"Unhitched"

Stuart Townsend
Amy Smart
Seth Green
Kate Ashford
Jodhi May
Steve John Shepard
David Oyelowd
Anna Chancellor
Philip Jackson


R           96min           2005

When a man learns his worst enemy is about to marry the woman his best friend loves, he vows to break up the wedding any way he can in this outrageous romantic comedy.

"Unhitched" is an romantic comedy with a funny premise. Seth Green takes a mundane part and turns it into the most memorable part of this movie. Stuart Townsend is miss cast as this leading man. This is a film greater than the sum of its parts.

When I think of think about a best friend is trying to breakup a wedding just so that his best friend can come in and get the bride. For me it a funny thought and what’s at the heart of this film. This is a film more of a buddy film than a romantic comedy. The friendship between Seth Green and Stuart Townsend is what makes this film work.

Seth Green takes a mundane part and makes it his own. With his bad British accent, he makes devious look fun. At first you think everything Green does comes from a superficial place and by the end you realize that he’s just a good friend. HE would done everything anyway to help make his friend happy.

Think Stuart Townsend was miss cast as the lead. Every time I see him I think of him as Lestat from “Queen of the Damned”. Even when he’s supposed to have lost his confidence; it never works on screen. It’s worst when he’s supposed to be clumsy and uncomfortable around women.

"Unhitched" works better when you look at it as a whole. Breaking down the individual performance makes this film worst than it really is. Their like a chorus that with each individual singer they sound a little off key but once you put all of them together they make a harmonious song, with friendship at the heart of the film.

There are no bonus features but there are previews for movies: “Crank”, “Employee of the Month”, “The US vs John Lennon” and “Farce of the Penguin”.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Art School Confidential"

Max Minghella
Sophia Myles
John Malkovich
Jim Broadbent
Matt Keeslar
Ethan Suplee
Joel David Moore
Anjelica Huston


R           102min           2005


From the director of “Ghost World” and “Bad Santa”, “Art School Confidential” follows talented young artist Jerome Platz (Max Minghella) as he escapes from high school to a tiny East Coast art school. Here the boyish freshman’s ambition is to become the world’s greatest artist, like his hero Picasso. Unfortunately the beauty and craft of Jerome’s portraiture are not appreciated in an anything-goes art class pseudo-art of his own win him any admirers. But Jerome does attract the attentions of his dream girl, the stunning and sophisticated Audrey (Sophia Myles), an artist’s model and daughter of a celebrated artist. Rejecting the affectations of the local art scene, Audrey is drawn to Jerome’s sincerity. When Audrey shifts her attention to Jonah (Matt Keeslar), a hunky painter who becomes the school’s latest art star, Jerome is heartbroken. Desperate, he concocts a risky plan to make a name for himself and win her back.

"Art School Confidential" is a quirky dark comedy. It showcases inspired performances by talented actors. It’s an example of an artist’s neurosis. Finding an artist finding his muse and doing whatever to capture her heart and love.

At the fictional college of Stratham while there is a killer on the loose. I have never been to art school but to me this college is too laid back to even be real. On the behind the scenes featurette the writer says that he went to a school like this. Maybe I’m not creative enough to get this school.

"Art School Confidential" is a dark comedy where students are really laid about a killer on the loose. Many of the students used it as creative inspiration. It does however have a love story at the core of this movie. It’s unique in that for the most part I hoped that he would not get the girl and that is in part to Minghella performance.

Max Minghella, first time ever seeing his works, capture the neurosis of a man obsessed with capturing the real life woman of his dream. She is played by the talented Sophia Myles, previously seen in “Tristan + Isode” and “Underworld”. I liked John Malkovich’s performance as a professor that is teaching this class of artists while trying to relaunch is career.

"Art School Confidential" contains deleted scenes and a blooper reel. There are two featurettes one is a making of and the other is a Sundance featurette. It contains a 16 of movies previews. The most notable previews are “Volver”, The Curse of the Golden Flower”, “The Quiet”, “Friends With Money”, “The Pursuit of Happyness”, “Stranger than Fiction”, “Marie Antoinette” and “The Holiday”.

