lucas-42 Reviews

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Marvelous

[10/10 · 12 June 2005]

Well, I don't usually like to take the time to comment on movies. But I must for a Star Wars film. Let's just say, Episode III gets it right, finally. As close to the originals as I think we can ever get. Although filled with some cheesy moments, like Vader's Noooo! and such, it was terrific.

Personally, I found the opening space battle to be amazing... and the acting was all around better in this film. Especially with Hayden and his chemistry with Portman. McGregor's pained face during the Mustafar duel was terrific and moving... not to mention the fighting was among the best in any Star Wars film.

We can't leave out the actor playing palpatine (Ian McCaig is it?) who does a terrific job. Although he WAS the emperor way back in ROTJ, so I expected as much.

Everything, just about, is finally explained... including the midichlorians which now make more sense. Which returns the force back to it's spiritual and mystical roots.

Personally though, even though I know it has it's flaws, it was great.

I even almost cried it was so sad at the end. Those duel tatooine suns-a-set'n.

*tear*

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Kung Fu? This is Kung Fun!

[10/10 · 23 April 2005]

OK. So you've seen a lot of movies. If that's true you know most of the genres just keep imitating each other and there is a serious lack of originality. However, when watching Kung Fu Hussle, the only thing I can use to describe it is "original." It takes from a lot of different ideas but the overall feel of the movie is non-stop fun to the end. It's more like a Warner Bros. classic cartoon in live-action than anything... complete with Road Runner/Wile E. Coyote style chases with the feet blurred into a swirl as the chase heads down highways. The actual look of this in the film is Hilarious. There's all kinds of cartoon like violence and such, but in the end it just gives the film more heart.

The film is a lot like watching a Japanese anime (animated) more than watching an old martial arts film. It has a surreal feel to it.

But it really doesn't matter what I think of it. I just say go see it. It does have subtitles, but the audience I was with did not care (and I never do anyway). There was laughter abound. It is one of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time. The acting is SUPERB. If they dubbed it, it would have only taken away from it.

Kung Fu Hussle is worth every penny. Go see it with some friends together for maximum enjoyment.

Shrek 2 (2004)

Magic all over again...

[10/10 · 29 May 2004]

Rarely do I take the time to comment on a movie here, even if I like it. I only comment if I was actually put in a really good mood by the movie because I liked it so much or if it put me in a horrible one because it's suckosity level was far too high.

This movie did not have a suckosity rating at all. This movie rates a 10 on the awesmosity scale! Anyway, stupidity aside... I thought this movie was brilliant.

I actually did not think from the previews that the story would be strong enough to compete with the original idea. It looked like Shrek meets, well, Meet the Parents. But really it wasn't at all. Well maybe a little.

But seriously, I was extremely surprised at how well it turned out and how likable Shrek, Fiona and Donkey still are. It was truly a magical cinematic experience. No perfect movie, but none are. But this is one of the best I've ever seen... quite a wonderful movie. Far above a lot of live-action crap movies we see all the time that don't have an ounce of the magic, humor and wit found in this Shrek sequel.

I loved it a lot. The movie once again warmed my heart just like the first one did. Oh yeah, and it made me laugh too. :P

Good movie. Watch it.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

There Never Was a Better End

[10/10 · 18 December 2003]

To put it simply... "wow." I could write another long review of the movie like everyone else and be lost in the sheer number of postivie things I'm sure everyone has to say. But I'll cut it short.

It's a tear jerker, it's a visual wonder... it's heartwarming and really cares about every character it has.

You'll see. I was particularly impressed by the last few visuals inside Mt. Doom, breathtakingly beautiful. The acting was flawless and Sam shows just how brave he can be. I loved this movie. ... one of the best stories of all time and now one of the best film trilogys as well.

Hats off to Mr. Peter Jackson.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

The most fun you can have at the movies without making out

[10/10 · 16 July 2003]

That's right. This movie is pure fun. No, it isn't the best or worst movie of all time ever. But guess what? It's entertaining, captures the spirit of the ride and a swashbuckling adventure with some awesome special effects, great acting and a script that doesn't even take itself seriously leading to some very very funny moments.

