Mini Review Time

The Last Shot (2004) – (D-) - Great concept with very poor execution. Clumsy direction leaves this story very flat and feeling very generic. Worse than a sitcom, okay not that bad.

Kung Fu Hustle (2004) – (B) - Fun flick. However, it’s not as good as everyone has said with comments on all the “meaning” behind stuff. Characters are pretty cardboard and it’s just a fun Friday night movie to eat your popcorn to. A very weak romantic element is thrown in from left field.

Shaolin Soccer by Stephen Chow is much better.

The Upside of Anger (2005) - (B-) – Standout performances by Joan Allen, Kevin Costner (can you believe it???) and Mike Binder make this usual standard drama more interesting than normal. This movie would’ve been your LIFETIME “movie of the week” crapfest if not for these saving graces.

Slim Susie (2003) – (C-) - Felt too wannabee Guy Ritchie or Trainspotting for me.

The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005) – (B-) - Disappointing to me amongst all the positive reviews as I was expecting a lot more. The 2nd half of the film worked better for me than the first half, but still felt a bit uneven. It gets a little clunky (setups are better than the payoff) and misses a few marks where it could’ve really nailed some great moments. Most of the humor misses the mark and I was really offended by all the racial stereotypes.

My rant: How many more times do we have to see the old foreigner cuss and say all the vulgar remarks to be the comedy relief? It could’ve been just as funny if the actors didn’t have an accent.

Mean Creek (2004) – (C-) - Deliverance with kids…..but inferior and boring.

Cinemania (2002) – (B+) - Just short enough that it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Very interesting to see the lives of obsessive people around one of my favorite subjects in life.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) – (A-) - I visit this title once a year or so and for the most part it still holds up (save for the outdated music). Steve Martin and John Candy give memorable performances and I’m still a sucker for the ending. Where the hell did John Hughes go?