mike-320 Reviews

Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)

Leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

[14 November 2004]

This movie may set a bad example for children who watch it. It will teach them that it's okay to be spoiled, selfish little brats who would get in the way of their parents' dreams instead of trying to work with and help them. It shows families that they have to sacrifice everything in their lives for their children. I understand that sacrifices have to be made but these parents have given up their entire careers and life work because these selfish children don't know how to act. The teenagers in this family could be helping out much more instead of adding to the problem. I am a teenager myself and watching this movie makes me hesitant about having children if I can't have a life outside of them.

Elephant (2003)

Leads up to a disappointment...

[3/10 · 28 May 2004]

I (a high school student) rented this movie without many expectations. I have seen movies that take place in "high school" before. This did accurately portray high school somewhat but also included a lot of the same old stereotypes I have seen over and over and have yet to actually witness firsthand. Anyway, to Gus Van Sant, I have three things to say. I love to nitpick, and one of the worst overlooks I have seen in this movie is that no one apparently could muster the brain power to call the police. I didn't see a single officer in this entire movie. I did see people standing around outside the school while they know two gunmen are inside killing people, but I didn't see a single cellphone pulled out. Next, when the boy and girl (don't remember names) at the end of the movie hide in a meat locker instead of leaving through the exit a mere 20 feet away, that really didn't sit well with me. What kind of dense people bypass the exit to hide in a meat locker with no means of escape? Finally, I didn't like the shooters. Of course, no one does, but others on this site explain their lack of depth by saying Van Sant didn't know what made them tick, he just portrayed the events. I don't really know what else to say. Rent the movie to understand what I mean. I give this movie a 1/5 but actually recommend a rent so you can see what I mean and why I am dissatisfied.

House of Sand and Fog (2003)

Pretends to be a masterpiece.

[4/10 · 4 May 2004]

While this movie may on the surface pretend to be a masterpiece, it is really overall just a way to get depressed. The only emotion this drama really brought out in me after watching it is anger. Intense, firey hatred. Others say that it is "real" and that is what makes it so intense, but...no its not. I can see why some people would come out of the movie and say, "Wow, that was good." Those people are people who only have a passing interest in intelligent entertainment. The choices made by some people in this movie wouldn't even be options in real life. The character you are supposed to identify with and feel sorry for, I had no emotions for at all except, you guessed it, hatred. The writers of this movie took a wrong turn when they, toward the end of the movie, go about things the "new movie" way and deal a drastic blow to our emotions in an attempt to get us to remember the movie after we leave the theater/pop it out of the DVD player. The end of this movie makes me want to do drastic things involving forward motion and large cliffs. It portrays life as being (searching for the right words) really crappy.

P.S. (Not specifically related to this movie because it only pretends to be "real") Why can't writers STOP writing movies with the "real life" in mind where the bad guy wins and the ending isn't happily-ever-after? We see enough of the "real world" on the news. We get depressed enough watching that. We don't need to see more of it when we are paying for it.

Traffic (2004)

Not bad at all.

[10/10 · 27 January 2004]

I don't know why everyone doesn't like this miniseries so much. I have never seen the movie or any other story about this topic and I am enjoying it immensely. Since it is only 2/3 over I can't say much more but so far the story is progressing nicely and I am always entertained.

Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)

Brings back memories.

[10 November 2003]

I am 16. When I was younger, I would watch this movie all the time at Christmas. This, along with A Christmas Story and (Clark Griswold's) Christmas Vacation are the traditional Christmas movies. It didn't get very high ratings, but these people are looking for action and intrigue, not just good holiday laughs. I suggest you find a copy for your children.

Scary Movie 3 (2003)

Not as bad as people think.

[7/10 · 9 November 2003]

How much can you really expect from it? If you don't go in expecting a psychological thriller and just go in expecting to see another Scary Movie, you will come out satisfied. I laughed heartily a couple of times. I DO suggest that you see a bargain show and not a full priced showing or for you lawbreakers, go see something good and then sneak into this afterward. P.S. Just in case anyone from the MPAA reads this, I do not suggest that anyone sneak into any movie without paying for it. Just stating what some other people do. ;-)

Taken (2002)

Above Average

[10/10 · 26 October 2003]

I was very surprised when I started reading the comments for this feature. Lots of people said it was crap, but apparently people who actually gave it a number thought it to not be so bad at all. I enjoyed this miniseries and was eagerly awaiting the next episode except for Acid Tests. That wasn't such a good episode. I recommend you watch next time they run it.

Bowling for Columbine (2002)

Like all the others say...thought provoking.

[10/10 · 21 October 2003]

I am only 16 and I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It isn't just for the enlightened adults. I found it interesting and all too true. Why do we Americans have such a high murder rate when Canada has the same amount of guns per people that we do? Watch this movie and draw your own conclusions. P.S. Michael Moore is awesome!

Good Fences (2003 TV Movie)

Very entertaining...

