Movie Night: Dr. No.

Review #150: Dr. No.

Cast

Sean Connery (James Bond), Ursula Andress (Honey Ryder), Joseph Wiseman (Dr. No), Jack Lord (Felix Leiter), Bernard Lee (M), Anthony Dawson (Professor R.J. Dent), John Kitzmiller (Quarrel), Zena Marshall (Miss Taro), Eunice Gayson (Sylvia Trench), Lois Maxwell (Miss Moneypenny), and Peter Burton (Major Boothroyd) Directed by Terence Young.

Review

On October 5, 1962, a spy film was released by United Artists. This was the first James Bond film released, the 1st of 23 as of May 2012, though Skyfall will be released in October. Sean Connery is great in this flick (In fact, his great charm starts when you first see him, particularly when he says his name.), with his suave personality and smooth delivery (That would be followed by 5 other actors - George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig) that make the movie a delight. The effects may be a bit laughable, but I ignore that considering this was made with only $1 million. The film is a bit slow at times, particularly when getting to No's island. The villain is...not exactly a great villain. He is simply a man with metal claws, not even showing up until the last 25 minutes (After being mentioned all throughout), but for the first villain in the film series, he is at least somewhat evil. The other actors are decent. Andress is certainly memorable, even though her voice was dubbed. This was the only time Lord played Felix Leiter (a role that has changed more times than Bond has), and he seems to have a good rapport with Bond. Lee and Maxwell would stay onto the series longer than even Connery and become mainstays right up until the 1980's. This film has excitement in its good parts that help keep you interested. The films after this do a bit better, as Connery would do 5 more films after this. And so this ends the 150th Review. Halfway over 100 and halfway under 200, this is still a worthy achievement.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Super 8.

Review #149: Super 8.

Cast
Joel Courtney (Joseph Francis "Joe" Lamb), Elle Fanning (Alice "Allie" Dainard), Kyle Chandler (Deputy Jackson "Jack" Lamb), Riley Griffiths (Charles Kaznyk), Ryan Lee (Cary McCarthy), Ron Eldard (Louis Dainard), Caitriona Balfe (Elizabeth Lamb), Noah Emmerich (Colonel Nelec), and Bruce Greenwood (Cooper) Directed by J. J. Abrams (#009 - Star Trek)

Review
This film has one charm from American Graffiti (#141) which is that it reminds you back to the 1970's (1979 to be exact) I believe that Abrams wanted to honor Spielberg with this film, with the childlike charm with an alien and fun but with a mix of scares. The child actors are good at their roles, especially from Courtney and Fanning. The alien looks good, not really having much of a flaw as the plot is well made enough to keep you interested. It's a fun film that has wonder that can be enjoyed by everyone. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.

Review #148: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.

Cast
Jim Carrey (Ace Ventura), Courteney Cox (Melissa Robinson), Sean Young (Lt. Lois Einhorn / Ray Finkle), Tone Lōc (Emilio), John Capodice (Sgt. Aguado), Dan Marino, Noble Willingham (Riddle), and Troy Evans (Roger Podacter) Directed by Tom Shadyac.

Review
Jim Carrey has made some good films (The Mask, Bruce Almighty) and some bad (Yes Man, When Nature Calls) Wait, this line feels familiar...Anyway, this film is actually good (See, this line isn't that familiar to...Norbit after all) There are some good gags and lines all throughout the film. The plot may seem a bit off the wall, but it's decent enough to not be a major effect on the film. Carrey is a bit like Murphy. Both can do comedy and drama (Dreamgirls for Murphy and The Truman Show for Carrey) It's funny how both of these films are connected due to the fact that I haven't reviewed a flick with either one of these actors until now. One I regret and one I will at least remember. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2...

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Norbit.

Review #147: Norbit.

Cast
Eddie Murphy (Norbit Rice/Rasputia Latimore/Mr. Hangten Wong), Thandie Newton (Kate Thomas), Terry Crews a(Big Black Jack), Clifton Powell (Earl), Lester 'Rasta' Speight (Blue), Cuba Gooding Jr. (Deion Hughes), Eddie Griffin (Pope Sweet Jesus), and Katt Williams (Lord Have Mercy) Directed by Brian Robbins.

