Herbest8 Reviews

A Christmas Carol (1984 TV Movie)

My personal favorite adaptation of the Dickens classic

[10/10 · 13 June 2010]

Of the literally hundreds of versions, variations and rip-offs of this classic book, none have ever captured the unique flavor or charm that is this version that originally aired on CBS in 1984.

You know the story: miser Ebeneezer Scrooge is shown the errors of his ways one Christmas night by three spirits who represent the past, present and future.

George C. Scott was simply destined to play Scrooge and he does a marvelous job. The cast makes for great support as well, with a cargo of famed British actors including Roger Rees, David Warner, Michael Gough and Michael Carter. They all provide fine support for Scott.

The design and dialog is truly Dickens. In fact, the lines are verbatim to the book. The film looks gorgeous and you actually feel as if the characters are really inhabiting this world.

The visual tricks with the three ghosts are unsettling and eerie but never go to far over the top. They struck the right balance in making them scary but still benevolent. The music is also really good, being both uplifting and tragic.

What else can I say? When it comes to "A Christmas Carol," George did it and he did it the best.

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

An underrated charmer

[5/10 · 13 June 2010]

This 1949 Disney film was the last of the so-called "package features" and while none of these films could be considered masterpieces, they do have charm and entertainment value and this one is no exception.

The movie is divided into two-parts, telling the story of two fabulous characters from both sides of the Atlantic. The first is a faithful retelling of the classic "The Wind in the Willows." This segment is technically well made and has some laughs but it's more cerebral than the slapstick second half of the film. The narration is provided by Basil Rathbone, who does a superb job. All in the all, this one was pretty good.

The second half is "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" narrated by Bing Crosby (an odd choice, in my view) and with the exception of Crosby, back-up vocalists and a quick cameo by composer Ollie Wallace, there is no dialog in this segment. This results in a stilted sense of pacing and story and unlike "Willows" this one lacks solidity.

The story is redeemed with a fantastic sequence where Old Icabod is chased through the Hollow on a creepy, moonlit night by the cackling horseman. Genuinely tense and well-animated, it redeems the segment as a whole.

Although not perfect and certainly no classic, "Icabod and Toad" should please children and keep adults amused.

The Jungle Book (1967)

My all-time favorite Disney film

[10/10 · 13 June 2010]

Off all the Disney animated movies from 1937 to the present, "The Jungle Book" has always stood out as something special. This movie is quite simply FUN. There is no romance, no attempt to break new ground with it's effects, no dramatics and none of the hokey "if you dream it, you can be it" bull. This movie succeeds in it's simple goal to bypass all that and just entertain you.

The story is inspired by the classic books written by Rudyard Kipling. We follow the man-cub Mowgli (voiced by Bruce Reitherman in an appealing performance) as he treks from the jungle to the man-village. Along the way he encounters a strange parade of figures including the sniveling Kaa (voiced by the great Sterling Holloway), the evil Shere Khan (George Sanders) and the rambunctious King Louie (Louis Prima, who gets the film's best song).

His two parental figures are Baloo the Bear and the sage Bagaheera. They are voiced by Phil Harris and Sebastian Cabot and their chemistry together really makes the triangle of Mowgli, the bear and the panther really work. It is probably the most dysfunctional family ever seen in a Disney film.

Everything else works just fine. The songs are cute and catchy, the characters interact well with each other, the setting is stylish and the ending is a departure from the clichéd happy ending. This one feels more ambiguous but altogether more satisfying.

Although there are some things that will make P.C. nuts squawk (the alleged racism) and the animation buffs cringe (the reused animation) that doesn't change the fact that "The Jungle Book" is fun, unique, jolly, and full of heart.

Congo (1995)

Think Indiana Jones crossed with Jurrasic Park and add a dash of Star Wars

[5/10 · 13 June 2010]

What can you say about a movie like "Congo"? Well, it's silly and underdeveloped with some pretty shabby special effects but god help me, I like it.

