Change Your Image
Scottycooks
Reviews
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Better than I or II, but nowhere near Empire
This movie would be worth it just for the last half hour or 45 minutes, but two things keep me from rating it higher 1) the humor that appears in the initial trilogy is lost, or forced, here. Nothing to equal the Han/Leia type stuff like "Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herder. Who's scruffy-looking?" 2) Portman and Cristensen have all the chemistry of a used Kleenex. (Heck, Cristensen has more chemistry with McGregor than with Portman.)
However, that being said, I think what this trilogy has been completely missing is the sense of wonder of the initial trilogy. After watching the opening CGI sequence, I was reminded of a quote from Vader in Episode IV: "Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed." Lucas should have heeded his own advice.
Gladiator (2000)
Crap
I hate to think that I am just getting old, but so many movies of late just don't cut it. Independence Day was junk, Titanic won every major award except for writing and acting, and now this. It had been done before, in a way in the Fall of the Roman Empire. I like Russell Crowe, but what did he do special here.
The few new ideas may get some recognition, but it looks like most just have to repeat old themes with jingoist anthems.
Conspiracy (2001)
A worthwhile, but unsettling experience
Wonderfully acted by both Branagh and Tucci (Branagh apparently was very disturbed by playing the role of Heydrich) with a stellar supporting cast. The mostly dispassionate discussion of the extermination of millions of people, interposed with drinking and dining, made for a most unsettling experience.
Watch this, Schindler's List, and Judgment at Nuremberg for a complete picture.
Dark Planet (1997)
Just Plain Dark
Where is the crew of the Satellite of Love when you need them!!! Only MST3K could help this out! The ship is dark, the costumes are dark, the lighting is dark, and some of the effects budget must have been used up before they started. Skip it.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
How did I miss it?
I have been reading/watching mysteries for more than 30 years. I usually either figure it out early, or realize it was so badly written as to give you no real clue. The "twist" in the movie was right in front of me the whole time, and I missed it. Wow!!!
Independence Day (1996)
Derivative, yet unoriginal
I fail to see how anyone enjoyed this morass of illogic. Everything in it had been done before, and better. If anyone can explain how Steve Jobs operating system interfaced with the alien mothership, I'll eat my computer!