Review
Eddie Murphy has tried to be funny for a long time. Some (Trading Places, Coming to America, Shrek, Beverly Hills Cop) more then others (Meet Dave, The Adventures of Pluto Nash, Imagine That). This...Well, let's start small. The makeup is decent (Actually getting an Oscar nomination for it) The acting...*sigh* isn't really there. Murphy tries to do something in this flick, but it doesn't help. The main flaw with this is that it is not very inspired. It makes the same kind of joke that keeps running into the film, making you feel fun at first, but by the end, it just makes you feel chuckle very lightly. You don't feel anything for this film, you'll remember a joke or two, but only because this film causes "Movie Remember Syndrome" That is when you remember a film only because of how weird/bad/odd it is (There is an opposite to it. They call it "Good Flicks") I guess the reason some people like it is because of all the bizarre rapid fire jokes...Murphy needs to go back to the drawing board, find an actual writer, find an actual premise (for example of drama: Dreamgirls), and find a better movie. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3...

Overall, I give it 4 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Goal! The Dream Begins.

Review #146: Goal! The Dream Begins.

Cast
Kuno Becker (Santiago Muñez), Alessandro Nivola (Gavin Harris), Stephen Dillane (Glen Foy), Marcel Iures (Erik Dornhelm), Anna Friel (Roz Harmison), Tony Plana (Santiago's father), Kieran O'Brien (Hughie McGowan), and Sean Pertwee (Barry Rankin) Directed by Danny Cannon.

Review
This is an unusual choice of a film to watch, but I ended up watching it, so there ya go. Anyway, the film doesn't really have much to differ from any sports film (this actually being the first one here reviewed). The acting is standard, not doing much, even for a Touchstone film. The soccer playing is allright, but this film isn't really motivating or useful. It's decent, but it isn't much after that. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4...

Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Freedom Writers.

Review #145: Freedom Writers.

Cast
Hilary Swank (Erin Gruwell), Patrick Dempsey (Scott Casey), Scott Glenn (Steve Gruwell), Imelda Staunton (Margaret Campbell), John Benjamin Hickey (Brian Gelford), April Lee Hernández (Eva Benitez), Mario (Andre Bryant), Jason Finn (Marcus), and Vanetta Smith (Brandy Ross) Directed by Richard LaGravenese.

Review
At first, you wonder if this film is like other films of its kind, such as Dangerous Minds, Lean on Me and Stand and Deliver. But once you watch the film, you realize it is not. It's decently acted with the all of the relative unknowns you see, with Swank doing a good job (And if I wanted to take a shot at Dempsey, I would gladly decline due to it being too bored to do) The story is well-paced, with this film making sure it is keeping you interested with all the things that happened here and in real life. It's a good flick for something a little different. Countdown to 150 is now half over...10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.

Review #144: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.

Cast
Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader), Ian McDiarmid (Palpatine / Darth Sidious), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Christopher Lee (Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Frank Oz (Yoda), Jimmy Smits (Bail Organa), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Oliver Ford Davies (Sio Bibble), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Matthew Wood (General Grievous) and Silas Carson (Nute Gunray and Ki-Adi-Mundi) Directed by George Lucas (#113 - Star Wars, #141 - American Graffiti, #142 - Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and #143 - Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones)

Review:
Greetings. I have fixed this review in terms of grammar and slight fixes to phrases in honor of the recent release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which is set after this film. Enjoy this review if you can, written in Season 2 - not exactly my favorite season of Movie Night.

This is the last film of the franchise (1977, 1980, 1983, 1999, 2002, 2005) to be released by 20th Century Fox, but is it better than the two films released before it? The answer is yes. It is definitely better then The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, yet it is not as great as A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and (despite what some say) Return of the Jedi.

