REVIEW DATE: 06/05/06

Theatre Release: 02/10/06
DVD Release: 06/06/06

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HARRISON Ford adds yet another dud to his film repertoire.  Firewall has a more than competent cast, including Paul Bettany (A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code), Virginia Madsen (Sideways), Alan Arkin (Gelngarry Glen Ross, Slums of Beverly Hills), and Robert Forster (Jackie Brown, Confidence).  And the story, which revolves around a high-tech bank robbery, isn't such a bad idea.  However, this movie lacks any real excitement, tension, conflict, emotional drama, and any empathy for the characters whatsoever.  It isn't a bad movie in that the acting is adequate and the story progresses with a decent pace, but it is a movie that will simply fade away from your memory.  You won't care about Stanfield's (Ford) familty.  You won't think Cox (Bettany) is an evil mastermind.  You won't care if Stanfield's wife (Madsen) or kids are in danger, because the threat is less than eminent.

REVIEW DATE: 03/22/06

Theatre Release: 11/11/05
DVD Release: 03/21/06

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DERAILED is a difficult movie for me to rate and evaluate.  Conceptually, it is certainly an intriguing thriller.  Charles Schine (Clive Owen), married to Deanna (Melissa George) with an extremely ill thirteen year old daughter, Amy (Addison Timlin), happens to bump into a married mother, Lucinda Harris (Jennifer Aniston), on the commuter train one morning on the way to work.  Both being successful, charming, good looking, and frustrated with their marriages, a desire for one another's casual company eventually progresses to an adulterous night at a slummy inner-city motel.  However, during the evening of passion they are interrupted by an armed psychopath, Philippe LaRoche (Vincent Cassel), who breaks into their room and violently robs each of them.  Seizing all of Schine's and Harris' personal information while robbing them, LaRoche and his accomplice, Dexter (Xzibit), continue plaguing both of their victims by continually blackmailing Schine with threats of violence to Schine, his family, and Harris in order to get tens of thousands of dollars from him.  The rest of the film involves the struggles of attempting escapes from the clutches of the villains without going to the police, since going to the police would incriminate both Schine and Harris in an adulterous relationship, which would destroy their marriages and lives.  The ensuing ride of their lives is filled with all sorts of mayhem, dangers, twists, and turns.  Overall, though, while there is great potential in the plot and screenplay, as well as containing very talented actors, the movie simply falls flat.  Beginning extremely slow, the desperation of of Schine, both family and career related, wasn't powerful enough for one to actually become invested in his plight.  And the development of Aniston's character was just as flat.  Also, the author of this particular review figured out the main mystery/plot-twist extremely early in the film, which is always a major strike against the review and rating.  Other areas were also a bit unrealistic and unconvincing in regard to moving the plot along.  And the relationship between Schine and Harris is less than exhilarating.  But the characters are dynamic in their own way, which makes it a decent waste of time.

REVIEW DATE: 03/14/06

Theatre Release: 09/23/05
DVD Release: 03/14/06

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I wasn't sure what to expect from A History of Violence other than an entertaining thriller.  That is precisely what this movie delivers.  And I'm still uncertain as to my thoughts regarding the look, pace, events, stunt choreography, and overall feel of this rather original and provocative piece of work.  Briefly summarizing, Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) is a small town family man--wife Edie Stall (Maria Bello), son Jack Stall (Ashton Holmes), and daughter Sarah Stall (Heidi Hayes)--who owns a diner, whose wife practices law locally, and who lives a fairly normal, mundane life with problems any person has.  One night, though, Stall is thrust into the limelight by violently foiling a murderous robbery of his diner.  This fifteen minutes of fame attracts attention from Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris, A Beautiful Mind), a mafia-connected crime boss from New York who travels to visit Stall; insisting Stall is a sociopathic killer from Philadelphia who is on the lamb and in hiding.  The rest of the film is the unfolding of this mysterious possible identity.  What is strong and compelling about the film is Mortensen's acting and the mysterious question regarding the secret identity of the main character, as well as those characters involved in the identity plot (i.e. Ed Harris).  What is odd about the movie is the prominent animalistic sexual and violent overtones.  Sexually, the movie earns it 'R' rating, even though nudity is brief and most of the sex is strongly implied.  In some manner, though, the sexual acts between Stall and his wife play an important role as a character along side the violence.  As for the violence, it is fairly graphic and intense.  Oddly, the violence, which is the glory of the movie and as much a character as any actor, is portrayed in sometimes unrealistic, silly ways.  In other words, I did not believe Stall was a skilled killer in some scenes.  Sometimes he looked as if he was a little kid playing like a killer and imitating a real killer in a goofy manner.  The seeming weakness of the film is the supporting acting and character interactions between the son, Jack, and everyone with whom he comes in contact.  In fact, all of the character interactions had an intentional melodramatic, farcical dynamic, which was distracting as well as entertaining.  It is an odd endeavor, but, overall, it is a very artistically interesting film.

