albert-rollins Reviews

All About the Benjamins (2002)

Quite Entertaining

[7/10 · 30 September 2004]

I saw this this movie in theaters back when it came out and it was entertaining then. I bought in on DVD and I have been entertained since. But last night I watched from a more critical stance than usual and found some flaws in this movie that I thought was very good.

First of all, I love Ice Cube and what he's done with his career and how he branched off from music to movies. He's one of the few rappers that can hold their own on either side of the camera. He also seems to know his limitations. He enlists others to handle the over-the-top comedy for those qualified. Mike Epps was a very good choice. At times his jokes can fall flat, but the hilarity of his funny moments make up for the missteps.

I watched 'All About the Benjamins' last night and I was in stitches laughing at the shower torture scene. I rewinded that bad boy at least five times and watched it again once more before I went to sleep for one more chuckle. Oddly enough, it wasn't Ice Cube, Mike Epps, or even the torture that I found funny. It was the torturee (Julian Ramose played by Roger Guenveur Smith). When he mouthed off at Mike Epps' character (Reggie) I was rolling all over the place uncontrollably.

This movie's script could have been better, but I've seen much worse. I was never bored and I will watch this movie many more times in the future. Ice Cube should employ better writers in the future. This could be a gem with smarter dialogue. We watch movies too, you know.

I gave this movie a 7 out of 10. That one scene getting rewound so much was a HUGE factor. See this if you get a chance.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

I almost died laughing!!!

[8/10 · 5 September 2004]

Man, I don't remember the last time I've laughed so hard. I finally saw this film last night and I wish I wouldn't have waited so long. This movie made no sense whatsoever, but it's hilarity made up for it easily. I completely lost it during Jack Black's cameo. I don't want to give anything away, but I HIGHLY recommend that everyone see this hilarious comedy. I'm definitely going to watch it many many more times. The icing on the cake was the dumb reporter. I know I personally have a weird sense of humor and that may be why that character cracked me up so much. I mean, he said things that had nothing to do with the dialogue at all. I'm laughing so much right now I have to buy this movie when it is released.

This movie gets an 8/10 from me.

Spartan (2004)

I didn't acquire this taste

[1/10 · 21 August 2004]

I hear that Mamet's movies are an acquired taste. I guess that I didn't acquire it. The movie was not interesting at all. The attempts at witty dialogue came across as stupid one liners. The "twists" in the plot were overdone and just what was Kilmer's job? I read the back of the box for clarity, but it was worse than the movie! It said something like he was a member of the CIA, Special Forces, and the Secret Service at the same time, but then he was none of them too. What? I honestly tried to like this movie, but it didn't work for me. Derek Luke came out with a bang when he did Antwone Fisher, but in this movie he didn't have a good script to work with. William H. Macey had the same dilemma. As for the girl. Booooo. Her acting was terrible in my opinion. No wonder I haven't seen her in anything else. I just wasn't convinced. And just what position did her father hold in the government? I'm sorry Mamet. 4/10. And that's generous. It just wasn't for me.

Jackie Brown (1997)

Slow yet engaging

[10/10 · 21 August 2004]

This movie was wonderful. I have watched it many times and have never been bored. Tarantino slowed it down a bit ton this one, but I still remain glued to the screen every time I watch it. The dialogue is incredible. I quote this movie all the time. Samuel Jackson is always a wonder to watch and no one else could have done Ordell Robbie like him. Pam Grier is sexy and strong and does a beautiful job with Jackie Brown. She didn't get enough credit for her performance in this movie. Sadly, if Julia Roberts would've put in an identical performance, Oscar talks would have been in the air. Robert Forster was great...man, the entire cast was great. I recommend this movie to anyone. Everyone should see it. 10/10!