The acting (like the last two prequels before it) is good from some of the cast, such as Ewan McGregor, probably the best actor in this trilogy. Ian McDiarmid is consistently brilliant even with silly makeup (and some moments of full blown joke material). Natalie Portman prevails fairly enough, even if she does have to say some pretty lame lines at times that seem to border on romance novel junk. Hayden Christensen, while better than how he was in the last film is fairly servicable in the fight scenes and some of the scenes with Kenobi, still has moments to make fun of (such as nearly any scene with Portman), though it works better than the other two films. The writing is somewhat better (in the grand scheme of things), though Lucas still can't write a good love scene, nor close a movie properly without making it feel endless. Did I really need a scene of Yoda explaining that Qui-Gon Jinn found a way to retain consciousness after death? Some scenes work such as the beginning space fight, the dialogue between Anakin and Palpatine, and especially the last lightsaber fight. The scene with the younglings is certainly dark, but it still feels ridiculous, especially when Obi-Wan mentions it later (while covering his mouth with his hand). With all the action, the movie still feels short when it comes to really caring about these characters along with trying not to make fun of it. The film ends a Prequel Trilogy that will be remembered for how it could've been such more rather then what it was while the Original Trilogy will be remembered for its good, if not great quality. This is an okay movie that could've been better, but at least it is better the other two prequels, and I guess that means something. This Star Wars saga is now complete. For now.

Countdown to #150: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6...

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

Review #143: Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

Cast
Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), Ian McDiarmid (Chancellor Palpatine / Darth Sidious), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Christopher Lee (Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Frank Oz (Yoda), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Pernilla August (Shmi Skywalker), Oliver Ford Davies (Sio Bibble), Andy Secombe (Watto), Silas Carson (Nute Gunray and Ki-Adi-Mundi), Alethea McGrath (Jocasta Nu), Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett), and Jimmy Smits (Bail Organa) Directed by George Lucas (#113 - Star Wars, #141 - American Graffiti, and #142 - Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace)

Review
As of May 2019, this review has been superceded by a Redux Review that goes into better detail - as seen here: https://movienightcentral.blogspot.com/2019/05/redux-star-wars-episode-ii-attack-of-the-clones.html

Three years after Jar-Jar ruined the world, this film tries to heal some wounds as it promised origins to help this trilogy. But does it? Kind of. It is better then The Phantom Menace, but not by much. The acting is decent from some (McGregor, Lee, Oz), but the main point of focus is what is not from Christensen and Portman. Now, Portman is not entirely bad, but as one part of the love crud in the film along with Christensen, she takes the blame. Christensen, oh Christensen. He is dull as you feel you are watching a robot as he tries to speak the dialogue. The writing is mediocre, not as magical as the Original Trilogy, with many love cliched lines that make you wonder if Lucas completely forgot how love was dealt with in The Empire Strikes Back (#114). My only question is why Lucas wants to connect the two trilogies so much. Look, you inserted 6 characters of the Original Trilogy already (Obi-Wan, Yoda, Anakin, Papaltine C-3PO and R2-D2 plus Chewbacca in Episode III), and these two trilogies aren't really similar in style, so don't try to connect them. Either way, this film is barely better then Menace, but it has a different problem that overlays into the one from the previous one: Sappy romance and Anakin's performance.

Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8, 7...

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

Review #142: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

Cast
Liam Neeson (Qui-Gon Jinn), Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Natalie Portman (Queen Padmé Amidala), Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker), Ian McDiarmid (Senator Palpatine / Darth Sidious), Pernilla August (Shmi Skywalker), Frank Oz (Yoda), Oliver Ford Davies (Sio Bibble), Hugh Quarshie (Captain Panaka), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Terence Stamp (Supreme Chancellor Valorum), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Ray Park (Darth Maul), Keira Knightley (Sabé), Silas Carson  (Nute Gunray, Ki-Adi-Mundi, and Lott Dod), Brian Blessed (Boss Nass), Andy Secombe (Watto), and Lewis MacLeod (Sebulba) Directed by George Lucas (#113 - Star Wars and #141 - American Graffiti)

Review
As of May 2019, this review has been superceded by a Redux Review that goes into better detail - as seen here: https://movienightcentral.blogspot.com/2019/05/redux-star-wars-episode-i-the-phantom-menace.html