The plot is somewhat episodic as multiple different characters with wildly different motives converge on the Congo. One is a communications technician (played nicely by Lauara Linney) who is looking for her fiancé. Another is a Romanain nut case (played by the fabulous Tim Curry) who is looking for a mythical, lost diamond mine. And the last is a gorilla expert returning a talking gorilla back to her natural habitat. I swear, I'm NOT making this up.

The cast as a whole is OK. Linney is appealing, Curry turns in a usual fine job, and cameos from Bruce Campbell and Joe Don Baker add to the quirky atmosphere. Special mention should go to Ernie Hudson, who's roguish charm while not as polished as Harrison Ford's, makes a great Clark Gable/Indiana Jones type-explorer.

The special effects are kind of a mixed bag. The gorillas are obviously stunt-men but the hokeyness is kind of fun. The climax in the temple is also silly but still rousing. Topping all this off, the quirky Jerry Goldsmith score adds considerably to the film as a whole.

Although certainly not a classic or even 100% good, "Congo" is a cheesy, yet entertaining jungle adventure movie and is worth seeing.

A Troll in Central Park (1994)

Ridiculous, corny, boring, nonsensical...am I making myself clear?

[2/10 · 12 June 2010]

Don Bluth has had his share of ups and downs in his long career. But this piece of dreck marks the only time he has truly hit rock bottom.

I hesitate to use the word "movie" to describe this bomb because this is not really a film. It is a lame idea loosely tied together with bad songs and some of the most saccharine padding and filler you will ever see in you're life.

The title character is played by Dom DeLuise (a good actor) and he does what he can with the role but this character is hopeless. He's one dimensional, annoying and just plain bland. The film's worst performance is a tie between Cloris Leachman and Charles Nelson Reilly who play the monarchs of the Kingdom of Trolls. Not only do they seem to grunt their lines, but they talk over each other! I mean, come on! Why make a movie where you can barely understand or hear what the characters are saying? The rest of the cast is pretty disposable. I personally think Jonathan Pryce should have played King Llort but that's just me.

But it's not all bad. Some of the songs are OK, DeLuise does what he can and the animation is typical Bluth: lush and beautiful.

But in the cold light of day, this dreck is simply an insult to the art of animation.

Disaster Movie (2008)

The end of Western civilization film-making as we know it.

[1/10 · 11 June 2010]

Fast becoming infamous as one of the worst films ever made, "Disaster Movie" is a loose....very loose spoof of the disaster film genre. Well, it's more of a reference point for pop culture of 2007/2008.

The (laughing uncontrollably) "story" focuses on a group of worthless, one dimensional heroes who band together to save the world from a mysterious apocalypse that has something to do with Batman, Indiana Jones, The Hulk, Sex and the City, Speed Racer and Alvin & the Chipmunks. We also get a whole LOT of tasteless jokes concerning boobs, near-naked people, sh**, and blood. What does ANY OF THIS HAVE TO DO WITH DISASTER MOVIES????!!!!!!!!!!!!! On top of all that, I find the humor directed towards women to be highly offensive and tasteless. What's funny about constantly referring to women as bitches? The cast is really hit and miss. Carmen Electra (the poor man's Leslie Nielsen) is very beautiful, but she has demonstrated a complete lack of acting talent. Nicole Parker is mildly amusing as Enchanted Princess but a little of it goes a long, looong, way. The rest of this miserable bunch is more or less the same.

So, is it all bad? Hell yes! But Tony Cox is amusing in a parody of Indiana Jones and the film is entertaining in a camp sort of way but other than that, this film is quite simply bad. So in the words of Siskel & Ebert thumbs down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down.

Epic Movie (2007)

Original title: Epic piece of total mind-blowing horse crap

[2/10 · 11 June 2010]

I saw this piece of lead-headed "entertainment" after I saw the other major Friedberg and Seltzer bomb "Disaster Movie." And while not QUITE as bad, it is still pretty lame.

The story spoofs (well, references) "The Chronicles of Narnia" by having four orphans (played either annoyingly or blandly by the four lead actors) as they travel through a magical wardrobe locked away in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory (did I really say that?) where they soon discover they must save Gnarnia from the clutches of The White Bitch. Ha....ha....HA!!

