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jmdstern
Reviews
John Adams (2008)
Everyone should watch
Given the current state of affairs, everyone should make time to watch this mini-series. It's refreshing to know that people though imperfect truly cared about the true nature of freedom. The actors do an outstanding job of portraying the flavor of the times, and the souls of their characters. For most of us the Declaration of Independence is taken for granted. It's wonderful to see how many struggled to unify this country and by no means was the thinking unanimous. I love Jefferson and his quiet nature, resorting to words on paper more comfortably than speaking in public.
For as much as I thought I knew about John Adams I'm finding I didn't know him at all. Pay close attention to the courtroom scenes and thank the stars that court room behavior has evolved since then. I'd hate to have to testify in an environment like that.
Watch this series and hope that some of our politicians today are watching too. I would hope that it might spark something inside them that has been buried in todays hypocrites
The Astronaut Farmer (2006)
My family loved this movie
The key here is my family, that a big score for being able to sit through a movie these days with my son and husband and each of us being able to speak highly of it in the end.
Being a space enthusiast for years it was enjoyable to watch a man and his family pursue his dreams of orbiting the earht without the NASA price tag. Billy Bob Thorton and Viginia Madsen did a fabulous job of portraying and "average" if not slightly crazy family. We left the movie with my son asking a million questions about the space race, history and the goverments willingness to hold back on individuals dreams.
If you're looking for a movie that's fun for the family, not animated and without talking animals this is the one. Sweet and humorous it's one for our home theater.
Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005)
"and let me tell you why..."
Once again I am reminded about how few really good family films are made and more importantly how easily they are dismissed. I was more than joyed at this little gem, why, because my 9 year old was laughing so hard he was red. And at the same time I found many of the moments truly teary. Maybe it's being a parent, but the facts are there is laughter and tears in most family situations.
I have to say, Steve Martin can really pull the slapstick comic as well as the serious parent. I appreciate so much when actors are willing to put aside the heavyness of everyday life and be willing to put a smile on my kids face. Also, having spend a lot of my time on a lake I was craving some of those cool water toys.
So ignore the critics and take the kids to a truly enjoyable little movie sure not to get an Oscar nod but a childs' nod.
Sky High (2005)
Kid's Know best
Now I must say I was ready for just an okay movie based on our own IMDb initial buzz. I'm happy to say wrong! This movie had everything one would need minus the popcorn.
I had with me my son and two nieces, ages were 5, 8, and 12. Add to the mix a 40 something year old and we all came out with smiles on our faces. Usually with this mix someone is disappointed, but not this time. I'm truly happy when actors like Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston put their heart into a kids movie. It makes you appreciate them all the more and at the same time gives you great acting and a fun movie.
As much as I liked the Incredibles and love Pixar, I have to give a big hand to Disney for bringing equal enjoyment to live action. Thanks boys and girls.
The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
I'm sorry I didn't see it on the big screen
Sometimes you just have to go on how you feel and ignore critics. To clarify, I am a huge science fiction fan. I'm always fascinated by outer space and the future. A few years ago I had rented and loved Pitch Black. Vin Diesels character Riddick is very cool so once I herd The Chronicles were coming out I got very excited. Then came the reviews and I made the mistake of listening. Now having rented it, I'm sorry I didn't see it on the big screen. I was really surprised at how good it was. Okay, you have to suspend reality, but that's what sci-fi is all about.
I thought the CG was really well done and loved the magnitude of the big bad guys. Sure the necromongers were a colorful name for the borg, beings being assimilated to conquer worlds. Who cares, it was about the fight of good vs. evil that was very much worth the ride.
The Pacifier (2005)
Hey, this was really fun
Okay, sometimes I think the critics are all single "non-family" people. I just got back from viewing this movie with 7 adults and 11 children. It was wonderful to watch the kids giggle and hurrah at Vin Diesel, tough guy, nice guy, real softie routine. Whether he was kicking bad guys or changing diapers, he was great. While there were many clichés and material we've all seen in other forms, we sometime forget that this stuff works. My child is 8 and this is fresh to him. I'm so please that we were able to bring 18 people of varying ages who all had a good time. I say forget the negatives and focus on what we sometimes forget, an afternoon or evening with you kids is the best pacifier.
Racing Stripes (2005)
Ignore the critics, take the kids
Perfect?, no but cute and family oriented, definitely. I think we get so caught up sometime with CG and special effects that we forget what can just make us smile. While this movie doesn't produce action figures, lunch boxes or any kind of "merchandise" it does deliver on the good old Disney tradition of storytelling. Okay adults, remember the days when we'd watch wonderful world of Disney?
I went with four children who all enjoyed it, okay so they laughed hardest at the party humor. Point being it was well told, presented and something nice to do with the kids. The acting is first rate and the characters, lovable. Get back to the basics, see it.
Around the World in 80 Days (2004)
Good fun for the entire family
Okay so it's not Finding Nemo, but I have to tell you I was pleasantly surprised by this film. I actually found myself laughing together with my son and husband as we took to the adventure around the world. Jackie Chan is truly talented and the supporting cameos made it fun to anticipate who would show up next.
The effects were genuine and the violence fairly playful. I enjoyed how each country turned magical as they left for the next one. The slapstick certainly provided yucks for my son, who drinks up martial arts and battles.
I think this one slipped by the radar, so if you have a chance to share some time with the kids, give it a try. An
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Wow, I can't ask for more, except a sequel.
Having read this comic and loved it for years, thank you Sam Rami for keeping it just as I remember it. I couldn't have asked for a better portrayal.
For once, someone has taken the time to develop the characters in a way that takes you into the movie and along for the ride. Tobey Maquire can act with his eyes in a way that no words need be spoken. Aunt May, MJ, Harry are given the chance to be part of the movie without appearing two dimensional. This is a movie for lovers of comics or not. My son who is only seven asked if he could see it again.
Bravo 10/10
The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
So far removed from the original movie
I have to say as a die hard Matrix fan I so wanted to love this movie. Unfortunately it missed the mark in so many ways. It's great to see so much SPX, but what good are they if the story is missing? I left Reloaded like so many with great questions and possible plot twists. When all was said and done the "brothers" have reduced this movie to the most simplistic of them all. Shame on them for selling out, or did the creative juices just dry up?