weren’t for the Fast franchise they would have never been greenlit. Never SH*t where you butter your bread, it just makes you look like an ass.

This is a basic redemption story with bikes as the highlight of the film. As the case with the rest of the franchise the machines are the highlights of the film; but where as most people are fascinated with the cars, the bikes came of as nothing more than stylized motorcycles. “Torque” came off more of a western set in modern times using motorcycles instead of horses.

“Torque” displays some of the most over the top action sequences of all the Fast franchise. At least with the sequences in the Fast and the Furious auto films most of the sequences could be believable. When Monet Mazur and Jaime Pressly joust there is nothing believable about that sequence, you really have to suspend you disbelieve to go with that sequence. Then at the end with motorcycle chase the viewer is to believe that they are going so fast that everything else is a blur and they still navigate traffic with ease. That at those speed Martin Henderson as enough strength to flip this bike in the air and land perfectly on Matt Schulze.

Please if you want to suspense our belief in reality and go with the reality you’re trying to portray at least make sensible. This isn’t the Matrix; yes some rules can be bent but they can’t be broken. This is a movie that tries too hard to be too cool. It does have a cast of characters that does make this film entertaining to watch.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"The Girl Next Door"

Emilie Hirsch
Elisha Cuthbert
Timothy Olyphant
James Remar
Chris Marquette
Paul Dano
Amanda Swisten
Sung Hi Lee
Jacob Young
Olivia Wilde
Autumn Reeser

Unrated           110min           2004


“The Girl Next Door” is about a high school senior (Emilie Hirsch) who meets the girl next door (Elisha Cuthbert) and the adventures he faces with her and his friends during his final days of high school.

It stars some of ‘Young Hollywood’s bright stars.’ To me this is a modern “Risky Business”, but with its own flavor. Just as ‘Risky Business’, “The Girl Next Door” will become a cult classic.

Emilie Hirschis a relative newcomer and with Elisha Cuthbert, they lead a cast that you may know their faces but not there names. Chris Marquette (Joan of Arcadia) and Paul Dano play his faithful friends. Jacob Young noted for his role of JR Chandler on All My Children play a big man on campus jock. Olivia Wilde and Auteem Reeser having had significant parts on ‘The O.C.’ play popular girls of the campus.

“The Girl Next Door” is a more daring “Risky Business”. The both following the same major plot the all-American boy on the fast track to success meets a girl that uses sex as a living but with a heart of gold. They fall for each other and face difficulties on their relationship road. Both star relative unknowns in the leads but where they differ is that TGND has a more hopeful outlook.

Even though it has many similarities to “Risky Business” it has its own story to tell. Risky Business is a tame version of “The Girl Next Door”. The tings brought up in TGND were taboo when RB came out and American are less uptight about the sex they see in films. TGND takes more ‘risk’ than business did and it makes for a funnier movie.

Sex and the American dream sells and I think that’s why these themes and films will always be classics. Americans are always searching for the American dream of power, money and success; both movies deliver. Sex, which will always be fashionable in movies, is display in both but differently, reflection the changes in the society. “Risky Business” displayed it’s sexual content more subtly, where 'The Girl Next Door' has it in your face, the normalcy in today’s cinema.

“The Girl Next Door” gives a tale that has been seen several times over the years of cinema, not as successful but just as entertaining. It displays some of the young talent that Hollywood has to offer. It is this generation “Risky Business”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Eurotrip"

Scott Mechlowicz
Jacob Pitts
Michelle Trachtenberg
Travis Wester
Jessica Boehler
Kristin Kreuk
Vinnie Jones





Unrated           90min           2004

“Eurotrip” is about a high school graduate who after his girlfriend breaks up with him he finds out that his German pen pal Mieke is not a dude but a girl who wants to meet him. Now Scotty and friends traverse Europe on a trip that they will never forget.

This takes the after high school European trip to new comedic heights. The premise is believable and this trip leads into an outlandish tale that if were true would be in a Ripley’s believe it or not. It has the standard acting and all the right ingredients to make a good teen comedy. But what makes this DVD worth seeing is the extras on the DVD.

“Eurotrip” an easy enough premise. Its basic and simple and it gave the writers the room to use their imaginations and that’s what they did. Taking their characters to on a trip that they will never forget and all the while having fun. They make Europe seem like the destination of choice, for graduates were as another film Hostel makes Europe seem like the outer rim of hell.

