savestheday821 Reviews

Taking Lives (2004)

Um. It was alright.

[7/10 · 17 August 2004]

Overview: Angelina Jolie stars as a hardass special agent investigating a string of murders in which the killer steals the identity of his victims. Hence the title. While it offers a few jumps (mostly arms popping out and grabbing you, much as could be found in a rural haunted house), Taking Lives is essentially formulatic and predictable. I watched it with two friends who are self-proclaimed wusses and even they only flinched twice.

What's Good: The performances. Although the only Angelina Jolie film I actually liked was Girl, Interrupted, she's a decent actress who did well as usual. Martinez is cute as a French-Candadian FBI (or something similar) agent working on the case. And sue me -- because I seem to be the only person left on this earth that still likes Ethan Hawke. And despite how sure I was that I knew the 'twists' the entire time (I turned out to be right, mind you), there were a few moments of doubt. I'm usually pretty cynical of suspense and up to speed on things (Secret Window? Pshaw. I totally saw that coming.), there were a few red herrings I fell for.

What's Bad: Did I mention how predictable it is? Also, the ending is totally unrealistic. There's a lot of holes in the 'plan', but I won't go into it for fear of spoilers.

See It If: You like Angelina Jolie. You like Angelina Jolie naked. (i.e. you are male.) The video store is out of Se7en and Silence of the Lambs.

Chasing Amy (1997)

Most definitely worth it.

[10/10 · 1 June 2004]

Plot Outline: Holden MacNeil and Banky Edwards write comics (Banky is a 'tracer', although he'll kick your ass if you call him that), through a mutual friend, who makes a hilarious speech about black comic book heroes, they're introduced to Alyssa, you'll have to forgive me if I call her Amy... because I might. Holden falls in love soon, but finds out she is a lesbian. (Spoiler alert) For some reason, she throws away her previous sexuality and begins a relationship with Holden. What hilarious chaos will ensue? Watch the damn movie.

Rating: 10/10

Review: Okay, this movie deserved a ten from me on Jason Lee (Banky)'s performance alone. I'm not kidding. Plus, I didn't despise Ben Affleck, which is rare, my friends. Kevin Smith is an incredibly talented writer/director, and he didn't overdo Jay and Silent Bob usage, like he did in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. I guess what I like about this film is that it was the perfect balance between hilariously crude movies (à la Clerks) and way, way over the top and manufactured (à la Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back). Along with Dogma, I'd call this Kevin Smith at his best. A must-see for anyone not lacking a sense of humor or can stand... graphic language. And Joey Lauren Adams's voice. (One of the few bad things about this movie)

Best Performance: Jason Lee, without a doubt.

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

Terrific effects, Terrible movie.

[5/10 · 31 May 2004]

I'll admit; I saw this for Jake Gyllenhaal. He's a wonderful actor (and quite attractive; I'll admit. But don't blame me; I'm fifteen.) And I've learned my lesson.

I laughed at parts that REALLY weren't supposed to be funny, the script was just plain bad, and save for the main performances (Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ian Holm, Emmy Rossum) it was very poorly acted.

Plus, the plot wasn't even realistic. I'm sorry, but I seriously wouldn't recommend this to anyone. Unless they enjoy bad scripts and bad acting accompanied by TOTALLY AWESOME SPECIAL EFFECTS, MAN. Because that's what happened, the special effects rocked, the movie sucked. Really, really hate to say it, but pass.

Cracking Up (2004–2006)

I think I only liked it because of the cast...

[26 April 2004]

I watched every episode (were there 6?) of this before it was canceled. Now Jason Schwartzman is def. one of my favorite actors, I love most things Mike White does (i.e. The Good Girl) and Molly Shannon? Well let's just say I'm one of the biggest SNL buffs ever

But the show? Eh, I liked it, but it didn't really make me laugh... The performances were great (bonus points for featuring Zooey Deschanel in an episode) but I just... ack. Didn't like it. The pilot episode had reeeally bad exposition, that kinda stood out... it tried to be funny lots of times that it really wasn't... Points also deducted for putting Jack Black in.

Don't think I'd recommend it to anyone who, uh, isn't me.