This movie is, quite simply, not funny. The movie (AHEM) spoofs James Bond, "Pirates of the Carribbean", "Snakes on a Plane", Paris Hilton, Harry Potter, The X-Men and also throws in references to MySpace and MTV. Could someone PLEASE TELL ME WHAT ANY OF THIS HAS TO DO WITH THE EPIC GENRE?! If you were going to spoof the epic movie, what would you choose? "Ben-Hur"? What about "Lawrence of Arabia"? Even "Chronicles" loosely fits the epic genre. Where does Paris Hilton fit into any of these films? Or for that matter, this genre? Well, she is epically stupid but I don't think that counts.

I will be fair. The Willy Wonka parody with Crispen Glover is actually kind of funny. Reimagining Wonka as break-dancing pervert is amusing but it's a pretty fleeting cameo.

This cast reeks of "they only did it for the money." Fred Willard is a funny guy but is made out so ridiculously. I also find another trademark of these two hacks to be wearing pretty frigging thin. The constant references to woman's breasts is just getting tired. What's so funny about them anyway unless you think it's amusing to see a blue colored Carmen Electra have her boobs inflated to three times their size. It's more weird then it is funny.

Bottom line? If your looking for a good laugh fest, rent this piece of garbage but if even your garbage film love has standards, then let this utter disgrace pass you right by.

Batman Begins (2005)

Batman is back

[8/10 · 11 June 2010]

Eight years after the travesty known as "Batman & Robin" Christopher Nolan (admittedly a bad choice for director) redeems the series and tells us the origin of Batman.

The movie serves as a very loose prequel to the first four films (in my view) and shows Bruce Wayne becoming Batman and facing his first enemies in the form of a terrorist organization called The League of Shadows.

Although not perfect, the film is pretty damn good. The cast performs very well (except for Katie Holmes who is especially grating) and the film has plenty of action and mild humor that offsets the former nicely.

However, the realistic tone seems a little off to me. Why do Batman realistically? Seems kind of pointless. The voice that Christian Bale uses as Batman sounds more laughable then scary and the film lacks solidity slightly. The origin story is well-told although the build-up to Batman's first appearance might cause some to grumble and the action scenes are pretty poorly staged.

But none of this griping means the film isn't entertaining. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

Batman Forever (1995)

Pretty good

[7/10 · 11 June 2010]

In this third installment in the "Batman" series, Tim Burton and Michael Keaton are gone and in their place is Joel Schumacher and Val Kilmer.

This time around, Batman/Bruce Wayne takes on the combined threat of Two-Face and The Riddler while also acquiring a partner in the form of Robin (played pretty badly by Chris O'Donnell). Bats also finds the time to acquire a new love interest in Chase Merdian, played by the lovely Nicole Kidman.

This film has a bad reputation thanks to it's immediate sequel but the truth is, the film is not horrible but it certainly is a step down from the first two films. Kilmer is alright but seems a little lost as Batman. Tommy Lee Jones is bland while Jim Carrey does a typical fine job. My only wish is that Jones had played straight man to Carrey, that would have been a nice contrast between the two villains.

The visuals and cinematography is impressive but the score is a tad too whimsical. Danny Elfman's score was sorely missed for me personally. I also wish there had been more of an emotional connection between the audience and the characters which had been done so well in the second film but wasn't done at all here.

Overall, "Batman Forever" is entertaining but nothing special.

Batman & Robin (1997)

Quite an embarrassment

[5/10 · 11 June 2010]

As a devoted Batman fan, I feel particularly embarrassed by this film. It's so hard to believe this is the fourth in a series that began so damn well and has devolved into an acid trip-laced cartoon.

The story? Do you really care? All I'll say is Batman and Robin and Batgirl (yes, she's here too) fight the combined threat of Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy.

Where do I begin? Well, why don't I just keep it short and sweet and try and list all the horrendous ingredients that went into this bomb? Here they are: lame puns, bad acting (Chris O'Donnell), bland acting (George Clooney), lousy acting (Uma Thurman), a ridiculous story, bombastic action, a total lack of solidity, Alicia Silverstone, pointless action scenes (what was with the biker chase?) and a nauseating color scheme.

