Change Your Image
jeffplus3
Reviews
Scary Movie 3 (2003)
Smart, funny parody
"Scary Movie 3" is easily the best spoof comedy since the "Hot Shots!" and "Naked Gun" years. This is one of the finest written, absolutely hilarious movies to ever reach the theatres.
Obviously, I just loved the fact that they turned to the dry-witted humor genre, as opposed to the first 2 installments of "Scary Movie," which at times were funny, but were never clever enough to be considered hilarious in my opinion. They figured out in number 3 that less of the potty talk and more of the sarcastic, making-fun-of-other-films talk is the way to go.
Based around "The Ring," "Signs," "8 Mile," and "Matrix Reloaded," it is hard to keep from laughing, beginning with the opening scene, which mirrors "The Ring" perfectly.
This film watches the details. It is obvious the writers, producers, and directors watched the movies they were making fun of. I saw a lot more hard work in "Scary Movie 3" than the other two. It seemed like someone smart and responsible finally took over a movie series that has so much potential. This could revolutionize the industry because there are always new movies to go off on. There could be a "Scary Movie 15" in twelve years, and as long as the same style was used as in this film, it would be just as effective because it would have a completely different field of films to create parody from.
People complain that there is no point of this movie, that it's just stupid. These people are missing the point. It doesn't matter if it has a plot, or a surprise ending, or great special effects. The point is that "Scary Movie 3" takes four films that take themselves very seriously, and puts them into a satire, that truly works. This movie can be corny in scenes because of its nature; it's not taking itself SERIOUSLY! At all! Like the Sci-Fi Channel classic TV show "Mystery Science Theater 3000," or FOX's "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy," this is comedy for the ages, and if you appreciate good humor, watch this one as soon as possible. But please, watch at least "The Ring" and "Signs" first, because the ability to relate exactly what is going on makes it that much funnier.
Cruel Intentions (1999)
Surprisingly good movie
Originally, I rented this movie basically because of Sarah Michelle Gellar. I wasn't really expecting anything plot-wise, but after watching it, I thought it was a very well-rounded movie in all aspects.
First off, the acting is very solid. Ryan Philipe was impressive as a spoiled, troubled young man. Gellar was a great villain who I loved to hate. Reese Witherspoon showed a lot of depth in her role, showing she can be more than just a ditsy blonde.
The whole feel to the movie, like the visual aspects, were what made this movie especially strong. The setting, the costume design, cinematography made a good movie into a superb movie.
I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it, but I will say the plot was intriguing as well. I don't see how people have a problem with this movie. There may be a couple of problems in the exaggerated characters, but really, it all seemed to fit in the end.
Overall, the acting was top-notch and that in its own helped better the story as a whole. It was sexy, and right when it was over, made me want to watch it again.
3 1/2 stars out of 4.
There's Something About Mary (1998)
Enjoyable, but I understand the other side (some spoilers)
There's something about this movie that makes it pretty fun to watch. Maybe it simply is Mary (Cameron Diaz).
I liked this movie at some points, but at other points, I didn't. It was inconsistent with its humor. Sometimes it was very clever and sometimes it was downright raunchy. I really didn't see the need for all the f-bombs or the pointless and gross "zipper" camera angle. I think the Farrely brothers took a PG-13 movie and made it R.
There were strong points to the movie as well. It was well-acted for the most part. Diaz fit into her role well, and made a realistic character out of Mary. Matt Dillon and Ben Stiller were admirable as well, Chris Elliott was a little weak I thought. Then again, he wasn't dealt a good character to work with.
The best humor was the "misunderstanding" type, more subtle. Like when the stepdad tells Stiller "She went to the prom 20 minutes ago with her boyfriend Woogie" or the whole murder interrogation scene. Very funny. But then, the Farrely brothers come back with some of their stupid humor.
Overall, I think what this movie needed was a better, more down-to-earth director. I'll give it a 6.75 out of 10.
Thundercats (1985)
These were the days of good cartoons
"Thundercats" was my favorite of a great group of '80s cartoons. It makes me feel a little sorry for kids today who have to watch "Pokemon" or "Barney."