I give it 3/5 Gs

"Walk the Line"

Joaquin Phoenix
Reese Witherspoon
Ginnifer Goodwin
Robert Patrick
Dan John Miller
Dallas Robert
Tyler Hilton
Waylon Mallory Payne
Shooter Jennings



PG13           136min           2005


“Walk the Line” recounts Johnny “the Man in Black” Cash’s journey to American Icon, in music, and his relationship with, the love of his life, June Carter.

The film should be in everyone’s movie collection. It features award winning performances and actual singing from the stars. The story of Johnny and June is a modern fairy tale that everyone is striving to find. It will make you appreciate the man and his music more.

“Walk the Line” stars two of American top film stars in Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter. It also features some of well-known actors in supporting roles such as Robert Patrick and Ginnifer Goodwin. Phoenix and Witherspoon show in their performances why they are box office gold but it’s their vocal talents on display that drew me in. I could not believe that they were actually singing. They did outstanding jobs at both becoming the iconic Johnny and June Cash. They both should have won awards even though Witherspoon did walk away with the Golden Globe for Best Actress.

What is displayed on screen has been collected from biographies by Johnny Cash. “Walk the Line” is a modern day fairy tale. He faced lost and battled demons to come out on the others side to find the love of his life. When he found her he had to fight to get her and that road wasn’t easy by any means. Even at the end of his life you realize how much he loved her.

Having never really been a fan of Johnny Cash, after watching this film I came to appreciate him and his music. It’s not something I listen to every day but when I feeling nostalgic he comes to mind now. His story is one of triumph and can be appreciated because he beat the odds in life, profession and love.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"Beowulf & Grendel"

Gerald Butler
Stellan Skarsgard
Sarah Polley
Ivgar Sigurdsson
Eddie Marsan
Tony Curran
Rory McCain
Ronan Vibert
Martin Delaney
Steinunn Olina
Spencer Wilding

R           103min           2005

“Beowulf & Grendel” is a tale of a Norse warrior’s battle with a murderous troll, based on the old English epic poem “Beowulf.”

This is a film that I found entertaining but it had many flaws. The dialogue is hard to understand and at some points in the movie incomprehensible. Gerard Butler shines as Beowulf. The cinematography is more outstanding than ‘Lord of the Rings.’

The dialogue in “Beowulf & Grendel” tried to sound ancient but modern in understanding. What it came off as for the most part was incomprehensible. The volume of their voices fluctuates and key scenes are cloaked in whispers that the mike didn’t pick up. The dialogue tried to hard and it came off as hollow, gibberish. Having to rewind several scenes in the film was annoying.

Gerard Butler shines in an other wise average film. Showcasing that he is the number one goto guy form epic warrior. Butler used this film as a precursor to the break out hit ‘300’. Even with the questionable dialogue Butler imbues Beowulf with the conflict of being torn with what is right and his duty.

Using Iceland as the backdrop of Denmark 500 A.D. is just breathe- taking. The rolling green hill and the torrential caves give the film a feel of being in the pass. If it weren’t for the dialogue you would believe that you were in Denmark 500 A.D.

If you can overlook the disconcerting dialogue “Beowulf & Grendel” is entertaining. Having tried to read the poem when I was younger, I found it to be to complicate to read. I found that the conflict being told, and faced by the character will resonate with viewer even now in today modern conflicts. Questioning what motivates one to kill and war should be asked soldiers, commanders and governments more often.

Although I found the dialogue disconcerting, the story being to made it bearable. Half the time you don’t know what’s going on but the scenery and Gerard Butler acting push you through it. The message of the story: Questioning one motivates? It is an important one that does get lost in the dialogue but shines through with the acting.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"The Quiet"

Elisha Cuthbert
Camilla Belle
Edie Falco
Martin Donovan
Shawn Ashmore
Katy Mixon
David Gallagher






R           96min           2005




“The Quiet” is about a deaf and mute girl Dot (Belle) who is sent to live with her godparents (Falco and Donavan and their daughter Nina (Cuthbert). As she adjusts to her new surroundings she realizes that this idyllic family is not as picture perfect as it would seem.

It does what an indie film is supposed to do. This is a disturbing film yet a compelling movie to watch. Elisha Cuthbert and Camilla Belle are a dynamic duo on screen.

“The Quiet” is one of those films that take a subject matter that is taboo and grays it. Yes he was wrong but was Nina not complicit in the crime too? There wasn’t that much marketing behind the film and it came and disappeared into oblivion much too quickly.

