kittiwake-1 Reviews

Little Bill (1999–2004)

Definitely a losing show

[1/10 · 21 December 2007]

You would think a PhD in Education would actually help Bill Cosby create a show worth letting your kids watch. I'm very disappointed in this show. I remember when it first came out and I thought it would be great for my son to watch. My son has Autism. He knew more at 5 than Little Bill. I have no clue where the writers get their material; but they either have kids of their own with low IQs, or they are just never around real 5 year olds. I have a three year old now, and she knows as much as (or even more than) Little Bill. That's pretty sad. The only show that seems to compare to Little Bill is Caillou. Both shows center around whiny kids who can't understand why the world isn't revolving around them. But the kids never change. How can a character NOT evolve? Watching this show is not a pleasure. I was hoping over the years the writers would actually learn how a five year old really acts. That has not happened. Spare yourself the torture and watch just about anything else. There are a few other shows I hate as much, but I'd rather watch Oswald and listen to Fred Savage sing off key and off tempo than this nonsense.

Man on Fire (2004)

worth it

[10/10 · 9 February 2007]

This movie was worth watching. It lasts longer than 2 hours, one of the things that surprised me about this movie. I think the casting was excellent. The storyline was unexpected. I never saw many ads for this movie and only wanted to see it because I think Denzel Washington is one of the best actors in America today. I have always been disappointed that he had to win his Academy Award in Training Day. This movie makes up for it, and I think it redeems him as a good actor. (I think everyone will agree that Training Day was not his best effort as an actor.) This movie appears to be filmed entirely on location in Mexico City. Many views of the city are presented. You see the very affluent neighborhoods and the very poor neighborhoods. In Mexico, you are either in poverty or rich. There are very few in between, which is why so many make the trip across the border in hopes of a better life not just for themselves, but for their entire family. I think the characterizations were fabulous. I felt real empathy for the characters. The script was fantastic. A bit predictable. But, for me, there is no "unpredictable". Tony Scott directed the film. I think he did a great job getting great performances from the actors. Dakota Fanning was made for the role of the kidnapped girl. She presents herself as very intelligent and yet vulnerable. I think -- if she can keep herself from being exploited by her parents and from falling for the falsity of Hollywood like most child actors -- that she has a career ahead of her that is worth following. The action in the film was great. Who doesn't enjoy seeing vigilante justice? This is a "what comes around goes around" film. If you like crime drama, action, good scripts and story lines, you should enjoy this flick. Keep the Kleenex handy if you are sentimental. Who wouldn't love Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning together? They were incredible on screen.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

No way

[1/10 · 28 January 2007]

Alright. I'll be dating myself, but who cares? Anyone who grew up with the original Star Wars movies (Episodes IV through VI) will likely notice how horribly this movie was written, directed, even conceived. I hate this movie with a passion and refuse to watch Episodes II and III for that reason. If there is ever a movie I was relieved NOT to have seen in a theater at $15 a ticket, it's this one. The acting was pathetic. The casting was irritating. The characters were poorly conceived. The cinematography was distracting and the CGI went overboard. Jar Jar Binks has to be one of the most irritating characters to ever grace the Silver Screen. I don't know if I've written anything that might be considered a "spoiler" since this movie can't be spoiled any more than it already is. Use your time more constructively. Make paper airplanes with your kids or friends and see whose can fly furthest. Go to the kitchen and count toothpicks. Read a book by Anne Rice or J. K. Rowling. Pick the lint from your clothes dryer lint screen with tweezers. Anything you can do would be better than subjecting yourself to this movie. I normally would say the screenwriter should be dragged out into the street and shot, but I do still have a certain respect for George Lucas. Anyone who can get a movie company to make Episode II and III after this junk-fest is a genius. I may hate the movie, but you gotta admire someone who can crap a script like this and have it labeled "gold".

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Pretty Good

[8/10 · 28 January 2007]

You know, I never read the X-Men Comics by Marvel. I just can't handle all the pictures and narration being intermingled. I always miss out on part of the storyline or spend my time trying to find the darn thing. But, I did enjoy the animated series when I was younger and so went to see the first and second installments of the most recent X-Men movies at the theater. I enjoyed them very much and was told by several friends that the storyline wasn't quite perfect, but that the stories themselves were OK in their own right. I personally would likely hate the movies if I had read the comics with the fervor that so many have over the years. Luckily, I can say I enjoyed even this, the third installment in the series: likely to become more than a trilogy. Considering that Star Wars by George Lucas should have stopped at the first three (anyone who enjoyed the 4th, 5th and 6th in the series -- Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi -- and was a "real" fan hated the 1st, 2nd and 3rd installments which surfaced so many years later. I never saw the 2nd or 3rd because the 1st was so horrible.) I'm hoping X-Men writers don't make the same mistake. Some of the CGI that was done was unsettling (they make Charles Xavier and Magneto look like their younger selves at the beginning of this one). And some of the CGI was very impressive. The storyline reminded me very much of the animated series, since -- of course -- The Phoenix was involved. I always had trouble understanding The Phoenix's heartfelt wish to die, since I didn't know all that was behind it. The movie does a very good job of helping the viewer understand what's going on behind the request for help. The cartoon just couldn't get that graphic, I guess. Make sure you watch the little video clips near the credits. Just watch until you get back to the DVD menu. You'll see why there will likely be a 4th movie. My guess is, they will wait for a decent screenplay and people contracting again with them. Money is at the root. Did the third movie do well enough in the box office to warrant a 4th being made? If they improve upon the 3rd, I hope they make it. If they pull a George Lucas, I hope someone will keep a 5th from surfacing.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