Acted my mostly relative unknowns this does displays a mature Michelle Trachtenberg. She was displayed more as women than little Penny from Inspector Gadget. As the major female presence in a male dominant film she shines in one of the funniest yet more disturbing scene, if it were true, in the film. Boast some funny cameos from Fred Armistice, Matt Damon, and Lucy Lawless.

This is a top teen comedy. “Eurotrip” gives you memorable scenes and a catchy tune to remember, “Scotty Doesn’t Know” but where this DVD shines is the extra. It has a sex scene index, hilarious deleted scenes, and some of the funniest commentaries. The Party Along commentary features the three writer/directors playing a college drinking party and getting stupid drunk. It’s funny to hear them getting drunker and having to go to the bathroom. It’s a drinking that seemed to be enjoyable.

“Eurotrip” is one of those memorable teen comedies. It boasts a funny premise, featuring some funny cameos, and situation that keep you laughing from beginning to end. This DVD has some of the best DVD extras and that’s what makes “EuroTrip” worthy to buy.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

"Sideways"

Paul Giamatti
Thomas Haden Church
Virginia Madsen
Sandra Oh


R           123min           2004

“Sideways” is two men reaching middle age with not much to show but disappointment, embark on a week long road trip through California's wine country, just as one is about to take a trip down the aisle.

For me it was interesting in seeing a world that I have never participated in and probable never will. “Sideways” always so had great characterization and arcs. One hand you see a train wreck take steps to correct itself and a man scared to grow up and the destruction that it causes.

The subtle and greatness of this film may only be found with hardcore movie watchers. That’s not to say its an easy watch, this is a true independent film with big name stars. The acting is superb. Filmed in the authentic wine country the background scenery is just beautiful.

The characters in this film are all flawed by in their flaws you find that you can forgive some of the despicable things that they don’t. The four main characters are like college kids on a middle-aged spring break. Even though their lives aren’t assessable to most, you care and root for these character. Having that third person perspective you see things that are coming but your still interested in the journey and surprised by the outcome that you didn’t see coming.

“Sideways” display some great acting from Paul Giamatii, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, and Sarah Oh. Giamatti displays his character mental frailty that makes you care for him and the plight that he is facing. Thomas Haden Church plays smarmy better than anyone else, it so convincing that the first time you see him you know your going to want to slap him. Madsen and Oh play total polar opposites. Madsen is a woman weary of love and Oh goes out and tries to find love in every relationship, to the point of being unhealthy for her family.

The casual view may not be interested this film, but if you are a fan of any of the four actors then this is a film for you. “Sideways” showcases the top of their acting abilities, beautiful scenes of California wine country.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

'Haven'

Raz Aboti
Orlando Bloom
Agnes Bruckner
Joy Bryant
Bobby Cannavale
Stephen Dillane
Anthony Mackie
Bill Paxton
Victor Rasuk
Zoe Saldana

R           99min           2004

‘Haven’ is set during a weekend, two shady businessmen (Paxton and Dillane) flee to the Cayman Islands to avoid federal prosecution. But their escape ignites a chain reaction that leads a British native (Bloom) to commit a crime that changes the nation.

This is an outstanding film. It follows several different storylines and you have to pay close attention because it uses a lot of flashbacks that cut to different perspectives without warning. This film is indie at its best, with an outstanding cast.

The cast of ‘Haven’ gave great performances, and it showed the distinction among the island life. Orlando Bloom gave one of the best performances of his career. You deeply feel bad for his character. This cast has talent all the way through even the secondary characters had good performance. Sarah Carter (Smallville, Shark) makes an appearance as an island coke whore, and I did realize it was her until my second viewing.

This is an indie film that you will either get it or not. You may have to watch it a second or third time to pick up every nuance of this film. It well worth a second or third view its just that good. Its beautifully shot. It really shows the beauty and the darkside of the Cayman Islands.

‘Haven’ is one that should not be missed. If you a fan of any of the actors list you will love this film. This is why indie films get made because they produce great quality work like this. The DVD is slack on extra feature only a make of featurette and three trailers.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

'Proud'

Ozzie Davis
Albert Jones
Jeffrey Nash
Eric LaRay Harvey




PG           87min           2004

‘Proud’ is the true story of the only African-American crew to take a Navy warship into combat in World War II.