Being generous, I will say this. Some of the cameos are amusing (Coolio, John Ingle, Vivica A. Fox and Jesse Ventura) and John Glover is delightful as a mad scientist but what else can I say about this film that hasn't already been said?

Nothing. But it still SUCKS.

Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003)

Truly a mixed bag

[5/10 · 5 June 2010]

I'm a huge Looney Tunes fan and this film is still too much love for me to take. Director Joe Dante has also gone on record as a huge Looney Tunes fan and there lies the major problem with this clunker.

The "plot" concerns D.J. Drake (played by Brenden Fraser) and Daffy Duck venturing on a mission to rescue the former's father who has been kidnapped by the sinister ACME Corporation. They are trying to get their hands on a mysterious diamond that has supernatural powers and blah, blah, blah! And if you thought the plot to "Space Jam" was too silly? Well, THINK AGAIN! This movie has an equal number of pros and cons. The animation is pretty good, the pace is also fast and some of the performances and cameos are really funny and clever. But then again....

The cons are pretty in your face. Some of the cast deliver truly lousy performances (Jenna Elfman and Steve Martin tied for the worst) and the Looney Tunes are not really given anything funny to do. Their humorous here but not hilarious. Also, Dante seems to believe that the louder and more brightly colored the volume and sets are, the funnier. Well, that just makes the film more obnoxious.

I don't know. This film is O.K. but just doesn't do justice to the Looney Tunes. Unlike the underrated "Space Jam," the characters are not grounded in a semi-coherent movie universe in this film. When their let wild and abandoned, you just feel left out in the cold.

Bottom-line? O.K. but truly so bad its good (or semi-decent in this case).

Planet of the Apes (2001)

Literally defines the term LAME

[1/10 · 5 June 2010]

Tim Burton is my absolute favorite director of all time and he rarely strikes out but when he does, it can be quite embarrassing. Case in question: the 2001 remake of one of the most famous sci-fi films of all time.

I do have one confession. I've never actually seen the original 1968 film but I am familiar with the story. Here, astronaut Leo Davidson (played forgettably by Mark Wahlberg) crash lands on a distant planet ruled by intelligent apes. From there, he treks with a small band of outsiders towards these mysterious, ancient ruins which may hold the key for his return home.

Where do I begin? Well, the cast is thoroughly wasted and this film has quite a cast (David Warner! Michael Clarke Duncan! Paul Giamattei!), the special effects are pretty generic, and the production design is slimy and claustrophobic. On top of all that, the final battle is very lackluster.

Adding to all this, the ending is a joke. While the original film had an ending that was surprising and strangely appropriate, this one feels forced and confusing. Additional sore spots include a bland score by the usually reliable Danny Elfman and a pace that BEGS for a steroid shot.

You may be wondering are there ANY redeeming values? Well, Charlton Heston's cameo is pretty good but since it is just a cameo, he's not in long enough to truly save it.

What else can I say? This film stinks.

The Black Cauldron (1985)

One of Disney's best and most underrated

[10/10 · 12 May 2010]

This is a grade A Disney animated film from the so-called Dark Ages of the studio and I feel that is an unfair label overall but is especially unfair when it comes to this film which is one of the studio's darkest and most enjoyable.

The plot concerns would-be warrior Taran who sets on a quest to stop the evil Horned Kig (voiced magnificently by John Hurt) from getting his hands on a mysterious object which could unleash all supernatural hell on Earth. Along the way, he acquires a traveling company that includes a beautiful princess, a bumbling minstrel and a cute creature named Gurgi.

The film has it all. The voice work is first rate with a cast including Nigel Hawthorne, John Byner, Phil Fondacaro, Arthur Malet, and Freddie Jones who all turn in good performances. Special mention needs to go to the narrator John Huston who's wondrous voice sets up the story quite well.

The animation is lush, the effects are impressive and a real sense of adventure is aroused. My only complaint would probably be the pace which is a little sluggish and the standard happy ending does seem a little forced in.