The subject matter is disturbing and it brought many emotions in me, and I think that’s what good films are supposed to due. Many times I who stop the film, because I needed to digest what I had just seen but I was compelled to find out what would happen next. You’re an observer of this family knowing most of the angles even before it begins yet you know its going to be an interesting journey.

Elisha Cuthbert and Camilla Belle as Nina and Dot are compelling to watch. Cuthbert moves from a seductress to a vengeful lover to a mournful child, seamlessly. Belle playing a deaf and mute girl plays it outstanding. There are clues to her secret throughout her performance whether intentional or not they make the character so much richer. That other characters never pick them up makes the betrayal so much more resonating.

For some “The Quiet” will be off putting, for some mildly disturbing and for others another walk in the park, either way it’s an interesting journey to the end. I personal appreciated the film and what Jamie Babbit did with this film, once I made that journey.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

"Waiting...(2005)"

Ryan Reynolds
Anna Faris
Justin Long
David Koencher
Luis Guzman
Chi McBride
John Francis Daley
Kaitlin Doubleday
Rob Benedict
Alanna Ubach
Vanessa Lengies
Jordan Ladd
Max Kasch
Andy Milonakis
Dane Cook
Emmanuelle Chriqui

Unrated           94min           2005

“Waiting…” follows one day in the life of a fictional restaurant named Shenanigans where it focuses on a waiter Dean (Long) and the realization that he may have wasted the last four years of his life working here.

This is a film that everyone should see. Some will say that this is fictionalized but in fact I know that some of these things happen in real life. Some of the things that happened in this film my sister told me happened when she worked for a similar restaurant. Even before I watched this film I was weary of pissing off my waiter or waitress in restaurants.

The entire establishment from the wait staff to the cook are a nuthouse of functioning ‘mentally handicaps, see I used the politically correct term there, but Mitch explained it best with ”…it like being the smartest kid with down syndrome.” Its there insanity that makes them funny, it’s getting a behind the scene look at a world that is never seen by the public.

From the beginning to end you will constantly laugh because the jokes come at rapid fire. This is a full out comedy; not only does it come from the jokes, but it comes from the situations that happen and the actor’s skills. The actors cast shine in their parts, but Alanna Ubach standouts with her delivery and her character quirky. Although she doesn’t have that much screen time she steals the show every time she is on.

“Waiting…” has not easter eggs that I can find and it has a complete separate disk of special features. On the second disk is the feature with the director and producer commentating and writing on a tele-monitor over the film. The rest of the disk is just some cast scene specific commentary. Mainly it contains a bunch of features that talk about the film and the process of making the film from script to production.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

"Suprecross: The Movie"

Steve Howey
Mike Vogel
Sophia Bush
Cameron Richardson
Aaron Carter
Channing Tatum
Robert Patrick
Robert Carradine




PG13           80min           2005

“Supercross”is about two brothers KC (Howey) and Tripp (Vogel), trying to make their dreams of racing dirt bikes a reality.

If you’re not a fan of any of the actors then it’s not worth your time to watch. Even then it’s questionable to watch this more than once. I can’t say that I hated; I was just disappointed in the final product. I’m a fan of supercross as were the moviemakers too.

The characters were never fully developed and it felt that the film was either hacked apart for timing or the script was incomplete. Everything besides the race footage felt it was thrown into appeal to the MTV generation instead of telling a story.

Its like they built the film around the race scenes and they were the main focus of the filmmakers. The amazing race footage can’t even save this film from being garbage. If they would have put a little more effect into creating more complete characters this film would have been a box office hit.

Having never read the screenplay I can’t say what the condition the script was in when “Supercross” was made but some one should have raised some major red flags. You can’t just puts some hot young actors and some awesome dirt bike riding on the screen and expect a hit. Maybe it read better on the page than what was shown on screen.

If there was more to this script and it was cut for pacing then they need to put it back in. It feels like a nice center up steak cut from the cow and served to on a cold plate. It has all the making of a great film but its prepare correctly; its just plain rare. That’s what hurt this film.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"White Noise"

Michael Keaton
Chandra West
Deborah Kara Unger
Ian McNeice
Keegan Connor Tracy

PG13           101min           2005

“White Noise” is about An architect's (Keaton) desire to speak with his wife (West) from beyond the grave, becomes obsessed and with his obsession starts to break the barrier between life and death leading to supernatural repercussions.