"Thundercats" was a great show. Sure, it had its flaws, and sure the dialogue was often corny. But it did not make a difference in the presentation of the show as a whole.
Mumm-ra was an excellent villain, the Thundercats were amiable heroes, who were really role models, and the reptiles were the comic relief. Heck, Snarf was okay too.
The animation is fantastic and the storylines are really quite entertaining. Although I'm 18, I will still watch it if it's on, which is rare right now. I hope Cartoon Network straightens up and brings some quality 80s cartoons on because that is the best decade of all television. Thanks for the good memories, Thundercats!
Can't Hardly Wait (1998)
A movie that just seems to work
I'm not the biggest fan of the whole "teen movie" craze, but "Can't Hardly Wait" is a very entertaining movie to watch.
In the same boat that Seinfeld for TV, tagged as "the show about nothing," is "Can't Hardly Wait." It's not really about "nothing," but it has no firm identity, no single story line or direction. And I think it works effectively.
The actors are pretty good; I was especially pleased with Jennifer Love Hewitt's performance. She worked well in her role. She managed to make the audience sympathize with her character because she was not a 'snob' despite being the prettiest girl in the school.
It's not the best movie ever made, but it is put together in such a way that it works out. It is humorous and the ending ties things together rather well. 8 out 10.
Little Big League (1994)
Best kid's (or adult) baseball movie
Between 1993-1995, many baseball movies such as Little Big League, The Sandlot, and Rookie of the Year came out, but I think that Little Big League was the most clever of them all. There were plenty of funny scenes that adults, rather than children, could relate to. It was well done and well acted. I enjoyed this movie and I have owned it since it came out.
Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988)
A great thing to watch during a mostly bad TV era
MST3K was something to enjoy during the 1990s, which spawned stupid dramas, soap operas, and "Jerry Springer" type shows. It's hilarious, but it doesn't go overboard with it. The jokes are intelligent and the concept is the best on TV. It's fun to see bad movies that take themselves too seriously on this type of a show. Anyone who could make a movie like "Hobgoblins" or "Overdrawn at the Memory Bank" DESERVES it. They're movies that are too serious and so poor you don't care about the characters or plot. I feel the only reason these movies were put on this earth were to go straight to MST3K. I mean, who in their right mind would watch "Hobgoblins" without those three at the bottom? WHO? And once the movie gets a spot on the show, you can't stop laughing. I simply could not comprehend what anyone is thinking who does not find the show funny even sometimes! You have to admit the show is clever and FUN to watch.
By the way, I would love, just LOVE, to see an episode of "Days of our Lives" on MST3K. Soap operas are perfect for that show!
Thanks for the laughs, MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000!
Cast Away (2000)
A movie that left you on the edge of your seat.
Cast Away was a movie that you really liked or really didn't. I liked it because it was very realistic, especially for a movie about such a strange situation. Tom Hanks did his normal good job and I even liked the ending, even though many didn't. I'm glad they made the audience think about what he was going to do rather than spoil it for us.
8.5 out of 10
Werewolf (1995)
One of the worst...
And that's why it got a whole two hours on Mystery Science Theater 3000. They have awful movies, but this ranks up in the top (or shall I say bottom) ten I've ever seen. It was just a pitiful attempt at making a movie. It was more like an hour and a half of foreign people gathered in a remote spot in Arizona who can't outrun a slow werewolf.
So my question is: Why would anyone ever, in their right mind, watch this movie if it weren't on MST3K?
The Simpsons (1989)
How could you really ever cancel this show?
"The Simpsons" is awesome. It is the most successful cartoon, or maybe even show, in television history. With great characters and funny stories. The show will make you laugh, even if you are some grumpy, mean 110 year old with no sense of humor. My question is how could they cancel this show? There seems to be an infinite amount of different possible plots, and different actors appearing on the show. This could really be one of those shows that your kids' kids' will still grow up watching. If you haven't seen this show, and think it is gross or something, you are wrong. It is not any real cussing or real gross jokes, so I recommend that anyone and everyone watch it.