Mr. Depp, great job. We wouldn't have such a good movie without ye. I laughed, I cried and... I got confused for a second at one of the quickly said jokes and then figured it out and laughed some more.

Fun fun fun.. what a good movie this is. Best movie of the year. If you don't think so. Oh well. Guess you lack what makes life truly fun. If you liked it but don't think it's the best of the year. I agree. I changed my mind. Just the best movie of the summer. STILL, go watch it! you'll like it! ... I didn't use one stupid, corny pirate-related joke at all in that review. Aren't you proud?

"and really bad eggs"

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Gentlemen, this is great.

[7/10 · 12 July 2003]

Sean Connery's best performance or rather, best role in quite some time in my opinion. I've been waiting for him to return to his no nonsense action roles. This film wasn't the best film I've ever seen, but one of the better ones I've seen this summer. Though i'm not familiar with the graphic novel this is based on, I do know they added Tom Sawyer into the movie to add an american touch. This didn't really hurt or help the movie much though. Overall a good summer action flick with some classic Connery. ... gotta love the invisible man (skinner). :)

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

One of the best film of all time.

[10/10 · 6 January 2003]

This is quite possibly one of the most entertaining and engrossing films I've seen in a long, long time. Sure, other recent films have been really great... Spiderman was a great movie this past summer. But few are so epic and big that they're grand. This is a movie that will forever be remembered in cinema history because it contains all of the elements that make a movie stand the test of time. Lots of movies are forgotten or merely overlooked after a few years pass, but then there are those that you always remember because of the wonderful feeling they bring you when watching them. You know your watching one of the greats when your completely taken out of your own life, you feel like your IN the movie. When all your troubles are not on your mind for at least a few hours. You know it's one of the best movies you've ever seen when everything on screen looks like it is real. Even the CGI in this movie is merged so well with real shots that you don't really think "hey that's fake!" That's quite an accomplishment in today's movies.

Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers is.. like a lot of films.. a little more interesting than it's original movie, since the plot of the film has basically already been sat in motion and we can jump right into the story and all the action. But because the three films are really one story and not three seperate stories, like the books themselves, you can't really rate one movie over the other. Just see it as one big story.... The Lord of the Rings.

and of course, who couldn't love this story. I have a feeling Return of the King is going to be the better of them all. I can't wait! It's only a year! ;)

Dragon Ball Z: Broly - Second Coming (1994)

Great Comedy... kinda lacking everything else.

[10 December 2002]

It's a funny movie with Trunks and Goten running around looking for the Dragon Balls just because Videl wants to see it. The movie seems kinda dull though. Not much of a storyline. Brolli is back, and unfortunately he doesn't really belong here. The storyline makes sense, but it's not really a great reason to bring Brolli back. He has no place here now. He is just a villian they needed to help get some jokes across. The fighting doesn't REALLY begin until Gohan shows up to save those two kids butts from big bad brolli. However, Brolli is still very very powerful. It takes a combined effort of THREE Kame Hame Ha's to defeat him. That's the best part of the movie. ..... there is a funny surprise in there too. Look for it. You'll know it when you see it. Can anyone say, Mr. Piccolo!

Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)

The Legendary Super Saiyan.. what a great movie!!

[10 December 2002]

This film marks the longest of all the Dragonball Z movies. Over an hour in length and could actually pass as a full feature film. It also has one of the most complex storylines of all the rest of the movies. I won't say much about it, as it's storyline is it's strogest point with fighting coming in a close second. Brolli, who is apparently the REAL Legendary Super Saiyan, is intent on destroying the galaxy and it's up to the Z team to stop him. Well, it's more fun to watch what happens than for me to tell it. Let's just say that Brolli goes through some wicked transformations and does some brutal, brutal damage to the Z team. He's unstoppable through much of the film and when he does say something it's usually pretty wicked or scary. Like... "Monster? No, I'm the devil!"

You'll enjoy this movie so very much it'll make your head spin. It's a great collage of great storytelling and fighting. But once you've seen it a few times it begins to lose it's impact. So make sure that first viewing is a good one! ;)

Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992)

Great Movie with some Great Action.

