Charlie (Jerry O’Connell) an uptight hairdresser, and Louis (Anthony Anderson) his zany best friend, are sent by Charlie’s mob-boss stepfather (Christopher Walken) to deliver $50,000 to an associate in Australia. When Louis places his “lucky” jacket on an injured kangaroo for a photo-op at the onset of their journey, the animal makes off with the … Continue reading
If Baz Lurhmann made a documentary, it would look an awful lot like The Kid Stays in the Picture. That said, even if you’re not a fan of documentaries, even if you’ve never heard of Robert Evans (on whose autobiography the film is based), do yourself a favor and don’t miss this incredible film. A … Continue reading
Writer-director Lisa Cholodenko’s Laurel Canyon is an intimate and gripping examination of mothers and sons, lovers and friends that fully delivers on the artistic promise put forth by her debut feature, the equally compelling High Art. As before, Cholodenko has created a palpably dreamlike setting in which to tell her story (a talent she has … Continue reading
“Ivory may not be the best at packing an emotional punch, but he definitely knows how to give us the ooh-la-la.” French (Dis)Connection New Merchant Ivory film lacks a certain je ne sais quois, but is tres jolie Based on the critically acclaimed 1997 Diane Johnson novel of the same name, Le Divorce, the newest offering … Continue reading
“As sweet and sassy as its star, Legally Blonde only wants viewers to have some fun; watching it, that’s exactly what happens…” Click to view clip Continue reading
“Brilliantly encapsulates those amazing times when two mismatched people, brought together by unusual circumstances, make a connection that might not last, but leaves an indelible impression on each of them. Situations like those, though rare, are strange and wonderful things. Bittersweet and beautiful, Lost in Translation is strange and wonderful, too.” Big in Japan Bill Murray, Scarlett … Continue reading
“If Gollum is the soul of The Two Towers, its heart is the awesome battle at Helm’s Deep, which consumes nearly all of the film’s final hour…a breathtaking spectacle that builds slowly and ominously, adding layer upon layer of tension and gloom before exploding into an awe-inspiring pageant of bloody chaos.” I realize I’m the only … Continue reading
The second cinematic installment in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is superior to its spectacular predecessor in every regard, thanks largely to a trio of spellbinding storylines. As the forces of evil grow stronger throughout Middle Earth, a now-separated fellowship of adventurers struggles to restore peace. While ring-bearer Frodo (Elijah Wood) and his … Continue reading
Good Grief Philip Seymour Hoffman sniffs away the pain in Love Liza Critically acclaimed character actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has found himself the perfect leading role in Love Liza’s Wilson Joel, a dough-faced schlub struggling to overcome the pain caused by his wife’s recent suicide. Of course, it’s hardly a coincidence that Hoffman’s exceptional talent … Continue reading
In the strangely appealing Love Liza, critically acclaimed character actor Philip Seymour Hoffman puts his basset hound persona to excellent use as a leading man. His tour-de-force performance as Wilson, a loveable schlump who resorts to huffing gasoline to escape the pain of his wife’s suicide, is perfectly matched by Kathy Bates as his wife’s … Continue reading
Mike Rucker Writes 