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Reviews
The Mist (2007)
There's something in the mist!
I heard about this movie. I knew I was supposed to be prepared for its ending many said was shocking, even revolting. I sat in the theater and viewed what many will later categorize as classic sci-fi/horror. From the very beginning you'll watch as everyday people find themselves in an ordinary grocery store as supernatural events unfold around them.
If you're looking for a movie that will have you gripping the arm rest when "things go bumping in the night" then this is your movie. If you appreciate character play and conflict then this is your movie. Finally, if you want to shocked and shocked again go to Blockbuster and rent this movie tonight.
"The Mist" is a monster movie but it's also about our reaction to fear and the unknown. It's about people when faced with an extreme crisis living up to their best or worst qualities. You'll find it in this movie; along with the heroes, the pitiful and the innocent.
The ending delivers. And you'll remember it for a long time. A very long time. Chilling.
The Invasion (2007)
An exception
A rushed, blurry movie but worthwhile to view. Of all of the Body Snatcher movies, this one comes close to Jack Finney's ending in his 1955 novel that started it all.
Notes: 1. Space shuttle crash brings the spores to earth? C'mon, makes better sense to have a meteor shower with spores rain down across the countryside. Folks come in contact with it, get infected and change during RIM sleep.
2. Gone are the seed pods..this is just plain infection. OK, I can buy that part. But, vomiting into the victim's face or spiking their drinks to spread the infection? They should already be infected by casual contact.
3. And, yes. The ending is a bit too tidy. But, after the doom and gloom of the previous snatcher movies.... it's a welcomed ending.
Superman Returns (2006)
Superman soars..!!!
Bryan Singer's "Superman Returns" is an outstanding movie. It brought me back to 1978 where I viewed Richard Donner's original for the very first time. My problem with Donner's film is that it became too campy in scenes regarding Lex Luther. Kevin Spacey's Lex Luther is a worthy adversary for the Man of Steel. He's a darker foe and much more menacing.
"Superman Returns" could have been better with tighter editing. There were moments during the movie when I said to myself: "OK, get on with it." However, when the movie works it simply explodes! 'Superman Returns" deals with a hero who could never be a part of us. He will always be an outsider. Consider Jor-El's tacit warning: "Even though you've been raised as a human, you are not one of them." This is a story about dealing with rejection and burdensome responsibility.
Yes, Brandon Routh brings back memories of Christopher Reeve. It was bound to happen and Routh does an exceptional job. However, the story adds a needed element and that is mystery. Do we really know Superman; this strange visitor from another planet?
Without a Trace (1983)
Triumph of the caravan home
Child abduction is a parent's worst fear. This movie hits all of those fears; through the initial shock of the disappearance of Alex Selky, to the maddening vigil of waiting by the phone and enduring police double-talk about leads in the investigation. Kate Nelligan plays the mother who never gives up and it's her needling of Judd Hirsch, the lead police detective that prompts him to check further.
While many child abduction cases end in tragedy, we are permitted in this movie the triumph of the happy ending. Judd Hirsch (off-duty with son in tow) checks out that one "dismissible" lead.
The caravan of police of various jurisdictions bringing Alex back home is magnificent. The final scene of the mother and son reunion, against the busy backdrop of the crowds and media will have you wiping your eyes.
Flight 93 (2006)
A&E's Flight 93 is required viewing
Shortly after we witnessed the horrific events of the terrorist's attacks there was an overwhelming consensus that Hollywood should stay way from this. The pain was too strong. It would disrespect the families and it would be a cheap endeavor to make a movie about something so terrible.
Five years later, there have been several documentaries and now filmmakers are staging to release motion pictures on 9/11. While I'm not ready to see what Oliver Stone has to offer, A&E's Flight 93 is the first dramatization of 9/11 that I've seen.
Forget about its TV budget, the acting or any other faults the movie may have. This is a simple yet sustaining movie that will pull you from the heart. This movie depicts with profound reverence a brave group of souls who knew they were going to die. And, that the instrument of their deaths could not be used to kill other innocent people. It's a movie about people and their families. It's about strangers united, bravery and determination. I want to see this movie again and share it with others.
Thank you A&E for producing a respectful, illuminating film.
Fantastic Four (2005)
Good family entertainment
The Fantastic Four movie is a lot of fun. Does it have it's flaws? Sure it does. Is it better than the other Marvel offerings Spider-Man and X-Men? No, FF clearly falls behind those movies. However, it ranks above Daredevil and The Hulk.
Enjoy FF for what it is: light-weight summer fare that doesn't take itself too seriously. I laughed at the banter and I was pleased with the action. Enjoy and have fun. $56 million during the first weekend. Let's see what week #2 brings.
Looking forward to the sequel where we hope to see Galactus and the Silver Surfer. Excelisor!