[10 December 2002]

This movie is one of the finer of the Dragon Ball Z movies. It's the first movie to introduce Mirai (adult/future) Trunks. Past this is a small summary of what happens, since not much happens in the first place (It's mostly action oriented), don't feel too bad about reading on. *** It begins on a day when Chi Chi, Gohan, Goku and the rest of the gang go shopping and three of Dr. Gero's androids.... yes he has more... activate on a mission to destroy son Goku. Goku, of course, begins his fight with-in the city but decides to take it to a more remote location up north where people won't get hurt during the fight. Of those to show up, we get to see Vegeta kick some pimp bot butt (you'll see what I mean) and Trunks slice open a can of whoop *** with that sword of his. Of course, three androids are enough... but another android arises that is worse than.. uhh, well... about as bad as all three of them put together! SUPER ANDROID 13!! Well, the only way anyone can think to defeat him is with a Genki Dama... but will that be enough?? ***

Anyway, it has some really great fighting and is a great movie to watch again and again. BUT, it isn't too strong on the storyline level, so don't expect much. Hey, only a FEW dbz movies have much of a storyline anyway. Enjoy it for what it is. Some great dbz fighting and one of the most wicked looking expressions I've ever seen on Goku's face!

Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992)

Great Movie!! Even better in dub!

[10 December 2002]

The original Japanese version of this movie was good. But with the new music, the dub is actually better in my opinion. The movie is pretty good with some top-notch animation for it's day. Goku and Vegeta make their first appearance TOGETHER in a movie and it's pretty cool. The storyline is somewhat different than most other Z movies. But it's still only alright, it's not a GREAT DBZ movie.

Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995)

Best of the Z Movies!!!

[10 December 2002]

This is by far the greatest of all the DBZ Movies. It has the best animation, full of color and life. It has a really awesome villian who is NOT named Janemba by the way. That happens to be a curse word he says, not his name. ANYWAY. This villian is a demon with an awesome sword that can slice through anything. Goku and Vegeta fuse into GOGETA and it all takes place in the other world. It was the first Z movie to use CG (Computer Generated) to assist in the animating process. Which makes this movie, when viewed in a good high quality video format (NOT crappy fansubs), a beauty. So much detail in everything.

It's also got a ton of comedy in it as well. Like Hitler trying to take the world over again while Goten and Trunks try to stop him with ease. Vegeta and Goku also fail to fuse correctly the first time they try and end up as a fat failed fusion who can't do anything but RUN!! Oh, and fart! lol. It's a crazy movie and one of the best and longest. Great Stuff! You GOTTA Watch it if your a true DBZ fan.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

The Prequel is Back with the "Attack" - The Force is DEFINITELY a lot Stronger this time!

[6/10 · 16 May 2002]

Talk about popcorn entertainment! Ok, I know your all wondering if this new prequel sequel brings back some of the 'ol Star Wars magic to the big screen. Well, happily, the answer is definitely Yes! This movie IS a good movie. It's not the greatest Star Wars film ever, but it certainly isn't the worst. It ranks as one of the best though!

The opening credits crawling across the screen seemed kind of odd. It felt weird to be at a Star Wars movie again. But, still, the feeling was great. I admit that I had not really been too excited about EPII up until the last few weeks. I had easily avoided spoilers and etc. online due to a lack of interest in Star Wars after the dreadful (but still a kick-ass lightsaber duel'n flick) Episode I.

Attack of the Clones has waaay more action in it, and the CGI special FX are top-notch. Ten times that of TPM. You'll find yourself immersed in the Star Wars universe much more than that of any previous Star Wars film. I don't care what anybody says. The locations seem so much more real this time around, so vast, so large. You'll visit places you've never been... like Genosis. But this time without showing you EVERY little detail that is happening within the environment.

The acting, despite what some may say, isn't all that bad. Albeit you'll forget all about the "acting" when watching it anyway. I wasn't really dissapointed at all. I think there are just some REALLY over-sensitive critics out there whining about Episode II. Oh, and by the way, the story is MUCH better and a lot more interesting this time around.