This film is marginal good. I think this film isn’t really scary so much as it plays on peoples paranoia. Most television now a days goes to a blue screen when not signal is picked up or may its just mine. But if I did take something from this film is leave the other side alone.

There is a barrier between life and dead and it should not be cross but people want too anyway. It’s one of the reasons why psychics and shows like ‘Ghost Whisper’ are so popular. People want to know that there is another side and death is not just it.

“White Noise” is a cautionary tale about meddling with the other side. Keaton’s character need to talk to his wife lead to his downfall and were supposed to feel that it was tragic; I felt that it was stupid and he should have pulled back several times in the film.

It became predictable after the architect’s wife’s death. The film maker never showed how he loved her so much that he would become obsessed with talking to her and that’s where the movie lost me. From that point on it was like it was just going through the motion of a scary thriller as I anticipated everything coming.

I give it 2/5 Gs

"Junebug"

Embeth Davidtz
Alessandro Nivola
Alicia Van Couvering
Scott Wilson
Benjamin McKenzie
Amy Adams
Frank Hoyt Taylor
Joanne Pankow

R           106min           2005

“Junebug” is about an art dealer of outsider art threatens the equilibrium of her middle-class in-laws in North Carolina. Madeline is a go-getting art gallery owner from Chicago, recently married to George, a near-perfect Southern beau. When Madeline needs to close a deal with a reclusive North Carolina artist, George introduces her to his family: prickly mother Peg, taciturn father Eugene, cranky brother Johnny, and Johnny's pregnant, childlike wife Ashley, who is awe-struck by her glamorous sister-in-law. Madeline's presence exposes the fragile family dynamics as hidden resentments and anxieties surface. Written by Sujit R. Varma

This film captures the weird and quietness of North Carolinians. To an outsider they would think that the film was an exaggeration but is in fact the way people live in North Carolina. Having lived most of my life in North Carolina, I have met characters just like this from this movie. It’s a true representation of a part of the culture that envelops North Carolina, especially in the small town scatter throughout the state.

The cast is outstanding and captures the subtle of North Carolinian attitudes. They represent a typical small North Carolina town family. Amy Adams and Benjamin McKenzie shine in their parts. If I had never seen any of their other works I would have thought they were locates that made it into this film. They really captured what it is to be a North Carolinian.

Filmed in Wake Forest it showed those hidden pockets the outside world rarely sees. The stillness, the quiet, the flow of the south is in full bloom. The beauty and tranquility of North Carolina is in full display. “Junebug” shows off the beauty that is to be found in North Carolina and I commend them for that. It’s a film that North Carolinians can be proud of; although this film portrays specific section of Carolinian life. North Carolina has more to offer and is a great place to live.

I give 3/5 Gs.

"Brick (2005)"

Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Nora Zehetner
Lukas Haas
Noah Fleiss
Matt O'Leary
Meagan Good
Brian White

R           110min           2005

“Brick” places film noir in the setting of high school. After receiving a note and a phone call from his ex-girlfriend and her subsequent death. Brendan (Gordon-Levitt) sets out to find out who killed and why.

I caught this as a preview during a DVD I was watching and was immediately intrigued. I was not disappointed. Brick is a movie of its own cloth and Film noir is not for everyone and instead of it setting in the 40s and 50s, it set in modern time, in a high school, with a language of its own.

The language maybe off putting at first or put close caption on. The dialogue is key to figuring the mystery and as the movie progress it will come to you. Written and Directed by Rian Johnson, he created a tale of mystery and fil noir that reminds you of something William Shakespeare might write.

As this is his first feature film he set a great foundation to his directing career. This film should not be missed. The DVD is a little bare-bone but the commentary is a funny thing to hear. The commentary runs a talk show host by Rian Johnson, the end is the funniest as Rian Johnson and Noah Segan imitated the producer, instantly a classic DVD commentary.

I give it a 4/5 Gs.

'Shadowbower'

Helen Mirren
Cuba Gooding jr.
Stephen Dorff‘
Vanessa Ferlito
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Macy Gray
Mo’ Nique



R           93min           2005

‘Shadowboxer (2005)’ is about a female assassin, Rose, who is diagnosed with terminal cancer; she decides to carry out one final killing, assisted by lover and stepson, Mickey that changes their lives forever.

