Mini Reviews

Wimbedon - (F)

Point Blank – (B+)

It Happened One Night - (A-)

Sahara - (D)

Hoop Dreams - (A)

A Wedding Date - (D-)

Shall We Dance - (C+)

Fever Pitch - (C+)

Oldboy - (B-)

Phantom of the Opera (2004) – (D)

The Ring Two - (F)

Layer Cake – (B+)

Alien Vs. Predator – (F)

7.7/10

Hubris scored a 7.7 out of a possible 10 (the score was averaged from 15 viewers via test screen surveys). So now I’m just tweaking the final cut and doing some final audio mixing.

I shared the film with my filmmaker brother this weekend and he gave some good, constructive feedback and felt for the most part that it’s a good film. His opinion is that the film moves along nicely and although there are a few missteps in there, overall it keeps the audience engaged and entertained….which is all I’m hoping for this time. On my previous film I think I was trying too hard to be the “serious” artist. This time I let loose and just had fun which I hope translates to the screen.

If you’re ever interested in seeing the film, drop me a quick email and I’ll keep you posted on the premiere date, if it hits any film festivals in your area (Fingers crossed) and when it’s available on DVD.

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?

HUBRIS Test Screenings

I’ve been scheduling some test screenings for the rough cut of HUBRIS. This weekend is the big test with an audience who hasn’t been involved with the production at all. I’m hoping most of the movie gets a positive response.

The movie is almost locked and ready to deliver to the composer and sound designer. Can’t wait to get it finished and out there!!!