But those mere cracks are not enough to damage or destroy what is ultimately one of Disney's best. I certainly rank it in my top five and if you haven't seen it, check it out.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

A most thought-provoking film

[7/10 · 27 April 2010]

The best way to describe "A.I." is that it is a cross between "E.T." and "2001: A Space Odyssey." Two of the most creative and talented film-makers in all of cinematic history (Spielberg and Kubrick) come together to make one of the most confounding films ever.

The story concerns the creation of a robot child named David who is more human in terms of emotion then most others of his kind. After being abandoned by his surrogate parents in the woods, he resolves to find the elusive Blue Fairy who can make him into a real, live boy.

OK, so the film also has some allusions to "Pinnochio." That might overwhelm things for some but this film is a feast for the eyes with some of the most astounding visuals ever put on celluloid. Also, in true Kubrick fashion, there are many thought-provoking questions and ideas. However....

The films has it's flaws, not too many but pretty egregious nonetheless. Among them: the lead performance by Haley Joel Osment is both obnoxious and annoying, the end goal (the aforementioned Fairy) is absolutely ridiculous and the ending is a complete, Spielbergian joke. Oddly enough, the acting is just OK but nothing special.

Regardless of it's faults, this stands as one of the significant films ever mainly because of it's unique pedigree and the controversial legacy it has since spawned.

Space Jam (1996)

Pretty good

[5/10 · 25 April 2010]

This movie has received a lot of flak over the last couple of years and I honestly don't know why. OK, it's not terrific or a masterpiece, but it does accomplish one simple goal: it's entertaining.

The plot concerns Michael Jordan (playing himself and proving to be a rather charming actor) who, after retiring from basketball, finds himself roped (literally) into helping Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes in a do or die game against aliens. Sound ridiculous? It is but this is the Looney Tunes, not "2001."

The pros are pretty significant. The cast performs well (with Wayne Knight and Bill Murray stand-outs), the animation is colorful and lively and the comedy concerning the now-talentless NBA players is really a treat with a particular shout-out going to Albert Hague who plays a psychiatrist. Let's also mention the phenomenal soundtrack which I will never fault this film for.

Although it lacks solidity and most of the live action scenes without the Tunes are pretty dull, overall I enjoyed it. And I still do almost fourteen years later.

Hannah Montana (2006–2011)

I LOVE/HATE this show

[1/10 · 21 April 2010]

This show is one of the most perplexing I've ever seen. It has almost nothing and yet everything going for it. The cons just go on and on and on but I'll try and keep it short.

The "plot" of this series is one joke: a teenage girl (Miley Cyrus) leads a double life as a pop-star named Hannah Montana (ho, ho, ho) and the "wacky complications" that follow with trying to lead a pop-star /normal life.

This show is awful, don't get me wrong. The acting is grating and obnoxious, the sets look like they come from some tacky 80s sitcom and the stories are either clichéd or non-existent. And yet.....I'm actually entertained.

Why? Well, the tacky acting is so bad and over the top, that it actually succeeds in getting me to LOL. Some actors manage to wring some genuine laughs (like the charming Emily Osment) and like with "Cool World" it's fun trying to figure out who gives the worst performance. But here, it's a daily routine and the choice always changes.

The main reason to watch this show is to marvel at the TERRIBLE acting of one Mily Cyrus. She dresses like Paris Hilton, speaks like Chris Tucker in slow-motion and acts like an amateurish Jack Nicholson impersonator. In all, she's hilariously bad.

What can I say? For as awful as this show is (and it IS) it still manages to keep me entertained but for all the wrong reasons.

Alice in Wonderland (I) (2010)

Very entertaining but somewhat lacking

[6/10 · 16 April 2010]

The idea of Tim Burton directing a live action/animated crossbreed of the famed nonsense story "Alice in Wonderland" seems like a match made by the arch angels of cinema heaven and even though the final result is pretty good, you can't help but feel a sense of botched potential.

The story is slightly tweaked from Lewis Carroll's original. Thirteen years after her original visit, Alice is lured back to Wonderland (or Underland, apparently) in order to fulfill her destiny: slay the monstrous Jabberwocky.

