briansteven Reviews

The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle (2000)

Moose and Squirrel Still Have the Magic

[3 July 2000]

I was really surprised at how much I liked this movie. R&B are brought magically to life in the real world, and still have the same magic in their camraderie. People complained that the puns were stupid and that the humor was aimed at adults. Hello? That's exactly what made the original cartoon so great.

R&B's observations on contemporary society are hilarious. The film also pokes fun at politicians, the legal system, and our addiction to TV, with a riotous sendup of "Cops".

The film is quite satisfying whenever R&B are onscreen. When it's just the human actors, things get a little dull. DeNiro, Alexander and Russo all are decent, but these performances would be criticized no matter who was playing them, with the possible exception of Jim Carrey. The best human performer is Piper Pirabo, a total hottie. She has been criticized for a bad performance, but I thought she did a great job.

It's not Oscar material, it won't gross $100 million, and it's not deep social commentary, but it sure is fun. Anybody with a sense of humor would be hard-pressed not to smile and feel good on the inside after seeing this. I just hope they make a sequel. Rocky & Bullwinkle forever!!!!

Dogma (1999)

Dogma Should Be Crucified

[26 June 2000]

I really think Dogma is one of the worst movies ever made, and I was not at all offended by the subject material. The story is horribly written and comes off like a film-school dropout's first, failed attempt at a deep movie.

Damon and Affleck are given little to work with here, mostly just bantering back and forth as one suspects they do at a nightclub together. The Jason Mewes character may be the most revolting presence seen in cinema since Jar Jar Binks. The only redeeming quality of the film is Alan Rickman, who delivers his usual stellar performance. His scenes add a smidgen of credibility to this mess of a movie. Chris Rock is also funny, but is so in spite of the material.

Kevin Smith so badly wants to make a profound film that will make people get philosophical about religion. He fails miserably. How he got such A-list talent interested in this garbage is a mystery. I challenge all but his hard-core fans to sit through this schlock until the bitter end. It's unbearable. If only those born-agains had left this film alone, it would have died a quick and merciful death by virtue of scathing reviews and horrible box office receipts. Much ado about nothing.

Booty Call (1997)

You'll laugh 'til your booty falls off

[20 June 2000]

Booty Call is one of the funniest movies to come along in many years. Jamie Foxx absolutely steals the show. He has some really funny, memorable lines, and is adept at physical humor. Even though the material is of an overtly sexual nature, the message of the film is definitely that monogamy is cool. A real over-achiever of a film. Was probably made on a shoestring budget, but delivers more laughs than any high-priced Eddie Murphy comedy. A must-see!