Anakin is kinda whiney in this movie, but tortured/confused whiney.. sort of reminding you of Luke Skywalker.. but also showing you a darker and much more evil side that's begging to come out. Thankfully, Jar Jar's role is small. Smaller than I thought. He hardly speaks at all and is only on screen for a tiny amount of time. Don't let the gungan get-to-ya. Some of my friends were STILL bothered that he was just there. Bah! Get over it!

Obi-Wan is the true star of this movie. Obviously Mr. McGregor did something right.. because it just seemed so right for him to be playing this character this time around. Obi sees a lot more action than before, though his lightsaber duel at the end is nothing like the one before. But something else about that scene will make up for it!

The dialogue in the movie wasn't bad at all. Well, at least in any scene other than the love scenes with.. well... you know who! Some clever dialogue along the lines of "Anakin, I feel you'll be the death of me" made this movie even better. Talk about fore-shadowing!

And...... Yoda. He is the only character in the movie that got applause and a standing ovation, no to mention some un-intentional laughter. People were shouting as soon as the Yoda's-gonna-kick-some-*** scene popped up on screen. I won't spoil it for you, but you'll be happy that you paid for that ticket after you see the scene. It's AWESOME!! It's worth seeing in theaters twice! You'll love it!

Anyway, this movie (unlike it's younger prequel counterpart) is so enjoyable it will make you laugh, excited, worried and very entertained all throughout. It's not a perfect movie, it's not a bad movie either. It's a really great - Ahem! - GREAT Star Wars movie! Go see it now. Trust me, the force will be with you.

Spider-Man (2002)

All the Wonderful Wall-Crawling Action You've come to Expect!

[10/10 · 14 May 2002]

This movie I have now seen twice. Rarely, if ever, does a movie become more than just a movie. Seldom do I walk out of the theater, smiling, with only one other thought on my mind.. "I wanna do that again!" Yup, this movie is definitely that. I'll be honest to you all. The movie is not PERFECT, but it IS perfectly entertaining. You'll see what I mean after you've sat through this flick. True, some of the CGI special-fx are not as realistic as you would expect from a film given a budget over $100,000,000. But, they are good enough to convincingly tell a really good story. No, scratch that last remark. A really GREAT story!

Spider-Man is one of those movies that you'll remember long after you've taken those final steps out of the local theater. I found it funny at times, heartwarming at others, and action-packed when it needed to be. Tobey is the perfect choice for Peter Parker/Spiderman because, well, he just is. He convinces us that he's an outcasted dork who has his eyes sat upon the seemingly un-reachable MJ, who suddenly is overwhelmed with new powers and responsiblities. He does a good job of playing Spidey. From the sharp-wit to the honest nature of Peter Parker. He pulls it off nicely.

William Dafoe does one of the most convincing Jekyll/Hyde scenes you may ever see in your life. He's talking to his alter-personality, the Green Goblin, in a mirror.. switching back and forth between Norman Osborn and 'ol Gobbie. It's shocking how much scarier Mr. Dafoe can look WITHOUT the Goblin mask. In fact, I think he could have pulled of the Goblin with just a little bit of green makeup. Dafoe IS that good in this movie. There are some moments where Gobbie's gonna make you laugh, trust me. They're hilarious.

The movie's story is really great, and it WILL entertain you. For those who have a problem with the oragnic web-shooting spidey, no need to worry. It's hardly even noticeable in the film. It really isn't a big deal.

I did, however, have one complaint. I really wish the Goblin mask would have had the ability to move the Goblin's mouth. It just felt a little stupid looking at that big gaping hole in close-up shots. From a distance (i.e. when flying) it doesn't look so bad though.

Stick around during the credits, you'll get to hear a special surprise!!

Dragon Ball Z (1996–2003)

An Amazing Story...

[10/10 · 30 April 2002]

I'm a late blooming DBZ fan, but I've already seen almost the entire series! LOL! I will tell you the story of how I became a die-hard fan, and why you'll be VERY sorry if you haven't already!