This film is sad that more African-American veterans aren’t recognized for their war efforts in America’s campaigns. It is also riveting even with its low budget quality. It features one of Ozzie Davis’s last performances. It’s a tale that should be pasted on to other generations.

‘Proud’ is a great African-American tale of overcome the ignorant stereotypes. It must have been a major showcase for African-American at the time. It’s something that should never be forgotten and should be taught.

The film showed another instant of American prejudice toward African-American. I glad that they were recognized in the end. But it also man me wonder how many more veterans fought and died for America and aren’t recognized.

The tales and heroics of Veterans should be taught to future generation so that they can remember and learn from the mistakes of the past. I’m glad that Congress and President Clinton got around to recognizing this soldiers for their bravery and heroics. The British fleet should also commend them.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

Suspect Zero

Aaron Eckhart
Ben Kingsley
Carrie-Anne Moss
Harry J. Lennix
Kevin Chamberlin
William Mapother

R           99min           2004

“Suspect Zero” is about an FBI agent tracking is tracking a serial killer, who’s victims are more than meets the eyes and that this secret will lead them to finding the serial killer.

This film wasn’t what I suspected. I saw in a preview and picked it up. I was greatly surprised by this movie. Although it’s a slow moving is it a mentally chaotic intense film. The story was there but it felt incomplete and rushed. Ben Kinsley is stellar as a mentally trouble serial killer.

This is a extremely slow moving film. Although the film the agents are dragging their heels or one step behind. Its didn’t leave the FBI in high regards even though they got there man. It is somewhat satisfying, but is a stain on your mental senses.

Suspect Zero throws a lot of information at you through flashbacks, and newspaper clipping. The clues to solving each murder are there. Some clues are there but don’t make sense until the end. Some of the cut scene should have been left in to make some plot points clear and more apparent to the viewer.

For most viewer this may be above their head. Your like an outside observer with both sides and wonder how the FBI would miss so of the blatant clues by, the spot on acting of, Ben Kinsley. When glimpsing his side you see just how tortured he is, the mental restraint and collapse of his character; this one of the high points of ‘Suspect Zero’.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

Starsky & Hutch

Ben Stiller
Owen Wilson
Vince Vaughn
Juliette Lewis
Fred Williamson
Jason Bateman
Chris Penn
Carmen Electra
Amy Smart
Snoop Dogg

PG13           101min           2004

David Starsky (Stiller) and Ken Hutchinson (Wilson) are paired together and are lead on the trail of the biggest drug deal by lovable snitch Huggy Bear (Snoop Dogg).

Starsky & Hutch is a pretty good movie, not to camp and it didn't take itself too seriously. Having never watched the original television show I can't say how close to the show it is. I found that this version appealed to me.

It didn't camp itself as more of paying homage to itself. Cameos by Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul were icing on the cake. Their scene with Wilson and Stiller was as though they were passing the baton.

Other sevenities remakes are The Brady Bunch and S.W.A.T. These are just some of the several made.

I give it 3/5 Gs

Blade: Trinity

Wesley Snipes
Kris Kristofferson
Dominic Purcell
Jessica Biel
Ryan Reynolds
Paker Posey
Triple H
Callum Keith Rennie
James Remar
Natasha Lyonne

R       112min       2004

Blade: Trinity finds Blade wanted by the FBI as a rogue covenant of vampires awaken the first vampire Dracula, to make the humans the minority race.

It was a disappointment in but it was still an ok action movie. It has some cool action scenes. I found myself liking the vampires more than I like the heroes. Snipes performance was more wooden and hollow than his first two outtings. Ryan Reynolds, Parker Posey and Dominic Purcell stole the show.

I do think that Blade has run its course. The franchise could be reworked if centered around the Nightstalkers. The Nightstalkers give more for characterization and plot delevopment. Overall its a film that complements the other two in the 'Blade Trilogy'.

I give it 3/5 Gs




If vampires do or don't exist, would you want to know?