Poltergeist III (1988)
Lacks qualities of first two, but some scenes okay
"Poltergeist III" has to be one of the strangest movies I have ever seen. It is very confusing, but it is one of those films that you need to know the ending. Okay, I'll just go over the things good and bad and ugly with the movie. First, the good aspects of the film: None. No, actually I can think of a couple. Some of the F/X were well-thought out and some of the mirror scenes were creative. Also, the acting of 12-year old Heather O'Rourke failed to disappoint as she seemed to become better as she got older. It is a shame to both Hollywood and her family & friends that she died. Now, the bad: Let's just do a list, shall we? The acting of the adults was bad, the plot was confusing, the ending seemed like it was just cut short, and it's hard to think of more other than the acting of Lara Flynn Boyle was absolutely pitiful I might add. I wonder why she isn't a big star...and the ugly- one word (or two): Marcie (ewwww.).
My rating: 4.8 out of 10. (But don't let that spoil the other two films- "Poltergeist" is amazing, and the sequel is at least respectable and well-acted.)
Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)
A fun sequel to watch
"Poltergeist II: The Other Side" is a very interesting movie despite the fact that the plot was rather subpar. My favorite movie of all time is the original "Poltergeist," and this movie is a respectable sequel. I like it because of the character Kane, for one, who gives the movie another ghostly dimension. Julian Beck was wonderful in the film as Kane. Also, the children remained good actors, especially the late Heather O'Rourke, who played Carol Anne. This is another strong performance by the young actress, and would have gone on to be a wonderful adult actress later in life had she lived. All in all, I give it a 7.5 out of 10.
Back to the Future (1985)
Robert Zemeckis' finest film
Robert Zemeckis is one of the better directors out there, and you can say what you want to about the movies he has done, but "Back to the Future" was his most memorable. This movie was done with style, and will always be the best sci-fi movie around. The acting is remarkable; Marty (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) are the standouts in the film. Fox does a wonderful job portraying the average 80s teenager, while Lloyd made his voice heard in his career best performance. As for Crispin Glover and Lea Thompson, they add another ring to the story, and give it comedy, a rare occurance in science fiction. There are several things that I could note telling how good this movie was. The concept of traveling through time has never exactly done well in the theatres before, but "Back to the Future" worked, as did its sequels. The small things also made this movie what it is today, like how realistic the 1950s were. During those scenes, you can imagine it being a 50s movie done in color. Also, the usage of the Delorean seemed like the perfect car for the time machine. To sum things up, I quote Doc, talking about the Delorean used for the time machine. "If you're gonna make a time machine, why not do it with some style?" And that's exactly how Zemeckis made this fantastic movie, with style.
Poltergeist (1982)
The best acted movie of all time
Considering that a good portion of the film "Poltergeist" was acted out by children, 5-year old Carol Anne (Heather O'Rourke) and 8-year old Robbie (Oliver Robins) and still say that it was a great acted movie might sound strange. But it was. In my opinion, O'Rourke was the best child actress of the 80s, if not in history. Robins, although he never became largely-known, did a surprisingly fantastic job in "Poltergeist." Also, 18-year old Dana (Dominique Dunne), the parents (JoBeth Williams and Craig T. Nelson), and the psychics were also just as good. (Considering that none of the actors in this movie ever became large stars with the possible exception of Nelson)
Also, the rest of the movie was great. The special F/X were adequate for 1982, the plot was interesting, and "Poltergeist," unlike "Nightmare on Elm Street," "Friday the Thirteenth," et cetera, did not rely on blood and gore. In fact, those stupid slasher movies will never have the same singular effect as did "Poltergeist." And, if anything, it was underrated. Have you ever seen "Poltergeist" on any 'top 100' movies or referred to very often? Poltergeist should get the respect it deserves, like "The Exorcist." It should be rereleased into theatres in 2002, the 20-year anniversary.
I shall not give away the storyline for those of you who have not seen the movie, but if you haven't, rent it. It is simply wonderful. It is "the first (and only) real ghost story."