First off, this film has many great virtues: the visual style is perfect (with Burton nicely contrasting the real and fantasy worlds), there's a shipload of great performances, and the movie moves at a good pace. Plus, it's fun to see the the magnificent Christopher Lee and Michael Gough in a movie again.

However, on the whole, there's something amiss. Although fun and entertaining, it's sad that Burton didn't just do a straight version of the original book. On top of that, Johnny Depp turns in a shockingly two-dimensional performance and the infamous "futterwacken dance" is a little out of place.

Overall, "Alice in Wonderland" is something special but feels a little empty.

The Pink Panther 2 (2009)

OK but nothing special

[5/10 · 15 November 2009]

The sequel to the 2006 reboot of the beloved series is nice for family viewing but just doesn't do justice to the comedic talents of Steve Martin.

The plot focuses on the theft of the title gem and the subsequent attempts by Inspector Clouseau (played by Martin) and an assortment of famous detectives to recover it. Along the way, Clouseau has a blossoming romance with one of his co-workers played by the appealing Emily Mortimer.

Although a far cry from the inventive early days of his career, the movie is harmless entertainment for kids and on that level it works but I was either amused or indifferent to it while watching it. Another thing that unnerves me is the occasional racism that creeps into the film. It's not wanted or needed. One thing that does make it truly worthwhile is the gaggle of famous faces with everyone from Alfred Molina, John Cleese and Lily Tomlin turning in great performances.

With it's funny all-star cast, the film works on a slight level but is nothing spectacular.

Ghostbusters (1984)

Still hilarious after all these years

[10/10 · 14 November 2009]

This was THE comedy of the 1980s. Combine four great comedic talents with some of the best cheesy special effects and a clever idea and what do you have? You have "Ghostbusters."

The story concerns three scientists who, after being fired from the university they work for, set up shop as paranormal exterminators and soon find themselves battling enemies both human and supernatural. This film defies words. It's funny, clever, very well-made, and exquisitely performed by this merry group of performers ranging from Rick Moranis to William Atherton and Ernie Hudson. The climax with Stay Puft fits the bizarre and comical atmosphere.

There really are no flaws for me personally. This moves at a good pace, is never crass, and has all these wonderful talents playing off each other really well. If you haven't seen it by now, do yourself a favor and see it.

Ghostbusters II (1989)

A lame sequel

[5/10 · 14 November 2009]

Five years after defeating Gozer, the boys reunite to fight a new villain and also contend with more unscrupulous mortals. Does this sound familiar? Who wouldn't want this sequel to be good? All the major cast members are back, you have some pretty neat special effects and an interesting plot device...the river of slime. And yet, the film feels empty. There is too much of a by-the-numbers approach and the film isn't very involving. Does that mean the film is bad? No but it's not great either.

The cast does well but they don't have a lot of material to work with. Too much seems recycled from the previous movie and there are no further insights into these interesting characters and the world of the supernatural. It just seems tired. Even Bill Murray is dull here.

Although it entertains, "Ghostbusters II" simply doesn't deliver.

Casper (1995)

Cute if disjointed film

[5/10 · 14 November 2009]

This live action take on the beloved cartoon ghost first introduced back in 1945 marks his big screen debut and although the end result isn't perfect, it makes for an entertaining film.

This story concerns two baddies who find out about a long lost treasure hidden in a Gothic mansion in Maine. The only thing standing in their way is the ghosts that haunt the place. Enter Dr. James Harvey (Bill Pullman) and his daughter Kat (Christina Ricci) to exterminate the spooks.

The movie isn't perfect. The story lacks direction, the serious questions about death often undermine the charm and the final scene drags on but the film certainly has it's moments. The cast performs admirably with a nice series of cameos from the likes of Dan Aykroyd, Rodney Dangerfield and even Clint Eastwood. The best performance goes to Eric Idle as the weaselly henchman, Dibbs who quite literally goes out with a bang. In all, an enjoyable if somewhat empty film.