It was around the year 1999 that I first came across DBZ. I think the Namek saga was airing on Cartoon Network. My friend was big on the show (though he had very little knowledge of it's origins) and forced me to watch it myself. I made fun of the show every-time he watched it. I thought it was corny, cheesy and the voice-acting was stupid.

HOWEVER, somewhere along the way in the summer of 2001 he told me they were re-airing the Android saga on CN. Well, I started the old usual comments, making fun of it. But then.. I actually became interested in the story. After a few episodes, I was hooked. You see, the story of Dragonball is more than you think. It covers over 500 episodes in it's entire run over three different animated series.

I began watching with the Android/Cell sagas. I watched them to the end and then watched the Frieza saga. Then I watched the Saiyan and Namek Saga. Now here we are today at the Buu saga. What better time to become a DBZ fan than now! The last 54 episodes of the show will air this fall, and that's something NOT to be missed.

The show never has an ending to a story. It's a continous "to be continued" storyline that grows and grows. Characters have time to develop into interesting relationships among them, making moments where someone dies or is hurt even more emotional.

It tells the story of Goku (son Goku in Japan) who is an incredible man born with an amazing fighting talent. His strength never ceases and he becomes stronger and stronger. He is kind and pure of heart.. a friend to even his enemies at times. He is the central point of DBZ, but not the only point.

Throughout the series, he learns of his Saiyan heritage, finding that he was born of an alien human-like race that has an ability to concentrate energy called Kai (or ki) to create energy blasts, fly, etc. They are born with a natural instinct to fight, and conquer entire planets to sale to the highest bidder.

That is only the beginning of DBZ, there are 200 episodes or so of a previous series called Dragonball that explain Goku's childhood-into-adult hood. DBZ covers him from his early twenties or so all the way until he's over 50 years old.

The show has sparked 13 movies and two specials.. and much more. Some of the movies are dubbed in english, while others are only available in Japanese subtitled versions.

ANYWAY, this show is specatacular, and takes forever to explain every aspect of the storyline. The ORIGINAL Japanese version has much better music and voice acting, I'll admit. And the English versions (at least early episodes) were edited to death, the show still holds what makes it magic.

The beginning of the series will re-air on Cartoon Network as of May 2002. I suggest you begin watching. Do NOT let the animation, or the voice-acting, or bad editing of this first saga shake you away. The show takes time to understand and become interested in, but once your there, you'll be hooked.

There are over 290 episodes of DBZ, and the animation gets much better, as does the storyline. Just keep watching, trust me... your gonna love it!

The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

Great... Wonderful... I LOVED This Movie!

[10 February 2002]

The Count of Monte Cristo is a great movie with young, naive love.. betrayal, depression, hate, and revenge. It's a story of a man who was betrayed by his best friend and has 13 years of his life wasted thanks to that. But then the man finds a treasure and uses this new-found fortune to exact his revenge and reclaim what was once his. Featuring wonderfully choreographed sword fights and great acting... YOU MUST SEE THIS FILM NOW!

Cowboy Bebop (1998–1999)

Spectacular!

[10 November 2001]

This show is absolutely the best Anime I have ever seen. The name itself might fool you, but don't let it! This anime has such style and creativity to it that I am in awe every time I watch an episode. It mixes humor, jazzy music, and 70s cop show together to create the wonder that we know as Cowboy Bebop.

If you don't understand just why I think it's so good, the only suggestion I can give you is... go watch it! One episode will most likely impress you. When I watch it, every episode feels like it could have been expanded into an entire movie. But story itself is not really the strongest point in the show.

The artistic styles, visual camera tricks, and the characters are so well done and thought out that it shows. I am very impressed with the animation. It's done superbly. Nothing like any other animated flick I've seen. The art is so good it's like watching a masterpiece.

Music is great, stories are creative, animation is masterful, and the directing is top-notch. If anything, I suggest you do yourself a favor and at least watch one episode. But you may just get hooked! Don't forget there's also a movie. I haven't seen it yet, but no doubt it's probably going to be just as amazing and breathtaking as the T.V. series.

