BTM-2

This is one movie for anybody who has worked,or is currently working,in corporate America. Deep down,we all have this urge to rebel and seek redemption for the hard work we do,with little to no reward. Mike Judge illustrates this concept extremely well. Watch for Milton the mumbler...he is hilarious! I also liked Gary Cole's Bill Lumberg character...the perfect example of a boss who couldn't care less about his employees. Best scene in the film...our heroes finally get their revenge on the uncooperative copy machine! Brilliant!

Three out of Four stars

This movie intrigued me as a youngster. I liked VINCENT and BOB,the two heroic robots,and always wanted one of my own. Maximillian is still today one of the scariest villain robots I've ever seen,besides the Terminator. There are several problems with the film,such as our heroes trying to make their way to the escape ship near the end. They are subjected to deep space,without space suits,all this happening dangerously close to a black hole! Talk about ridiculous! But it's fun to watch,and makes one think about what is truly beyond a black hole...

Two out of Four stars

This movie proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jim Carrey can be taken seriously as a dramatic actor. I was very disappointed that he was snubbed by the Academy Awards for this performance. Ed Harris also performed extremely well,for his portrayal of "Truman Show" creator Christof. What is so captivating is that this movie is so original,and so well conceived. Peter Weir is magical with his direction. An American masterpiece,The Truman Show should not be missed by anybody. It's funny,touching,and simply incredible.

**** out of ****

What I wouldn't do to get my hands on that idiotic perverted pre-teen Telly,as he goes around having unprotected sex with young girls,all the while being HIV positive and not even bothering to get himself tested. This film is depressing to watch,seeing these kids drink,smoking weed,and having unsafe sex. Hopefully,parents can watch this film,then have one hell of a serious talk with their children about the dangers of unprotected sex and drug use. I know I will,when the time comes.

** 1/2 out of ****

This sequel to Mortal Kombat involves a bunch of video-game heroes trying to save the Earth from the clutches of bad guy Shao Khan. Special effects are downright terrible,the acting is,well,I wouldn't even call it acting,and it's as if the film is trying to throw too much at you at one time. If you must watch this movie,make sure it's on television,where you won't waste your money on a rental. This movie is just abysmal.

1/2 of a star out of **** (I think I'm being too nice there)

I don't know why Joel Schumacher twisted the Batman franchise the way he did with this joke of a sequel. I will never comprehend,nor accept,the fact that Batman,a dark,forboding symbol of vengeful justice,carries a "Batman" credit card. Robin is reduced to a whiny brat who wants his own bird-signal,and Mr.Freeze spouts more one-liners about cold and things frozen than the whole Adam West series did altogether. Batgirl was introduced very poorly,and Poison Ivy,albeit seductive,is just not a good villainess. Mr. Schumacher,how could you? HOW?

*1/2 out of ****

First decent Star Trek film featuring the cast of "The Next Generation" finds Picard and crew going back in time to prevent the Borg from changing history. Hardcore fans of Trek will find numerous continuity problems,and the script is somewhat weak. The Borg look absolutely terrifying,and the Borg Queen is played seductively well by Alice Krige. Features a good,sweeping score by Jerry Goldsmith,and strong performances by Stewart and Brent Spiner. Followed by the weak "Insurrection".

*** out of ****

Incredible special effects really highlight this box-office smash of an alien race's invasion of Earth,by wiping out its cities,and ultimately the human populace. Cheesy dialogue and a weak plot,however,are quite evident here,but that should not sway one from seeing this film. It can be quite fun at times;I found myself cheering for Will Smith's Captain Hiller during the first combat scene,and President Whitmore's leading the human forces in a battle over Area 51. Also boosted by a dramatic,patriotic score by David Arnold.

**1/2 out of ****

Possible peace between the Klingons and the Federation,as well as a brutal murder of a Klingon chancellor and the framing of Kirk and Dr.McCoy afterward,highlight this adventure. Strong performances by most of the cast,especially Plummer as Shakespeare-quoting Klingon bad guy Chang. Sadly,this is DeForrest Kelley's(McCoy) final appearance in a Star Trek film. However,it serves as a fitting end to a legendary crew. Followed by the very weak "Generations".

*** out of ****

The fourth installment in the Superman series has our hero swearing to rid the earth of all nuclear weaponry. The special effects are downright bad,and there are obvious problems,such as when Nuclear Man takes Lacy Warfield into outer space,for one cannot breathe in outer space,and would also be frozen to death almost instantly. A very weak story in what was originally a good series. Stick with Superman I and II. Leave the rest alone.

* out of ****

This first Star Trek film drags on longer than it should. Too many shots of the refitted Enterprise,and while they look nice and pretty,too many special effects are shown. The crew seems lifeless,and unfortunately,so does this film. The sets are unattractive;the bridge looks dull and boring. It really doesn't contain the 'magic' that the Original Series brought to television. Followed,fortunately,by the brilliant "Wrath of Khan".

** out of ****

Picard and crew protect the people of an idyllic village from bad guy F.Murray Abraham in this ninth Star Trek flick. Decent special effects and nice sets fail,however,to promote the film into "Big-screen feature" status,and it ultimately feels more like a glorified television episode of Star Trek:The Next Generation. A worthy effort,but nothing more.

** out of ****

This is a remarkably well-made picture depicting life in the porn industry during the late 1970s and into the early 1980s. Fine work displayed by the entire cast,and the music fits perfectly with the mood of each individual scene. Each character is illustrated well,with a small story within each one,from Little Bill's struggles with his sexually unfaithful wife,to Amber Waves' custody battles,to Dirk Diggler's rise in fame only to have it come crashing down because of drugs and arrogance. Excellent camera usage,and brilliant direction by Paul Thomas Anderson. Burt Reynolds' finest work since Deliverance. Highly recommended.