REVIEW DATE: 03/11/06

Theatre Release: 04/03/96
DVD Release: 10/21/98

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WATCHING Edward Norton perform in his film debut, Primal Fear, is one of the greatest experiences a patron of the cinematic will have.  Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton, American History X) is a young, disadvantaged, intellectually slow, yet sweet natured boy from Kentucky who, upon running away to the big city of Chicago, became a homeless vagrant rescued by the Roman Catholic Church; becoming an altar boy and given chances at life he never before had.  However, his life is turned upside down as he is accused of the violent and gruesome murder the politicaly and religiously prominent Archbishop Richard Rushman (Stanley Anderson), who also happens to be Stampler's mentor and rescuer.  Upon seeing the sensational headlines of the murderous event and captured suspected killer, Stampler, the greedy, powerful, renown, successful defense attorney, Martin Vail (Richard Gere), takes Stampler as his client pro bono in order to make headlines of his own for his own sake.  Vail takes on the city, prosecutor Janet Venable (Laura Linney) and politically powerful state district attorney, John Shaughnessy (John Mahoney) as he fights to keep his client off the lethal injection table.  The weakness of this film is the progression of Vail's soul as he comes to believe in his client, justice, and honor, learning to care about his job and doing good.  Or even a greater weakness still is the courtroom drama, or, rather, the piss-poor litigation technique of the lawyers and melodramatic antics that attempt creating drama, but fall well short.  But the acting is strong on all fronts.  Side characters such as Dr. Molly Arrington (Frances McDormand, North Country), Tommy Goodman (Andre Braugher) and Naomi Chance (Maura Tierney) help take up the slack of obvious faults by means of strong performances. Regardless of any weaknesses, Edward Norton's Oscar-worthy performance and the mystery/thrilling suspense of the plot and story makes this film one you will not soon forget.

REVIEW DATE: 03/01/06

Theatre Release: 08/16/95
DVD Release: 06/24/97

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RARELY does one infamous name remind one's senses so strongly of a movie than that of Keyser Soze.  And even more rarely does a film containing a Baldwin other than Alec receives such acclimation, but The Usual Suspects is one that blows all other crime-mystery/thriller movies out of the water.  It is an ingenious tale of suspension, character development, intrigue, mystery, twists & turns, and sleight of hand.  Michael McManus (Stephen Baldwin), Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne), Fred Fenster (Benicio Del Toro), Todd Hockney (Kevin Pollak), and Roger 'Verbal' Kint (Kevin Spacey, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in this role) are experienced, intelligent, and violent professional criminals who are caught in a crime-causing trap set by a notorious international crime lord through various means of extortion and persuasion.  The story is told through the eyes and experiences of Kint (Spacey, American Beauty) as he is being interrogated by a US Customs officer, Dave Kujan (Chazz Palminteri).  The five criminals meet in a line-up in New York City under suspicion of a hijacking, and from there the thieves become thick and enter into the proverbial sack with one another in criminal activities.  This film is an exciting crime-thriller with most likely the best acting and characters ever caught on film in this genre.

REVIEW DATE: 02/20/06

Theatre Release: 08/06/99
DVD Release: 03/28/00

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ONE of the finest directors/writers of our era, indeed of all cinematic history, M. Night Shyamalan, came into his own with this feature film.  Shyamalan has entered into a genre of Hitchcockian suspense, twists, thrills, and turns,  and is slowly, but surely, perfecting it with each new film.  This movie marks his beginning of such an undertaking, and it is an achievement beyond words.  Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) is a child psychiatrist who is destined to help Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a child whose cure will redeem a mistake from Malcolm's past.  But the problem ailing Cole is not one of delusions, but one of an ability to see dead people ("I see dead people" being the infamous quote from the film).  The Sixth Sense is a thrilling ride with twists, turns, mysteries, and a few shrilling horrors scattered throughout, but it is far from a horror movie.  Most of this film master's suspense is in a form of the philosophy "less is more."  That is the ingenious of Shyamalan--the forced use of one's own imagination with subtle illusions to possibly frightening horror.  The acting by Osment is of a caliber few other children actors of his age could even imagine to aspire and hope to simulate.  He truly made this film what it is, taking Shyamalan's vision to the utmost.  Bruce Willis and Toni Collette (In Her Shoes) do a superb job as well.  Little more can be said about the film without divulging the pinnacle secrets within it, so let me simply say it is a necessary must-see you will never forget.

REVIEW DATE: 01/24/06

Theatre Release: 05/13/05
DVD Release: 09/20/05

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RENNY Harlin (Director--Deep Blue Sea, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Die Hard 2: Die Harder) tries his hand at a Mystery/Thriller, Horror, and Crime film all rolled into Mindhutners.  The cast is good, including Christian Slater, Val Kilmer, Kathryn Morris, James Todd Smith (a.k.a. L.L. Cool J), Jonny Lee Miller (Melinda and Melinda), and Clifton Collins, Jr. (Capote).  Without spoiling the the movie, my guess of the "who-done-it" was correct throughout the whole film.  I went and stayed with my instincts.  That is a tell tale sign of the type of movie before us.  It is exciting, scary, and intense in some moments.  The use of "time" and "deadlines," or the explicit use of anticipation, is a good cinematic ploy to draw in audiences, set them on pins and needles, and wind them tight.  Anticipation of a scare can be more brutal than the scare itself.  Harlin makes good use of that tactic.  Manners of death are creative and disgusting, which gives horror fans something at which to gawk.  Some of the spooks and deaths are silly, but that is to be expected.  Realism is not something this film is guilty of, either. But it is a fast-paced thrill ride.  But the mystery, or lack thereof, really destroyed the other aspects of the film.  If they mystery of a mystery/thriller isn't strong, then what else is there?