After the climatic end to the Original Trilogy in 1983, the film series went into decline, with nothing following. That is until 1997, with the Special Edition releases (Which wasn't the first time the films had been changed) Anyway, this film had a huge amount of hype. 16 Years of waiting for...This. Needless to say, it was not what fans expected. The acting is decent from some (Ewan McGregor, the best of the cast. Natalie Portman also does well and Ian McDiarmid is excellent), but from others it's either a bit dull, or just...more then just dull (Such as Jake Lloyd or Amhed Best). Jar-Jar and Anakin are the main problems in the film, as they both annoy you to no end. The look of the film and the action are alright (for 1999, anyway), but it's all hampered by the fact it's CGI, making it feel unnatural. The story is meh to say the least, but it is hard to care about Qui-Gon Jinn when you don't really connect with him at all. Even the original Obi-Wan Kenobi from Episode IV was easy to relate to because his mysterious nature was intriguing, as opposed to Qui-Gon Jinn's dull nature. Darth Maul isn't an awful villain, and I guess it is nice to see a silent villain given all the other choices (Nute Gunray, who is terribly uninteresting, and the battle droids, who are about as cool looking as actual sticks.), the double bladed lightsaber is awesome even now.

Lucas tries to connect this to the Original Trilogy, but it just falls short. Midichlorians is just a silly concept (short explanation: tiny organisms in people and if you have enough of them, you're a Jedi/Sith). You know what is the best way to describe the Force and the Jedi itself actually is? This: "The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together." That quote from Episode IV is all you need to know about the Jedi because it just sounds that good. But was this as bad as everyone says? Maybe, maybe not. Overhyped is a word to describe this movie, and when something is overhyped, you get disappointed no matter how the movie is. Most of the time. We've only just begun on our journey reviewing these films. Countdown to 150: 10, 9, 8...

Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: American Graffiti.

Review #141: American Graffiti.

Cast
Richard Dreyfuss (Curt Henderson), Ron Howard (Steve Bolander), Paul Le Mat (John Milner), Charles Martin Smith (Terry "The Toad" Fields), Cindy Williams (Laurie Henderson), Candy Clark (Debbie Dunham), Mackenzie Phillips (Carol Morrison), Wolfman Jack (Himself), Bo Hopkins (Joe Young), Manuel Padilla, Jr (Carlos), Beau Gentry (Ants), and Harrison Ford (Bob Falfa) Directed by George Lucas (#113 - Star Wars)

Review
This film is cool, pure and simple. This film is nostalgic, but not in the way that only people from the 60's can enjoy it. Anyone can feel for these characters and all the fun they do in one night. The acting's good, especially from Dreyfuss. The characters are memorable, the cars are memorable. I must mention Harrison Ford and his performance as this would begin a partnership of roles for him with Lucas. This film may not be perfect in the sense that this could film could easily be forgotten without this cast, but this is still a classic film that takes you back to when you had a load of fun all in one night.

The Countdown to 150 continues...10, 9...

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Ring (2002)

Review #140: The Ring.

Cast
Naomi Watts (Rachel Keller), Martin Henderson (Noah Clay), David Dorfman (Aidan Keller), Brian Cox (Richard Morgan), Jane Alexander (Dr. Grasnik), Lindsay Frost (Ruth Embry), Amber Tamblyn (Katherine Embry), Rachael Bella (Rebecca Kotler), and Daveigh Chase (Samara Morgan). Directed by Gore Verbinski.

Review
This is a remake of a 1998 Japanese film named Ring (which was based on the novel also named Ring) Anyway, this film has some scares that don't use sneaking up on people, found footage, or gore, but by disturbing images that keep you invested. The acting's decent, with Watts doing a good job. The little kid feels like a Sixth Sense type of kid, which isn't necessary. This film feels fine, until the end. I feel this is a confusing end that makes you wonder this: Why? Why do you need this type of ending? Why not just end on a good end rather then twist end us, setting up the basis for a sequel rather then just easily close out this film that is decent, with scares, and...a setup for a sequel. The Countdown to 150 begins...10...

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.

Review #139: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.

Cast
Spencer Tracy (Matt Drayton), Sidney Poitier (Dr. John Prentice), Katharine Hepburn (Christina Drayton), Katharine Houghton (Joanna "Joey" Drayton), and Cecil Kellaway (Monsignor Ryan) Directed by Stanley Kramer.

