Spike & Mike's Sick & Twisted (1997) - 1 star

This movie sucks. If you are really into extended scenes of people puking or into watching small animals blow up each other with granades, then go for it.
- Jim

Catch a Fire - 4

Catch a Fire is a stunning movie. This will certainly be nominated for Oscars. Here is a quote from imdb that sums it up perfectly:

"This movie, set in the 1980's, depicts and contrasts the brutal oppression of White South Africa with the opposition of the ANC, most notably Joe Slovo, a hero of the time. Joe Slovo paid a high price for his opposition, including the loss of his wife to the oppressors of the day, but this movie, with a screenplay written by one of his children, takes a high-minded, forgiving approach that few of us could ever contemplate in the circumstances. Told through the eyes of Patrick Chamusso, a gentle man whose quiet life becomes radicalized by oppressive forces, the movie is powerful, emotional and, curiously - for reasons mentioned, balanced."

The movie was directed by Philip Noyce who also directed Rabbit Proof Fence (see my review of this amazing film). The only known actor in the film is Tim Robbins, along with an amazing cast of American and South African actors. It's impossible to tell which is which, the accents and emotions are so real.

Catch this one on October 27th when it goes into general US release.

The Woodsman - 3 stars

The Woodsman, starring Kevin Bacon, is about a man re-entering society after serving 12 years for child molestation. He truely thinks what he did was bad, but has an uncontrollable impulse.

The movie is pretty good, taking the high road when it could have easily gone down the most obvious route. He struggles at work when people find out, he develops a new relationship, and trys to make contact with his family. All at the same time as still battling his demons. Kevin Bacon delivers another nuanced and creepy performance. Kyra Sedgwick is consistently good and always cute. It's not as disturbing as it could have easily been, but it does attack a gross subject.

Romper Stomper - 3 stars

Romper Stomper is about a gang of Australian neo-Nazis, led by Russell Crowe. As you can imagine, it's very violent. The role is a perfect fit for Crowe, as he is himself an angry and controlling Aussie (that's pronounced Ozzie) and performs naturally.

It's not the most violent film I've ever seen, nor is it the best neo-Nazi film. American History X starring Ed Norton is much better and more gruesome. They do share some interesting similarities, aside from the obvious. They are both excellent character studies. Both leads are responsible for protecting someone they love. But that's where the two diverge. The characters in the 2 films react very different to increased pressure and new information. Not knowing much about Melbourne (for those of you keeping score: it's pronounced Melbun), I was surprised that the focus of their hatred was Viet Namese immigrants.

Dune - 3 stars

Dune is a classic that you will watch over and over again. I mean you have to watch it over and over again in order to start figuring out what the heck they are talking about. There are so many intergallactic names, places, and concepts in this epic (that means long) sci-fi tome that you are better off with a guide. Fortunately, I have one. Besides the confusion, it's fun to watch. They do a good job of creating a futuristic society that is surprisingly well constructed.

Primal Fear - 4 stars

Edward Norton's (my boyfriend) first role won him an academy award. He's that good. Primal Fear is a surprising thriller. Smarty Pants figured out some of what was happening, but not everything, so that's pretty good. Again, the acting is excellent and Richard Gear co-stars. So really, there's something for everyone.

Watch this one.

Chasing Amy - 3 stars

I loved Chasing Amy the first time I saw it. I thought it was witty, fast, clever, and sexy. This time it wasn't so great. I found it predictable and preachy.

For those of you out of touch with this generation of movies, it was written and directed by Kevin Smith, aka Silent Bob. He also did Mall Rats, Clerks, and Dogma. Each of these movies has the exact same setup - 30 somethings from New Jersey who think they are teensomethings prostelatize on their dating theories and other important topics like smoking weed. You will only enjoy these movies if you come directly from NJ or were born in the late 60s, early 70s.

I still LOVE the scene at the bar when Ben Affleck is grooving while she sings. His body language and facial expressions are perfect! There's a fun cameo of Matt Damon, too.

Bourne Sepremacy - 3 stars

The Bourne Supremecy is a solid action flick, especially for a sequel. Matt Damon does a believable job as a leading man in an action flick, much better than his boyfriend. It's too bad that Franka Potente dies in the first couple of minutes, she was good in the first one and fabulous in Run Lola Run (4 stars). I also enjoyed Joan Allen as the ranking CIA agent.

Lost Boys - 3 stars

I can't believe that I've never seen The Lost Boys from beginning to end. Made in 1987, it's a cult classic of my generation. The cast is great with Dianne Weist, Keifer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Jami Gertz, and of course, the Coreys (Corey Haim & Corey Feldman). Dianne moves her sons Jason Patric (hot!) and Corey Haim to "Santa Carla" (aka Santa Clara), the murder capital of the world. Lo and behold, vampires are the source of all the missing people. The story is predictable, but vivid and fun. It's not for children, but not as scary as it could be. The sets are cool and the make-up is very good. The acting is solid. Basically, it's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in pjs with popcorn and your high school friends.

And Justice for All - 3 stars

And Justice for All is a serious lawyer movie from 1979. Al Pachino gives one of his better pre-thug performances as a do-good lawyer navigating the corrupt and jaded legal system. It was probably eye opening 20 years ago, but the subject is now common. His defendands are all colorful characters that are fun to watch. The acting is the best part of the movie, and everything else is solid.