REVIEW DATE: 01/24/06

Theatre Release: 09/23/05
DVD Release: 01/24/06

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JODIE Foster (Kyle Pratt), once again, provides a realistic, ordinary woman thrust into an extraordinary situation.  Rather than growing wings and suddenly learning martial arts, she frantically does all she can in an extreme situation, all the while remaining human (unlike in so many other films).  She was simply a driven, desperate mother.  Sure, there were a few contrived, unrealistic moments, but, for the most part, Flight Plan delivers strongly on all levels.  Sure, the bad-guy image is somewhat one-dimensional, and the whole master-plan has its flaws, but it was a thriller nonetheless.  If you liked Foster's character in Panic Room, and similar tension, you'll like her performance in this film, but the mystery and suspense is far different, even if it involves yet another daughter caught in the mix of the plot.  The supporting cast, specifically Peter Sarsgaard (Jarhead) and Sean Bean (Equilibrium, North Country) add their usually strong support.  The plot moves along quickly and one is caught up in the pace and panic.  It is a fun movie all around as you try to guess who is insane, who is dubious, and who is really in control.

REVIEW DATE: 01/24/06

Straight to DVD
DVD Release: 01/10/06

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AM I my brother's keeper?  Abel (Edward Burns, one of the most underrated talents in the business, from Confidence, Ash Wednesday, 15 Minutes, Saving Private Ryan, The Brothers McMullen) must answer this philosophical quandary as he comes face-to-face with this question while investigating a mysterious death of a young boy who attends a prestigious private school just outside of town.  Abel, the one cop who seemingly has a desire to investigate these events, becomes intertwined with characters from the elite learning institution.  Hints of supernaturalism from his past and present, the travesties of his past, and sheer determination combine in order to help him get to the bottom of this who-done-it.  The River King drags at some points, and not all the symbolism and supernaturalism is as poignant as the director most assuredly hoped it would be.  This movie had an abundance of promise, but it wasn't quite "clicking."  Nevertheless, it is an interesting movie with fresh faces and acting.  Anything with Burns is at least worth a rental for an evening.

REVIEW DATE: 01/24/06

Theatre Release: 08/19/05
DVD Release: 01/10/06

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THOUGH Wes Craven is a historical genius with regard to thrilling tales such as Nightmare on Elm Street and the Scream trilogy, Red Eye is neither ground-breaking, nor on par with his more titillating tales.  The plot is somewhat believable, as is the cast and characters, but it is lacking a real bite.  Rachel McAdams (The Notebook, The Wedding Crashers) shows good range in this character as distinct from previous characters (continuing to make her mark in Hollywood), and Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later, Batman Begins) puts in an honest day's work, though neither Rachel nor Cillian are particularly memorable.  Regardless, there are enough twists and turns to make it interesting enough to watch.  Cillian's character is a charming, witty and personable character at first, but he soon reveals himself as someone else altogether.  Rachel's character warms up to Cillian, but she quickly realizes a man who is too good to be true usually is.  The plot unfolds as Rachel's character must comply with Cillian's character's demands.  The film runs its course as she tries to usurp Cillian's character, but it isn't in the most novel manner.  I personally do not understand the rave reviews this received.  It is enjoyable, but it is not on the must-see list.

REVIEW DATE: 01/19/06

Straight to DVD
DVD Release: 01/17/06

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ONLY because other new releases were not available/in-stock did I rent this movie.  The combination of a horror movie and Demi Moore gave me enough reason to waste ninety minutes even though I haven't heard anything about this movie (nor did I know it existed).  And the reason I didn't know about the movie is because it was released straight to DVD, which I didn't find out until after I brought it home (but before I watched it) and looked up the information online.  I couldn't find any reviews or an official website, but IMDB did have some information on it.  Immediately I was worried, or least I was ready to shut the movie off within the first five minutes.  Yet, surprisingly, the movie held my attention with some semblances of genuine intrigue and wonder.  Again, I have trouble putting this movie in a particular category, because it could also fit within the 'HORROR' category, but in the end it is more of a mysterious thriller.  This movie takes you along the life of mother, wife, and mystery-novel writer who lost her son to a tragic accident.  In her endeavors to heal and get on with her life and career, she secludes herself in a home miles away from any neighbors in order to write a new novel.  During her stay, supernatural occurrences and new relationships foster a mystery of discovering whether or not 'Rachel' (Demi Moore) is insane or haunted.  Is the dead communicating with her and trying to harm her?  Or is she imagining everything because she has stopped taking her medication?  It is a decent waste of 90 minutes or so, but it has problems.