I didn’t know what to expect from this film, I rented because of Cuba Gooding Jr. It’s a stark departure from anything I’ve seen him in. ‘Shadowboxer’ is a compelling and sometime rough movie to watch. The casting is eccentric and not the ‘Hollywood’ choices. The performances by Gooding and Mirren are what drive this film.

‘Shadowboxer’ is a compelling drama that tells a tale that makes you wants to watch and at the same time turn away. There is some rough and shocking violence in this film. It’s violence that assassins who be adjusted to and off-putting to the average person.

The casting of this film is best described as eccentric; the actors cast in the part are so different that they complement each other and play to the actors’ strengths. Even with some of their over-the-top performance it works for the characters; lends to them being slightly psychotic and drives the story.

Helen Mirren and Cuba Gooding Jr. lead this stellar cast. Mo’ Nique is believable as a jealous crack addict. Mirren and Gooding make one of the most interesting pair from a psychological point of view. It their relationship that compels you to watch. Their like a car wreck that you know you should turn away from but can.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"Greenstreet Hooligans"

Charlie Hunnam
Elijah Woods
Claire Forlani
David Alexander
Joel Beckett
Geoff Bell
Kieran Bew

R           109min           2005

“Greenstreet Hooligans” is about a Harvard undergrad is wrongfully expelled and goes to see his sister in London and is introduced into the violent world of football hooliganism.

I have been fascinated with the world of hooliganism and football clubs. There mainly portrayed as big mindless ruffs, fighting and disturbing the peace. This movie them as people joined together in a common cause, standing up for their favorite firm or club, in a extreme way. They are the beer belly painted fan of American football.

‘Green Hooligans’ is a good film if you’re curious about the world of hooliganism. It tells a moving tale of one man’s journey through this world. It has great acting from its main actors. It gives a great example of the world of hooliganism.

Claire Forlanti playing an American in her native Britain was amazing to see. She pulls off the accent convincingly. In a film of Brits Elijah Woods is the only Yank and is the first film that I didn’t see him as Frodo or a kid but as an adult actor. It shows all stages of hooliganism and showed some of the consequences of this life style. It is still a drama and it probably to license in some things but you can imagine men getting together and celebrating football and anarchy.

It portrayed hooliganism as a life style for the young. It is a world of organized chaos and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Hooligans in their fandom have started riots that have lead to deaths. It a world not for the faint of heart and it shows. All the main characters have arch that are satisfying to see, in this film.

‘Green Hooligans’ is a good film if you’re curious about the world of hooliganism. It tells a moving tale of one man’s journey through this world. It has great acting from its main actors. It gives a great example of the world of hooliganism.

I give it 4/5 Gs

"The Family Stone"

Sarah Jessica Parker
Dermot Mulroney
Claire Danes
Rachel McAdams
Diane Keaton
Craig T. Nelson
Luke Wilson

PG13           103min           2005

“The Family Stone” is about an uptight businesswoman accompanies her boyfriend to his family’s eccentric Christmas celebration and finds that she's a fish out of water.

This is a hilarious eccentric family that is dysfunctional, in a good way. Even with all their differences that compliment each other and you can tell that they love each other. These actors together remind you of a family. They remind me of my family.

‘The Family Stone’ puts you in the holiday mood. It tells a timeless tale, with morality and just. The twist and turns this movie takes are what makes this film special and the reality of family. You love them, fight them and keep secrets from them.

The characters are well rounded and believable. Each cast member fits there role with in the story. I don’t know it happen but I stopped seeing them as actor and thought I was just spying in on a family getting together for Christmas. At the end I wanted to see more of this family. It made me nostalgic for the holidays.

The DVD special features are packed with delete scenes, audio commentary, and a few featurettes. The highlight for me was the recipe to the dish Sarah Jessica Parker tries to make for Christmas morning. I hope to make it for the holidays.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

'Dirty Deeds (2005)'

Milo Ventimiglia
Lacey Chabert
Tom Amandes
Matthew Carey
Mark Derwin
Charles Durning
Michael Milhoan
Zoe Saldana
Arielle Kebbel
Ray Santiago
Erin Torpey

Unrated           87min           2005“

'Dirty Deeds (2005)' is an American Pie-esc teen comedy in which a high school senior tries to complete the Dirty Deeds, an outrageous series of challenges that must be completed between dusk and dawn on the Friday night of Homecoming Weekend.

