Starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Al Pacino and Matt Damon Directed by Stephen Soderbergh Rated PG-13 for brief sensuality Appropriate for ages 13+ The Story: Danny Ocean (Clooney) and gang almost lose one of their mates to a heart attack brought on by the shady dealings of a major hotel builder (Pacino). In an effort to seek revenge against him, they do everything in their power to stop his new Las Vegas Strip hotel from opening. The Good: Unlike the second film, and even the first one, the film makers decided not to trick the audience, but rather to let the audience fully join in on the fun. We get to sit back and watch all of the action taking place not having to worry about an ending that hits you out of left field. These characters are so charismatic and enjoyable to watch that they make you feel part of the gang, and it creates a heck of a good time in the process. The performances are all very good and you can tell right away that they had fun making the movie. Also, while it’s not a comedy, there are some very funny moments, especially a couple involving Oprah, that add the frosting to the cake. The Bad: We know that director Soderbergh likes to do some weird montage sequences and this film is no different. Throughout the film, whenever a lot of action is taking place, it’s done in a montage, and some of these sequences are just a little too artsy and out of place for a film such as this. Also, everything falls into place a little too perfectly and the story seems a little too simple at times. Still, I’d rather have the simple story than the tricky, nonsensical plotlines found in the first two films. The Summary: They finally got it right with this third Ocean installment. , a writer of books about haunted hotels that doesn’t believe in ghosts. Upon receiving a postcard warning him about room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel in New York City, where several dozen people mysteriously died, he decides to investigate for himself. Although adamantly discouraged by the hotel manager (Samuel L. Jackson), Enslin, positive that nothing can happen to him besides a good night’s sleep, decides that he knows best and locks himself in for the night. This turns out to be a bad decision.<BR><BR>1408 starts out really strong, providing some really good scary moments throughout the first half of the film. It’s not that the film isn’t good past the half-way point, but it’s certainly not as terrifying. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, since the second half of the film is where the majority of the character development takes place, and without it, it would have probably been just another stupid slasher flick. Instead, what we get here is a smart, thrilling, and suspenseful film that has you guessing till the end. <BR><BR>This is not the best story King wrote, and with that being said, the very short story it is based on is different from the story of the movie. But still, I got the feeling that they wanted to create here another <EM>Shining</EM>, and it just doesn’t live up to the Kubrick classic. On it’s own, it’s a much better-than-average horror flick that doesn’t rely on hardcore torture and gore to thrill it’s audience. </FONT></FONT></p>
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Evan Almighty – Evan’s Good Heart Doesn’t Beat Strong Enough To Keep Film Alive
Evan Almighty C-
Rated PG for mild rude humor and some peril
This sequel to Bruce Almighty brings Morgan Freeman back as God, and this time he has a mission for anchorman-turned-politician Evan Baxter, played by Steve Carell. When Evan appears for duty in congress, God suddenly wants him to drop his job and build an Ark. When thousands of animals, all in pairs, start to follow him wherever he goes, the world starts to think that he is crazy and that it’s time for a new congressman.
I have to admit that I absolutely love Steve Carell and think that he is a brilliant comedian. That being said, he doesn’t show it here. While I can appreciate the premise, I can’t see how this was the best they could do with it. The writing is poor and the ideas, aside from the concept, are moronic. Small children and their parents might like the movie due to its family-oriented nature, but most audiences will be turned off due to its simplicity and flat-out stupidity. Among the things I hated the most about the pic is that throughout the film, there is this little “dance” Carell likes to do, and it gets worse and worse until you are so annoyed that you can’t wait to run from the theater. Across the board, it’s just plain lazy film making.
So while the film has a good heart, it’s arteries are filled with cheese.A Mighty Heart – Jolie Shines In Very Dificult Role
A Mighty Heart A
Rated R for language
Angelina Jolie portrays Mariane Pearl, the widow of Daniel Pearl, the reporter that was brutally killed by Islamic extremists in 2002. While the film sounds like a depressing downer of a film, it sneaks in an exciting yet gut-wrenching tale of the kidnapping and subsequent rescue efforts. Jolie gives her most powerful performance to date and really shows why she deserved her first Oscar for Girl, Interupted. While it’s still early in the race, she is sure to be the front-runner for this year’s award. I found the film to be similar in nature to United 93, and just like United 93, I am glad I saw it, but I never want to see it again.Ocean’s Thirteen – Third Time’s A Charmer
Ocean’s Thirteen A-
Making the World a Better Place – One Review at a Time