Review
This film was the ninth and final pairing of Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn (1st time I've reviewed a film with these two though, Hepburn's 105th Birthday being today), and they both are wonderful in this drama. It's beautifully acted, especially from Poitier. This is a well set drama that after 45 years holds up allright. But not perfectly allright. I feel that this film wants to have Poitier be too perfect (Which is actually what the director wanted) He does so much good, why would the other parents not accept him? It's a bit outdated, but it is still an allright drama.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Bedazzled (2000)

Review #138: Bedazzled.

Cast
Brendan Fraser (Elliot Richards / Jefe / "Mary" / Abraham Lincoln), Elizabeth Hurley (The Devil), Frances O'Connor (Alison Gardner / Nicole Delarusso), Orlando Jones (Daniel / Dan / Danny / Esteban / Beach Jock / Lamar Garrett / Dr. Ngegitigegitibaba), Paul Adelstein (Bob / Roberto / Beach Jock / Bob Bob), Toby Huss (Jerry / Alejandro / Beach Jock / Jerry Turner / Lance), Miriam Shor (Carol / Penthouse Hostess), Gabriel Casseus (Elliot's Cellmate), and Brian Doyle-Murray (Priest) Directed by Harold Ramis.

Review
I think this is the first time I've reviewed a remake of a film directly after I just reviewed the original film. Anyway, they both share the same title, but are they the same in quality? In a word, no. This film's flaw is that it relies on its jokes often and feels smug with them, like it automatically thinks it is funny. With the original, it made you think (A rarity in comedies) This doesn't. It tries to be good, but it just doesn't work. The acting's fine, but if I had to choose who's better with acting, the original wins. Cook is the better Devil because he's just so dang fun as the Devil while doing all these things. Hurley while being fun and evil as well just doesn't feel the same. Fraser is decent, doing what he does. Overall, this is a film that doesn't really feel like a remake. It just feels typical all in all.

Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Bedazzled (1967)

Review #137: Bedazzled.

Cast
Peter Cook (George Spiggott / The Devil), Dudley Moore (Stanley Moon), Eleanor Bron (Margaret), Raquel Welch (Lust / Lilian Lust), Alba (Vanity), Robert Russell (Anger), Barry Humphries (Envy), Parnell McGarry (Gluttony), Danièle Noël (Avarice), Howard Goorney (Sloth), and Michael Bates (Inspector Clarke) Directed by Stanley Donen.

Review
This film is the first I've seen of Dudley Moore, and along with Peter Cook, they make a great pair in this film. It's a bit smart with everything, trying to be just more then what you believe. It's got some good gags and all, especially when Charles makes everything go all wrong (as he is the Devil) The film may not always have a good joke around every corner, but it at least is a good film all around.

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Marty.

Review #136: Marty.

Cast
Ernest Borgnine (Marty Piletti), Betsy Blair (Clara), Esther Minciotti (Ms. Piletti), Augusta Ciolli (Aunt Catherine), Joe Mantell (Angie), Karen Steele (Virginia), and Jerry Paris (Tommy) Directed by Delbert Mann.

Review
57 years ago, a director made a film adaption of the teleplay made in 1953. Anyway, this film is excellent. Borgnine does a great job, making you feel for his character (A down-to-earth guy who would win an Oscar for this role) The rest including Blair, do fine jobs. It's a wonderful touching story about love and loneliness that has not aged a bit.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Iron Man.

Review #135: Iron Man.

Cast
Robert Downey, Jr (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Terrence Howard (James "Rhodey" Rhodes), Jeff Bridges (Obadiah Stane), Shaun Toub (Yinsen), Gwyneth Paltrow (Virgina "Pepper" Potts), Faran Tahir (Raza), Paul Bettany (J.A.R.V.I.S.), Leslie Bibb (Christine Everhart), and Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson) Directed by Jon Favreau.

Review
Normally, I do not use some words to describe films here, because they don't feel right to use in that context. But I think this is an exception. In a word, this film is...Awesome. The acting is good, with Downey and Bridges doing the best jobs of this film. The action is good, with a story that changes from one act to another, along the style. The directing is good, with an alright climax that sets everything in motion, such as setting for the sequel, and setting up the arc that would lead to the Avengers, with two of which that already have been reviewed in Thor (#041) and Captain America: The First Avenger (#060).

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.