I watched the Unrated version so I can say what was in the rated version. ‘Dirtier Deeds’ showcases some of the most outrageous and dirtiest deeds I have ever seen. They were nasty and funny at the same time; its no wonder very few people from this school completed the ‘deeds’.

‘Dirtier Deeds’ is just as raunchy as the American Pies but not as funny. Most of the characters are high school stereotypes. It follows the same basic movements and theme of a teen comedy.

You watch to find out what the next deed was and how was it going to be complete. You never doubt Ventimiglia is going to complete the deeds. It’s about the obstacles that are put in his way. Lacy Chabert, from Party of Five fame, plays the under used love interest. Mark Derwin plays the mob boss who is neither scary or threaten; you never get the feeling Zach is in any real danger around him.

‘Dirty Deeds’ can be skipped unless you a fan of one of the actors. There is nothing original that this movie has to offer. This is a raunchy guy film, that has its funny moments. It is something to watch while drinking and laugh. It’s a male movie from the male mind.

There is not much in the way of special features; just a few featurettes.

I give it 3/5 Gs

The Skeleton Key

Kate Hudson
Gena Rowlands
John Hurt
Peter Sarsgaard
Joy Bryant

PG13           104min           2005

“The Skeleton Key” is a film about a hospice nurse (Hudson) taking care of a older gentlemen in a creepy house with his wife (Rowlands) in Louisiana and the strange occurrences that she stumps upon, where nothing is what it seems.

This film is a creepy suspense tale with a ending that made me laugh, which it wasn’t intended to due. It’s because of the reason given at the end that made me laugh. Then it made me wonder if this could really happen. Our world is definite with having concrete prove, not on believing. To anyone belief is a powerful force and should be discounted.

This movie takes the viewer on the same journey as Hudson’s character searches for clues to solving the mystery of the Skeleton Key. Especially in the bayou, known to be a hot spot for the occult, some mystery should be left unturned. Even if you don’t believe there are forces out there at work.

People discount these forces everyday because there is no proof, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. That fear of the unknown is what this movie relies on and does a great job of conveying it. Miss direction and the slight of hands are use from the very beginning. This is a true suspense thriller.

‘The Skeleton Key’ builds the suspense and tension in you as well as the movie. In the end your relieved for the release of tension, overjoyed for the ending and disappointed that the ride is over. Whether you feel the ending is tragic or comical. It will be satisfying.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Tristan + Isode"

James Franco
Sophia Myles
Rufus Sewell
David O’Hara
Mark Strong
Henry Cavill

PG13           125min           2006

“Tristan + Isode” is about second in line to the British crown who falls in love with the Irish princess who would be the future queen of Britain and their love affair that destroys the monarch and starts a war between Ireland and Britain.

“Tritan + Isode” is supposedly the real inspiration for “Romeo and Juliet”. It was neither compelling nor interesting. I disappointed in the story and acting. It was just painful to watch.

This film was a marketed on the basis of “James Franco”. The story was told even before you watched but nothing in it compelled you to watch. You didn’t feel that they passionately love each other. It was more that they were in lust with each other. Young children doing something that there parent told them not too.

I picked it up because it starred Sophia Myles, having seen her in “Underworld” and thought she was under used; I wanted to see what see could do. I wasn’t disappointed in anyone’s acting I was disappointed in the material that they were given. It gives Tristan and Isode no redeeming quality and uses youth as an excuse for stupidity. Not one character questioned their motives or stopped each other.

It gave you nothing interesting to hold on to. Tristan and Isode is a tricky film to pull off and on this they failed miserably at it. Several time during the movie I just stopped watch because it was just too painful to watch. How could two people be this stupid when everything and country depended on them.

“Lust” is a deadly sin and that’s just what they were in. If they truly loved one another they would have put the country ahead of their needs or even come clean. This film did accomplish on thing: Display affairs in a truly light. Affairs affect every around them and can destroy lives needlessly.

This tale has been told far better in “Romeo + Juliet” and “Titanic”. This film is to be seen only if you’re truly a fan of one of the actors.

I give 2/5 Gs

"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.