If nothing else, "Casper" has the distinction of being the only film ever to feature both Mr. Rogers and The Cryptkeeper.

Trading Places (1983)

Murphy's best film

[10/10 · 13 November 2009]

The combined talent of Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy provide us with a terrific comedy that proves two big stars don't necessarily have to outshine each other to make the comedy work.

The story is recycled from the old Three Stooges shorts from the 1930s but with a unique twist. Using their resources, the Duke Brothers switch a prissy businessman (Aykroyd) and street hustler (Murphy) to see if it's heredity or environment that shapes a person's success.

The helmsman here is John Landis who had scored three years earlier with "The Blues Brother" also starring Dan Aykroyd and this follow-up film rivals that in terms of just how funny it really is. The cast is just fantastic (everyone from Denholm Elliot to Frank Oz to even Bo Diddly) and the production values are just exquisite. It has some raunchy humor which is a trademark of Landis's but it doesn't detract from the charm and wit this movie has.

Despite lagging slightly in the middle, "Trading Places" is funny, charming, very well-made and strangely timeless. I advise any Murphy or Aykroyd fan to see it.

Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)

The third and least in the series

[2/10 · 13 November 2009]

The third time is a strike-out here as Mike Myers thoroughly wastes his talent and those of his co-stars in this unfunny and lame sequel to the first two Austin films.

The story: Dr. Evil breaks out of jail and (once again) tries to conquer the world via an elaborate and clichéd mad scientist like plan. Austin (once again) must stop him with the help of the beautiful Foxxy Cleopatra and his father, played by Michael Caine in a useless performance.

Does this sound familiar? This is the same story I've seen in the first two movies and when you consider that everyone seems to be in on this fact combined with their phoned in performances, you see how unnecessary this sequel really is.

What can you say about this: It's not funny, it's limp, the cameos are useless with a few exceptions, and the story often makes no sense. Myers struck out and maybe that's for the better. We've since been spared a fourth entry.

Alice in Wonderland (1951)

A brilliant yet sadly underrated classic

[10/10 · 18 October 2009]

The famed Lewis Carroll books gets the Disney treatment and the result is some of the trippiest, funniest and most unbelievable imagery ever put on film.

You know the story: little Alice spots a White Rabbit and follows it down the rabbit hole into a bizarre and surreal land of talking animals, bad manners and some unsettling monarchs. The story is loaded with pure nonsense but I loved every single minute, character and idea.

The Disney version of the story gets one thing right that most other versions fail tremendously at and that would be the casting. Everyone is spot on here with Ed Wynn, Sterling Holloway, Verna Felton, Bill Thompson, and Richard Hayden just shining as the trippy and weirdo residents of Wonderland. A particular stand-out is Holloway as The Chesire Cat. He is cast to perfection and embodies the part with all the qualities we now associate with the character: slinky, weird, menacing and funny.

This review almost cannot do justice to the film. It has some terrific animation, great performances, and some very catchy songs (14 songs total and it never feels bloated). I strongly urge any Disney or Carroll or animation fan to seek this out. You won't be sorry.

Comic Book: The Movie (2004 Video)

A winner

[10/10 · 14 October 2009]

The voice artists and comic book nerds strike back at the critics and studio CEOs in "Comic Book: The Movie" which is a bright and inventive mockumentary from first time director Mark Hamill.

The story concerns Don Swan (played by Hamill) as he travels to the San Diego Comic-Con convention in order to make a documentary about his favorite superhero, soon to be rebooted as a modern day anti-terrorist.

What can you say about such a superb film? Well, it's very well-made (you almost feel as if your there) and the acting is just great with Tom Kenny as the stand-out but that's not to slight this great cast which also includes Jess Harnell, David Prowse and Jim Cmmings. The cast is just unbeatable. The scenery also adds a nice, surreal tone to the whole thing. I had fun just gazing at all the pop culture icons walking around Hamill and his fellow actors.

However, it does lose steam in it's last eight minutes. I can't help but feel that they lost confidence and abandoned the format that had served them so well for the bulk of the film. But that minor quibble barely puts a dent in this light and funny film. This is a winner above and beyond.