JMG-2 Reviews

X-Men (2000)

Disappointing.

[27 August 2001]

I don't know what it was but something about this movie just disappointed me. I've been reading the comics since 1991 and have watched every single episode of the old Fox cartoon and I have also read most of the TPB's from the 80's. So it can be said that I was realy anticipating this movie. Sadly it left me disappointed, Cyclops who is my favorite character wasn't really fleshed out as much as he should've been and in my opinion had no chemistry with Jean which is a big no no. Jean and Storm were a joke compared tot heir comic book counterparts. Magneto, Rogue and Wolverine were my only favorite characters in this movie and i'm not really a huge Wolvie fan. They were the best written characters and also the most close to their comic counterparts. I did not like what was done with Mystique, Sabretooth and Toad at all. I've never really liked Toad but Sabretooth is a character with SO MUCH potential and one of my favorites in the books here he is reduced to a dumb witted lackey which totally goes against everything the character stands for just like Bane in Batman & Robin he was severly butchered. The direction was alright and I've always been a supporter of Patrick Stewart as Professor X since the early 90's although he really shows his age in this movie and i've always pictured the Professor as someone in his late 40's not someone in their 60's. This is one movie in which the Sequel NEEDS to be a serious improvement over. I hope they finally nail it with the sequel. Unlike "Superman II" and "Batman" which are two of the greatest Comic movies i've ever seen this movie has problems fleshing out it's villains and even it's main characters so there is no one to really root for. Like "Batman" however the Action scenes are very poorly filmed and sometimes even hard to follow. I don't know but I was seriously hyped for this one maybe that is why I felt so let down. All faults aside I'm still buying the Special Edition DVD when it is released.

Batman (1989)

It is the only Comic movie that I can see Over and Over again.

[27 August 2001]

For some reason I can see this movie everyday of the week and I won't get tired of it. I consider it one of my favorite movies and while not the Batman that we know in the comics it was still very entertaining and true to the original comics from Bob Kane. The Joker was very funny in it and while Batman wasn't that fleshed out it was still amazing everytime he showed up on screen and Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale was one of my first crushes. I first saw this movie in 1989 and I still watch it today and while the original scripts were an improvement over what was filmed I still love it. Next to "Superman II" and maybe "Blade" this is quite possibly the best comic book movie ever.

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

Well It finally has come.

[26 August 2001]

The end of the Viewaskewniverse. I've seen all five movies now. This one in my opinion was uneven at parts. For example the Chaka Luther King stuff to me was not funny and Marshall Willenholly really wasn't that funny at the beginning either also the second half of the movie was pretty hit and miss for example the Miramax stuff was Gold but the clumsiness stuff and the Cat Fight at the end were not. I really enjoyed the beginning though and the cameos, especially Dante and Randall's. I knew everyone who was going to be in this movie but I had no idea about Judd Nelson since I heard he opted off the movie he obviously didn't and his scenes were kind of funny. Also Paul Dini is a Lot taller then I thought I have only seen him in pictures and interviews but he looked stocky in those. Overall it is definitely a must see for the fans and I will see it again but it's not the best of the bunch in my opinion because it has certain problems unlike Clerks and Amy which flow very well. This one is in tone the sequel to Mallrats and fans of that movie alone will enjoy this but this was definitely a treat for us fans it's just that it could've been trimmed a bit and where was Alyssa's other sister Heather? . I can't wait for the DVD though since I know it will be jammed packed with stuff the only problems I really had was that like I mentioned before it could've been edited a bit more. I did see a bit of change in Smith's direction though he has obviously matured over the years. I'm glad he is finally able to move on from these character and tackle new and challenging projects. I can't wait to see his next whatever it might be.

Hannibal (2001)

This movie really looked good.

[26 August 2001]

The cinematography in this movie was really good it created a creepy atmosphere from the very begining. Now this movie has it's faults I mean Ray Liotta's character in my opinion just served no purpose in this also Hannibal was made to much of a clown in certain scenes and the "Dramatic Cuts" really bothered me also some of the action scenes were hard to follow and I really couldn't fully understand the whole Mason Verger flashback so I really couldn't see what happened it was a casualty of one of the Dramatic Cuts which is a shame. It was pretty entertaining overall and should not be compared to it's two predecessor's since they are all pretty different movies. As a sequel to Silence it was satisfactory especially considering unlike others I wasn't expecting the second coming. I would reccomend it and found it much more entertaining then Scott's last movie the overrated Gladiator. And it wasn't really gory or maybe that's just me considering I watch a lot of horror flicks so i've seen worse.