**** out of ****

Captains Kirk and Picard finally meet in this 1994 Star Trek feature. That was about the only highlight. Why they decided to destroy the Enterprise,I will never know. Why they decided to kill Kirk the way they did,I will never know. Why they made this film the way they did,again,I will never know. Malcolm MacDowell is not a good villain,and the story is weak with continuity problems galore. A forgettable chapter in the Star Trek series.

*1/2 out of ****

To save the future Earth from a mysterious alien probe,Kirk,Spock,and crew venture to 1986 to retrieve some humpback whales in this solid,and often very funny Star Trek film. Spock's "cursing",Chekov trying to ask people for directions to the "nuclear wessels" with a cop watching,and Scotty's speaking into the computer mouse to get it to work,are just hilarious. Leonard Nimoy pulls off another good film. Save for "First Contact" and "Undiscovered Country",this was the last decent Star Trek film.

***1/2 out of ****

This is a good follow-up to the hugely successful "Wrath of Khan" which has Kirk and Co. returning to the planet Genesis to retrieve the body of Spock for proper burial on Vulcan. What they find will shock them,as Spock is alive,although his "mind" is now in McCoy's head. Christopher Lloyd plays a good Klingon enemy,and the Enterprise destruction scene is brief,yet extraordinary. Followed by another hugely successful sequel,"The Voyage Home".

*** out of ****

No,no,no. That is my advice to you if you are wanting to see this film. Anthony Perkins is the one and ONLY Norman Bates,as is Janet Leigh in her role as Marion Crane. This just seems like a colorized version of Psycho,with a few mildly different touches thrown in for a more modern appeal. Vaughn is dull as ill Norman,and Viggo Mortenson's Sam Loomis seems too much the cowboy compared to the original. Please folks,do yourself some justice. Don't bother with this. One can only wonder what Mr. Alfred Hitchcock and Mr. Anthony Perkins would be thinking right now.......

* out of ****

Patrick Stewart demonstrates once again his versatility on screen in this telling of Charles Dickens' classic story. Though most of us(if not all of us) have seen other adaptations in the past or read the story,and know already what to expect,Stewart manages to capture pure magic with his stunningly awesome portrayal of main character Ebenezer Scrooge,and it is definitely worth a look. Special effects add a nice little touch,but it is Stewart's interaction with the 'ghosts' and characters Bob Cratchit among others that really steal the show. A highly recommended film that nobody should miss.....especially during Christmas time!

***1/2 out of ****

....great EVERYTHING!! Regis Philbin does a simply fantastic job as the host of this outstanding game show series. The set is perfect,even the music is stirring and dramatic. I wish ABC would keep this show on as a regular series--they would make a killing in the Nielsens. Don't bother with other networks trying to copy Millionaire's success....this is the one and only one to watch. Period. That is my final answer......



(As of 11/20/1999) 4 out of 4 stars

Never has there been such an original piece of work as The Blair Witch Project. The creators really put forth much time and effort to create an atmosphere that seems believable,what with the newscasts,interviews,photographic evidence,and the Blair Witch website. Finally the film itself is a masterful achievement. Kudos must go to the trio of Heather,Joshua,and Michael. They performed incredibly well,apparently ad-libbing their way throughout the entire picture. The ending scene was just creepy. An excellent horror film that should not be missed.

Three out of four stars

Austin Powers is back to again battle his nemesis Dr.Evil in this sequel. Myers once again does a fine job as both hero and villain,and even manages to pull off a third role,the Fat Bastard,but Heather Graham leaves much to be desired. Verne Troyer is hysterical as Mini-Me,and the Jerry Springer scenes were to die for. Not as good as the first,though. Many elements that made the first one great are thrown in here. This film also holds the dubious distinction of having the single most disgusting scene in all of cinema history(those who have seen it know what I mean!) Nevertheless,it's harmless fun,and I look forward to another of Mr.Powers' escapades....hopefully without the 'nutty' coffee....

2 1/2 out of 4 stars

A fine action/adventure/romance/comedy,with excellent performances by Banderas,Hopkins,and Zeta-Jones. Hopkins plays the elder Zorro with passion and dignity,despite sounding a little too 'British' for the part. The two villains,played by Wilson and Letscher,also do well. One film that shouldn't be missed.

3 out of 4 stars

Mike Myers pulls off a wonderful job at playing hero and villain. Despite the humorous sexual antics of Mr.Powers,it's really Dr.Evil who steals the show. Elizabeth Hurley is absolutely sexy,and Robert Wagner is great as Dr.Evil's right-hand man. The film looks to be the result of numerous spy movie aspects thrown into one,with comedy thrown in,with hilarious results.

3 out of 4 stars

This fifth installment in the Star Trek series happens to be the worst of the bunch. I originally had high hopes for this film,after the huge success of #4. New Enterprise,Kirk back as a Captain,new adventures. Instead we're given this,a lackluster effort with flimsy special effects,cheesy dialogue and a script to match. Beginner's Luck is definitely not with director Shatner. Kudos must go to Mr.Lawrence Luckinbill,who performed outstandingly as the Vulcan outcast Sybok,and Jerry Goldsmith's score is pleasing to the ears. Overall however the negatives outweighed the positives,resulting in one voyage the Enterprise should never have taken....

1 1/2 out of 4 stars

Martin and Candy shine in this hilarious film of one marketing executive's seemingly simple quest to get home for Thanksgiving,only to find it's not such a simple little deed after all,thanks to the companionship of shower-curtain ring salesman Del Griffith. Hysterical moments include Martin's rage at an airport car rental counter,and the "morning after" scene when the two wake up together in unexpected positions. A true classic...one of Mr.Candy's finest works. A film no comedy buff should ever miss....

3 out of 4 stars