[9/10 · 14 June 2003]

I enjoyed this movie quite a lot. I have always been a fan of Whoopi Goldberg and this movie only emphasizes it. She portrays a housewife in an African-American family which is moving up the social chain due to the husband's (Danny Glover) success as an attorney. She moves to an all white neighborhood where the people are friendly, yet a little awkward toward her. The various events that arise during the course of the movie make for SOME laughs but mostly appeal to the other emotions. This movie is not so much a comedy as a drama. I give it a strong 8/10. I highly recommend you catch it on TV or rent it soon.

Crossroads (I) (2002)

Like so many singers, Spears blows like no other.

[11 January 2003]

Like so many have tried to accomplish before her, Spears wanted to completely dominate the media landscape. This just doesn't occur. She tries, but fails miserably in her attempts to create a good chick flick. The only reason to see this movie is if you need to catch up on your Z's. GoOdByE.

Die Another Day (2002)

Best one since Goldeneye...

[8/10 · 23 November 2002]

I just saw this today and I have to say that it is fantastic. The Bond gadgets were creative and mostly believable. The introduction of Halle Berry really spices it up and as always, there is a sex appeal in the good guy side and a sex appeal on the bad guy side. The Bond movies are consistent. There is always a good guy woman and a bad guy woman. The story line is intriguing as well. I definately say, see this movie.

The Twilight Zone (2002– )

Excellent Show

[2 October 2002]

The endings aren't always the way you want them to be, and that is sometimes good. There is always a "lesson" to be learned from the show and some insight to be had. Story lines are good and I enjoy the show even though I never saw the old version. I recommend the Sci-Fi'ers and anyone interested in paranormal and twisty story-lines.

Monk: Mr. Monk and the Candidate (2002) Season 1, Episode 1

Excellent show! Here's why...

[10/10 · 16 August 2002]

Monk is a great detective show that you can sometimes solve along with Monk if you are a genius. The show is entertaining and despite what most people say, Monk's obsessive compulsive disorders are so funny! Not annoying! The commercials are sometimes long, but not often. For any person who even lightly likes mysteries, this show is for you.

The Art of War (2000)

Most people didn't like it, but...

[9/10 · 13 January 2002]

Most people thought this movie was confusing and hard to understand but its not if you pay attention. I don't see what people don't understand. The only part I didn't understand was the very end, like the last few seconds. But I think I have that figured out too. If you can't pay attention to the movie and have absolutely no idea about politics or a little bit about conspiracies, then you shouldn't see this movie. But, it is a very good action movie. I very much enjoyed it. 7 1/2 out of 10.

Personal Note: (Don't read if you haven't seen it) I didn't like it when they showed Eleanor's death. With the blood and the brains and all. I kinda liked her. They could have just made a gunshot sound.

Planet of the Apes (2001)

I have, with trouble, figured out the ending to this movie!

[1/10 · 4 August 2001]

Okay, this would be easier if you all knew about time paradoxes like in Star Trek. Don't stop reading because I mention Star Trek. Here goes: (One thing you have to know first, when Mark goes through this storm in space, he thinks he is taken to another planet, when he is really taken to another time on his). If you remember, when he was crash-landing on the "other planet" (Earth), his digital calendar was moving the years ahead very quickly. He was going into the future. The space-station he came from was pulled in too but not at the same time as him. The space-station got pulled into a time 1,000's of years before him. That space-station was carrying many genetically enhanced chimps. When that station landed (crashed), the apes got out, killed the humans and populated the planet. Since, Mark was sent to a time ahead of that, the apes had already evolved (genetically enhanced). So, they evolved. Remember, this is Earth. Remember that at the end when Mark locks the General in that room he doesn't kill him. So, after Mark leaves to go back to what he thinks is his planet, but is really another time, the General escapes and still has his armies so he exterminates the humans. Mark goes through the time portal and really instead of going to what he thinks is Earth, he goes ahead in time even farther, to where the apes have evolved into a society like ours. The statue (Abraham Lincoln) is of the General because he saved the planet for the apes (by exterminating the humans).

Seven Days (1998–2001)

YES! Another good one put on the air by UPN!

[10/10 · 15 March 2000]

I really enjoy this movie along with Star Trek: Voyager. I myself along with others have wondered why Frank doesn't run into himself 7 days in the past but I think this show is really good. Frank goes back to prevent disasters. I also agree that it does always have the same basic story but it is intriguing to see what Frank has to do or prevent next. All of these negative critics don't take the time to actually watch the show. They just look for faults. Watch the show, you will be satisfied.

Bowfinger (1999)

A Truly funny movie

[10/10 · 20 January 2000]

Bowfinger is a very funny and entertaining movie. A few bad words but really a god show for all. I think Eddie Murphy gives a stunning performance as Kit. He acted with feeling. I have to watch it again and again. I recommend it to ALL.

Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001)

Greatest Star Trek ever in my opinion!

[14 October 1999]

Star Trek: Voyager is about the starship Voyager being stuck in the Delta quadrant 70,000 light years from home. They gain new crew members, including a borg. It is just about the best Star Trek ever. Not just all techno-babble which is made up words that sound high-tech. Most of the terms are real. I say most. It has action, drama, comedy, and a touch of romance.I love Voyager. The new episodes are getting better and more interesting. I highly recommend it.