Dogma (1999)

"This from the guy who still owes me ten dollars from a bet over which was going to be the bigger movie, E.T. or Krush Groove."

[26 July 2001]

First of all to see this movie you need to be one of two things A)An open minded person or B)A Kevin Smith Fan. Chances are that if you are the latter then you also happen to be the former. With that said this has to absolutely be one of the most hilarious films i've ever seen. There are so much memorable quotes that it's not even funny "But you didn't say God Bless You When I sneezed". The opening sequence with Bartleby & Loki in an Airport is great but the films drags just a bit after that, with the exception of Buddy Christ but then it really picks up after Metatron shows up and tells Bethany her quest and never lets go from there. Kevin Smith's direction improves with every film and it shows with this one, also Jay & Silent Bob have huge roles in this one(a good thing for some and bad news for others) I personally love the characters and enjoyed seeing them throughout the movie. The movie is a funny look at religion and all the hysteria around it but it's not bashing Catholicism in any way just showing it from a humorous perspective. I was very much waiting for this film being a fan of Smith's movies and wasn't disappointed at all and with the release of "Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back" nearby this is a good way for new fans to get to know the characters since they are a big part of the film. I have no idea how Smith will end the "Jersey Quintet" or Viewaskewniverse this Summer, but i'm sure he will end it with a Bang.

The Cell (2000)

My God this film is Overrated.

[25 July 2001]

I don't usually like wasting my time typing negative reviews but this movie just left a bad mule sweat taste in my mouth. My God I couldn't even sit through the whole movie I just watched the important portions of it on the Starz! Channel. Everybody told me it was so great so I was interested but when I tuned in I was just bored I absolutely did not care for any of the characters especially the killer played by Vincent D'Onofrio. This guy wasn't intimidating at all instead of being Francis Dollarhyde from "Red Dragon" he was more like the Dr. Hill from "Re-Animator" a cartoony and complete joke of a villain. I usually like Vince Vaughn and could tolerate Lopez who while attractive, in my opinion just doesn't belong in movies. The visuals were pretty interesting (The Horse looked pretty cool) but the lack of depth in the characters really hurt the movie especially since this type of movie needs it and the direction itself wasn't that great at all. Just a pure dissapointment.

The Goonies II (1987 Video Game)

A Great follow up to the Film.

[25 July 2001]

I used to play this game alot as a kid. Somebody gave me this game and I remember being psyched because the box art was cool and it was "The Goonies" I used to find it very fun because it combined different styles into one game. At one point it is a side scroller then it shifts into first person "Shadowgate" style when you are solving puzzles which was pretty awesome at the time. It is very challenging though so don't plan on getting through the whole thing in one sitting. If you still have your NES up and running and never played this game I advise you look it up at a Funcoland and purchase it because it is worth it, especially if you're a fan of the script.

Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)

I never quite understood the hatred towards this movie.

[25 July 2001]

This movie was IMHO just as good as the first I loved Granpa Fred (Who really did look like Al Lewis) and Christopher Lee as the scientist was a mean bastard to poor little Gizmo. I loved the satire on Television Shows and Networks and the great John Glover as the Donald Trump-esque Daniel Clamp. Also the Evil Gizmo was hilarious and the Batman spoof got a few chuckles. Overall there is no way that I can see how you can't enjoy this movie if you love the first one. It's one of those sequels like "Ghostbusters II" that is hated by many but really doesn't stray from the formula that made the first film work at all just that it was too long of a time between films and the audiences taste had changed by then. If you haven't seen it I reccomend you do it really isn't bad at all it is actually very entertaining.

The Goonies (1985)

Very cool movie.

[25 July 2001]

I first saw this movie around 1988 and I remember really enjoying it. I watch it now and I still love it the adventure aspect of it, that sense of wonder when they search for the treasure and the suspense when the Fratelli's are chasing the kid's, it is all good. The movie has great one liner's and the characters seem familiar in a sense. The movie was great and I always wanted to see a sequel, but had to settle for the NES sequel which was great in it's own way. The DVD is coming very soon and will have monster features I personally can't wait for it.

Gremlins (1984)

One of my favorite Christmas movies.