One thing you may want to know, this show is more like a drama than a cartoon show. Don't think it's for little kids. Anyone over age 12 could handle it, no doubt. But it does mix strong language, sexual situtations, and some bloody violence here and there.

Planet of the Apes (2001)

Great... but not amazing.

[5 August 2001]

Planet of the Apes is definitely a good movie. No, it's not as good as the original of 1968, but it really is an entertaining movie. The make-up they used to create the illusion of apes being the dominant species is breathtaking and quite realistic looking. I'd say that's one of the strongest points of the film.

As for the storyline, it is changed up from the original. In fact, it is a very different story all together. However, this does not change the fact that this is a good movie and I'm willing to bet just about anyone who goes to see it will like it too.

You've probably all heard about the surprise ending (which isn't that much of a surprise... me and my friend managed to guess it right!) DOES make sense. Really, trust me it does. I don't know, certain people might look at it from certain and different angles... but I managed to come to the conclusion that no matter what time or planet your on, the apes still manage to evolve and overtake the humans. That may not make much sense to you if you haven't seen the movie, but it will.

All in all, I do recommend seeing this movie. I went to see it with my friends and we all agree it was a good movie. I think it has both funny moments and interesting ones... but don't expect a drama.

Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)

A really cool show.

[10 June 2001]

It may have been years since this ORIGINALLY came out, but to most of us Americans, the show is brand new material. Sometimes people may say the shows tend to "drag on," but this is a clever way to keep you begging for more and tuning in again and again. Also, the characters actually develop and change throughout the series, unlike some other shows. The american translated versions may lose something in the translation, but the show is still a very cool show, and I hope Cartoon Network picks up the entire seven year run of the series. The adjusted script makes some previously "possibly offensive" terms absent, replacing them with less intimidating terms like "bully." But this show IS for kids, and if they didn't take away some terms, it wouldn't air. Then we would be stuck buying the videos for $15.00 a piece instead of taping entire sagas for free. ;) The voice actors aren't spectacular, but they get the point across and tell a good story. The storylines are intriguing and make you want to watch every last episode to see what happens next. The show, despite it's older animation techniques, is still a good looking animated piece. I watch the series everyday on Cartoon Network when they air two episodes side-by-side (which makes since seeing as how the show moves along so slow). The show is divided into "sagas" or series of episodes telling a certain story. My favorite sagas are the Saya-jin Saga, Frieza Saga, Garlic Jr. Saga, Android Saga, and the Cell Saga. I hope this show keeps airing again and again. It's truly remarkable.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

"It's not the years honey, it's the mileage."

[10/10 · 25 November 2000]

I love Harrison Ford movies, but this is the BEST movie I believe I have ever seen. True, I love Star Wars too, but I saw this movie BEFORE I ever saw Star Wars, and it has found a special place in my heart.

In all my years of viewing movies, I have yet to find another movie with quite as much style as this. Everything was done so well. Putting together a terrific heroic score like John Williams did with the "Raiders March" is only something that happens once in a lifetime. That score will always make me feel the need for adventure. It just gets you going, and makes you excited, helps you get into the movie.

Oh, and the little things that just make it so amazingly clever. Such as the scene where Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is confronted by a thug with a big sword. The thug shows off his swordsmanship as to intimidate Indy, but Indy just draws his weapon as casual as you possibly could and shoots the thug with his pistol. That's incredible. Done very well!

Oh, or how about the famous scene where they open up the seal to the Well of the Souls and Indy just comments, "Snakes, why'd it have to be snakes?"

"Movie magic" is a term described when talking about the special effects in a film, but for this movie, I'd use it to describe how Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Harrison Ford all came together to make an adventure movie that will surely stand the test of time.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

The Holiday Classic Comes to Life

[6/10 · 23 November 2000]

Alright, I've seen the 1966 cartoon over 100 times most likely... and I must admit, the more I watch it, the more I wish the cartoon was longer. Well, this year I got my wish. I will admit, that it isn't the easiest thing turning a short story into a two hour long movie, but Ron Howard pulled it off. Yes, I do agree that Tim Burton should have been the one to direct the movie, but I still think that no one else but Jim Carrey could have pulled off the character of the Grinch.