The Village

Bryce Dallas Howard
Joaquin Phoenix
Adrien Brody
William Hurt
Sigourney Weaver
Brendan Gleeson

PG13      108m       2004

"The Village" has a slow first half, of nearly an hour. If you make it through the first half then the movie just breezes by. From viewing other movies by Shyamalan movies, this one disappointed me. Friends have told me that they thought it was a waste of time. I wouldn't go that far. If you step into their situations you might understand their thinking, its not that bad. "The Village" is an OK movie as a stand alone movie but when balance against other M. Night Shyamalan's works its left a little lean.

I give it a 2/5 Gs



Has society degraded to the point where it makes you want to start a new society? What be the structure of your society?

Chasing Liberty

Mandy Moore
Matthew Goode
Caroline Goodall
Jeremy Piven
Mark Harmon
Annabella Sciorra

PG13       101min       2004

This is a standard Hollywood movie. Girl meets boy, the fall for each other, are separated, and then find each other in the end. It had it's moments of humor. Once the movie ended I felt dissappointed, I thought there should have been more to it. Chasing Liberty left me wanting.

I give it a 2/5 Gs




Do you feel sorry for celebrities with all the things they put up with(i.e. paparazzi & lost of privacy)?

Paparazzi

Cole Hauser
Robin Tunney
Tom Sizemore
Denis Farina
Tom Hollanden
Daniel Baldwin
Kevin Gage

PG13       84min       2004

Paparazzi is the tale of a rising action star dealing with the major problem of celebritism, the paparazzi. Everyone sees their pictures they've taken when you walk down the grocery isles. Everyone says that they would like to be one. We want the money, the cars, the fans, the free stuff and the groupies. But the other side is a lost of privacy, a camera in your face. I actually like mine. The extremes that Hauser's character goes to get them back is far fetched but entertaining.

I give it a 3/5 Gs.



Has the paparazzi become a hazard to celebrity lives?

Before Sunset

Ethan Hawke
Julie Delpy





R       80mins       2004

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy capture magic in a bottle a second time around. This sequel picks up 9 years later after the events in 'Before Sunrise' with Jesse (Hawke) and Celine (Delpy). This movie leaves you the same way as first. Excellent performances by both, Hawke and Delpy. For anyone who has loved and lost, in loving, or trying to find your way back to that love this is one you don't want to miss.

I give it a 3/5 Gs



Do you ever get over that first love?

Jersey Girl (2004)

Ben Affleck
Liv Tyler
George Carlin
Raquel Castro
Stephen Root
Jason Biggs
MIke Starr


PG13      102mins      2004

'Jersey Girl' is a touching love story. It chronicles, Ollie Trinke's (Affleck), journey from workaholic ad publicist to a loving father. It is a predictable and formulaic hollywood movie. The introductory performace of Raquel Castro was the highlight of this movie.

I give it a 2/5 Gs



Parents give so much for their children. What would you give for your parents?

'Godsend'

Greg Kinnear
Rebecca Romijn
Robert DeNiro
Cameron Bright


PG13       102mins       2004

This movie is a suspense filled thriller. Cameron Bright's performance is excellent and chilling. It reminds me of the first time I saw 'Children of the Corn'. It gives you one scenario of what can go wrong with stem cell research and cloning. Now a days people get caught up in the fiction part and forget that sooner or later fiction can become reality. We are in a technological boom. Overall I found it to be a enjoyable popcorn movie.

I give it a 3/5 Gs




If a loved one died would you clone them or accept their death, if you could?

Wicker Park

Josh Hartnett
Rose Byrne
Matthew Lillard
Diane Kruger
Christopher Cousins
Jessica Pare
Vlasta Vrana

PG13       90mins       2004

A movie based on "L'Appartement" by Gilles Mimoune. Having never seen "L'Appartement", I found "Wicker Park" a wickly, funny, & twisted love story. Its a movie that should be closely paid attention to. The director uses a lot of flashbacks to tell his story.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

Do you believe in second chance romances?

Garden State

Zach Braff
Natalie Portman
Peter Sarsgaard
Ian Holms
Ron Leibman
Method Man
Jean Smart

R       102min       2004

Braff starred, wrote and directed "Garden State". It is movie about a twentysomething coming back home, after a long absence, to his mother's funeral realizing he has felt anything his adult life stop taking his medicine. It's a great movie. Although I missed this in theatre, the DVD comes with an entertaining commentary with Braff and Portman. It's a touching drama that is accentuated by a awesome soundtrack. A very good indie film.

I give it 5/5 Gs


Do humans really needed to be medicated?