[25 July 2001]

This movie is awesome it is just too funny everything from Gremlins attacking Citizens to Gremlins Breakdancing is outrageous. These critters are really a HUGE pimple in the rear. I really like this movie and everyone seems like they had fun doing it the movie is very underrated for dumb reasons like parents thinking it's too dark for their children. Well I saw this and MANY (Including the Freddy and Michael Myers films) movies as a kid and I turned out fine it is all about how you explain the film to them and then they will understand besides it isn't even as bad in tone as the previous films I mentioned. Anyway Phoebe Cates was one of my first crushes mainly because of this film and is pretty good in it I also like Mr. Anderson who was hilarious in the scenes were he fights off the Gremlins. And I will never ever Forget the Gremlins getting drunk in a Bar or singing along to "Hi, Ho" at a late night screening of Disney's "Snow White & The Seven Dwarves" it is simply just too funny.

The Devil's Advocate (1997)

Never bet the Devil your head.

[12 November 1999]

This was a surprising movie. I knew I was going to like it but not as much as I actually did. Al Pacino was amazing as John Milton and Keanu was mediocre as Kevin Lomax. The movie is saved by Pacino's performance and a very good script. It really was a great movie by all standards. I loved the endiing also it really was good and had a neat twist.

Dark City (1998)

Gotta love this movie.

[12 November 1999]

It is fantastic. Definitely one of the strangest and most original movies i've ever seen. I loved the Film-Noir aspect of it and the ending was really cool when we find out the truth about the City. The movie was absolutely gorgeusly shot. And it had a great cast Kiefer Sutherland was very good in it. It also was at the hands of a great and talented up and coming director, Alex Proyas. If you want to see something new and cool this movie is highly reccomended.

Heat (1995)

Superb

[12 November 1999]

This movie is just amazing. You get two of the greatest actors in the world and pair them up with the director of the brilliant movie "Manhunter" and you got yourself a winner. I love this movie alot it really is very humane. It is so good that you don't know which character to root for the Cop or the Robber. The ending gets very suspensful and this movie has to have one of the best action scenes of all time in the form of a bank robbery. I highly reccomend this movie to anyone it is really good.

Dumb and Dumber (1994)

"Pretty Bird"

[12 November 1999]

I really thought this movie was absolutely hilarious. Lloyd and Harry's antics are hilarious. I really consider this one to be Jim Carrey's best not the Farrely Bros.'s best thought that title goes to "Kingpin". The movie is filled with great and memorable scenes. My faves are the Blind Kid and the Parakeet on "A Current Affair",Harry and Mary's snowball fight,Harry using the John and Lloyd's daydream. I could go on and on. This movie is awesome. Highly Reccomended like everything else I review

Point Break (1991)

This movie actually lives up to it's tagline. Definitely 100% pure Adrenaline.

[12 November 1999]

This is one of the best action movies I've ever seen. I love Kathryn Bigelow's directing especially visually. In every movie she directs be it "Near Dark","Strange Days","Blue Steel" or "Point Break" you are definitely in for a visual treat. The movie is awesome and not even Keanu screwed it up. I found myself rooting for Bodhi throughout the movie and not the F.B.I. agent. The movie has a great supporting cast like Lori Petty,Gary Busey and so forth. It really is a fun movie to watch and is very entertaining. It also has a great skydiving sequence. Highly reccomended.

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

Absolutely Hilarious.

[29 October 1999]

This movie is just very funny. I really don't like the Austin Powers character but I love the Dr.Evil character and he makes the movie for me. He is just such an excellent character a great spoof of Blofeld from the Bond series. The movie is very funny and will not leave you dissatisfied. The scence with Dr.Evil and son Scott in Father and Son Therapy is worth the prize of admission as well as their countless arguments.

Wayne's World 2 (1993)

Party On.

[29 October 1999]

I think this movie is pretty underrated. I think it was just as funny as the first one the movie was very funny. Every scene from the Village People spoof to the scenes with Jim Morrisson and the naked indian to anything involving Garth and Honey Hornee(bodacious Kim Basinger) and the scene were Wayne fights with Cassandra's father(the movie's highlight) were just hilarious. I found this to be a most excellent sequel and I'm just hoping that Mike Myers someday makes a third one he probably won't do that now since he is milking Austin Powers to death. Anyhow this is one of the better SNL based movies out there along with the first "Wayne's World","Coneheads" and "The Blues Brothers" and I reccomend it to anyone looking for a good laugh.

Wayne's World (1992)

I'm mental over this movie.

[29 October 1999]

"Wayne's World" is just one awesome movie, especially when you see it with your friends. This has to be one of Mike Myers best movies ever it is absolutely hilarious and filled with great scenes like when they are listening to Queen's "Bohemian Rhaspody" in the "Mirth Mobile" or even the Scooby-Doo Ending my most favorite scene though is the one with Brian Doyle Murray(Bill's brother)as the Arcade mogul on the re-newed "Wayne's World" you'll know what I mean when you see the movie. Everything about this movie shines and the comic timing is just perfect.