Carrey does lots of goofy things in this movie that you wouldn't have previously thought that the Grinch would do, but I think that if Carrey had made the character a little less goofy and a little more serious at the beginning of the movie, then maybe it would work. Because the Grinch's character is supposed to just be miserable and grumpy, then when he's stealing the christmas presents, he could act a little more goofy because he's "enjoying" what he's doing.

Either way, it's not Carrey's fault. He does a flawless performance (as always) and can pull off an awesome grinchy smile. Tim Burton would have caused the film to be darker and aimed more towards the adults. This may have made the movie a little better (or worse, hey.. we can't prove Tim Burton could do it better) but that defeats the entire purpose of this film.

It is not intended entirely for adults. Yes, it was written so that it interests the adults as well.. but it was created for the kiddos.

The beautiful world that Ron Howard created works perfectly though. I loved Mt. Crumpet and Who-ville. Who-ville is a town where straight lines don't exist, everything has to curve and bend (just like Seuss had always inteded) and that must have been quite a challenge for any director. But he does pull it off nicely.

The backstory on the Grinch (that explains why he hates Christmas) defeats the line in the poem "The Grinch hated Christmas, he hated the whole season. Please don't ask why, no one quite knows the reason." But alas, they do give him a childhood and a love interest. I don't quite agree with this aspect of the story, but it was interesting to watch and kept me entertained.

The movie starts getting really good when it returns to the original story. The part of the movie where the Grinch prepares to steal Christmas. You'll note that Jim Carrey even sings the song "Your a mean one, Mr. Grinch" and does it really well. Nice job!

Jim Carrey seemed to give the Grinch an unusual accent in this film, it's like a bad Sean Connery. I wasn't quite sure if it would work at first, but it does!

The narration was down pretty well, but they did change up the original poem to work with the new story, so it's not exactly the same.

All in all, this is a great holiday film. It's not Ron Howard's best film, it's not Jim Carrey's best film, but it's a darn, gee-golly gosh, fun movie and I suggest that you give it a chance.

Batman & Robin (1997)

The only reason they made this film was for the, "bat bucks."

[1/10 · 21 November 2000]

I don't usually make a comment on a movie, unless it's really good. But from time to time, I like to WARN people from watching any movie that would insult their own intelligence or perhaps lower their IQ due to viewing the film. The actors must have been embarrassed beyond belief! Everyone (aside from the actor who plays "Alfred") seemed to be mis-cast. Ok, Chris O'donell did a very bland acting performance in Batman Forever, but that's nothing compared to this film. And what in the world is Arnold Schwarzaneggar doing in this movie? Why, why, why, why, why?! For the money, of course. His acting has never been something to applaud, plus he was given very VERY few lines at all throughout the movie, and YES... most were ice puns.

Let me just tell you, I had no idea how many puns you could say that refer to ice until I watched this movie. They're giving Arnold lines that are too close to the kind Jim Carrey (The Riddler in Batman Forever) would say. Arnold is NOT a comedian and can NOT say these lines so that they're funny. His character is one-hundred and twenty one times different than that of The Riddler. PLUS, all he does is destroy things, freeze things, and say stupid.. *ahem... STUPID puns. "cool party"

Alright, now who cares about Uma Thermon. She's good looking, but come'on.. that's about it! And as if Arnold didn't have enough puns, every other character (including Ivy) decide to use stupid puns. Robin himself asks if she'll, "turn over a new leaf." geez.. how pathetic.

Then we have Clooney, good job. He did very well (but not that that's much praise in this film). Val Kilmer did a faithful job as Batman in Batman Forever, but Michael Keaton is always to be known as the best.

In short, they put the wrong bad guys in the film (although Mr. Freeze had a lot of potential, they screwed the character up) and Poison Ivy has never been a very popular or interesting character. As of this writing I can not remember what the storyline was, it was very forgettable. Save yourself both time and money... and stay far, far away from this movie.