Ghostbusters II (1989)

A worthy successor to "Ghostbusters".

[29 October 1999]

I don't really know why many slam this movie I thought it was just as good as the original. I think this one was a very fun movie and very funny as well I really love the Egon Spengler character the most in this one he was just hilarious in it. Also Peter McNicol was a riot as Yanosh(sp?). Overall I think this movie was just as good as the first. The soundtrack was also good, that Bobby Brown song was pretty cool. My favorite scenes are the courtroom scene and the Statue of Liberty scene.

Ghostbusters (1984)

A classic among classics.

[29 October 1999]

This is my second favorite movie in the world why well simple it has a brilliant cast Bill Murray,Harold Ramis,Dan Aykroyd,Sigourney Weaver,Ernie Hudson,Annie Potts and especially Rick Moranis fit their roles perfectly. This movie holds a special place in my heart it has brilliant quotes my favorites being "He slimed me" and "We came,we saw, we kicked it's ass" and Bill Murray one of my most favorite comedians it also has a great story and extremely likable characters. There is no way that I could see anybody hating this movie at all. The soundtrack is also just fantastic. See this movie just for the scene of their first bust in the hotel that scene is just priceless. This movie is a true comedic classic.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

One word summary:WOW.

[17 September 1999]

I've seen this movie 3 times already and I still can't believe the awesome ending which nobody saw coming. My hat goes off to M.Night Shymilyan for making a fantastic and well thought out movie. If Hayley Joel Osment doesn't get nominated for an Oscar there is no justice in this world. The movie is truly one of Willis' best and also has a pretty good performance by Bruce. Overall if you haven't seen it what are you reading this for go and see it...NOW.

Chasing Amy (1997)

Kevin Smith does it again.

[17 September 1999]

What can I say about "Chasing Amy" aside from the fact that it's great. This is the third movie in the "Jersey Trilogy" now known as the "Jersey Quartet" thanks to "Dogma". This is not the funniest one that position is held by "Clerks" however I liked this one because it was original and I loved the way characters from the other Kevin Smith movies are mentioned in this one as well as "Mallrats".

This is probably the best romantic comedy that I have seen in the 90's without the cliche ending that all romantic comedies get. I loved the way Jay and Silent Bob matured from the way they acted in "Mallrats"("Snootchie Bootchies,who says that sh*t it's baby talk.") and the hilarious arguments between Banky(The always awesome Jason Lee) and Hooper especially the one about "Archie". "Chasing Amy" is a great and funny movie and I highly reccomend it ,I can't wait for "Dogma".

Mallrats (1995)

Very Underrated.

[17 September 1999]

I don't get why almost everyone(even Kevin Smith fans) put this movie down the movie is as funny as "Clerks" and just as memorable. Jason Lee pulled in an awesome performance as Brodie Bruce and Shannon Doherty and Clair Forlani looked as hot as ever. This movie is hilarious and full of great lines and let me not forget Jay and Silent Bob who are pretty cartoony in this second installment of the "Jersey Trilogy" but are still very funny.

My favorite scenes in the movies were the one's with Willem trying to see the Magic Eye 3-D image that everybody else saw except him and the final scenes while filming the game show. The only downside of the movie was Jeremy London's plain performance in the movie aside from that everything else about the movie rocks. Also look out for Michael Rooker as Brandi's(Clair Forlani) dad who is very funny in this movie. Highly reccomended.

"Snootchie Bootchies"

Clerks (1994)

Hilarious Movie.

[17 September 1999]

This is the first mvoie directed by Kevin Smith and my favorite of the "Jersey Trilogy". The movie is filled with great characters,lines and unforgetable scenes(Ie:When Caitlin Bree has sex in the dark bathroom). This is my favorite indie movie and a true classic. I highly recommend this one along with "Mallrats" and "Chasing Amy".

Army of Darkness (1992)

Ash is Back.

[17 September 1999]

"Army of Darkness" is a fantastic movie that really delivers. I have seen this movie about 20 times and I know it by heart. I liked this one more than "Evil Dead II" mainly because it wasn't set in a cabin again instead they did something original and gave Ash a whole new environment which was a very smart move by Sam Raimi. The movie is absolutely hilarious and is filled with lots of "Evil Dead II"-esque one liner's. I really reccomend this one very highly I have seen both endings to it and I can't wait for the criterion collection DVD I just hope that they make an "Evil Dead IV" that will be sweeeeet.