Not recommended for viewing with your kids

[7/10 · 28 January 2007]

Some movies which have high ratings of PG-13 and R are acceptable to watch with your kids if you have good communication between you: parents likely are best at knowing what their individual kids can handle seeing. This movie is not for the faint of heart. The humor is quite low-brow. Anyone with "gay" issues will not want to see this one. The Formula One driver who invades NASCAR in order to be "defeated" by someone worthy is quite gay. Anyone who has issues with irreverent humor will also have trouble with this one. The reason I'm giving this movie a 7 instead of a LOWER score is the script really is well done. Will Ferrell does a great job playing a redneck, white trash (I'm Southern, so don't get your hackles up if you're offended by this description) NASCAR driver. I love the attitude that comes across when Ricky Bobby and his family spout their philosophies on love, dating, racing, religion, family and friendship. I guarantee I've been unlucky enough to be around people just like Ricky Bobby and his family. Whoever wrote the script has to have been in the South a lot. Very insightful, even if it does make rednecks look bad. (What redneck needs help with that?) Anyhow, laugh-out-loud funny, but definitely not something you'd want to watch with your kids. Unless, of course, you espouse the philosophies so freely given by Ricky Bobby and his crowd. Shake and Bake, buddy!

Magnum Force (1973)

Ho Hum

[5/10 · 15 January 2007]

*yawn* Oh, excuse me, I forgot where I was for a moment. This movie is a favorite of many Clint Eastwood/Dirty Harry fans. After growing up watching mystery whodunnits, suspense thrillers, and unexpected twists in the plot, this was very disappointing. If you love Eastwood, more power to you. If you don't care either way about Eastwood, then don't feel guilty if you never view this one. I solved the mystery of "whodunnit" in the first 15 minutes or so, and spent the rest of the movie tabulating all the easy-to-spot "clues" that were written into the plot. If you haven't figured it out by the end of the movie yourself, check your pulse. You may be stone cold dead. Maybe this was good for its time. I didn't think so. Watch out for nudity. If you don't want to see it, don't watch this movie. I found the revealing shots gratuitous. Save yourself the boredom and find something else to watch. This one ain't worth the trouble.

Dirty Harry (1971)

good for the time

[6/10 · 15 January 2007]

Okay, this is one of those movies that everyone "has" to see, according to my family. Alright, I saw it yesterday. And...I didn't like it very much. I have grown up with different movies which use the same plot structure and settings. I was most offended by the nudity in the film. If you have kids, and you're like me, keep them away from this one. Mom saw it in the theater (when she was pregnant with me! Now I've dated myself) and didn't recall the nudity at all. Well, I sure do now. If you have seen any movies with "rogue" cops who do things their way, this is the mother of all those movies. If you can handle the fact that it seems cliché NOW, after so many movies have followed in its footsteps, then go for it. Just beware the content is more of NC-17 than R.

The Mirror Crack'd (1980)

It was OK

[6/10 · 15 January 2007]

This was a so-so movie. If you love Agatha Christie or Angela Lansbury, you should like this one. The acting was a bit overdone occasionally (but what do you expect from film "has-beens" on the big screen in 1980?). The movie was, of course, based on the Christie novel of the same name. My husband read the book and mentioned that the one-liners I loved so much in the movie were actually more abundant in the novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it from that standpoint. I like Angela Lansbury, but had a hard time accepting her in the role of Miss Marple. She's taller than most -- if not all -- of the men in the movie. I always envisioned a smaller elderly woman when I thought of Miss Marple. BUT, I will say that even though she physically didn't look the part, she still did well as the super sleuth. Anyone like Pierce Brosnan? He actually has a line or two in the movie. Look for him as "Jamie" in the movie around which the actors' lives center. Basically, this is an Agatha Christie movie. Expect plot twists and unexpected clues which you won't notice, but Miss Marple will. I only partially solved this one early. I couldn't find the motive; but, when the evidence is being revealed, you'll wonder how you missed that one. If you like Agatha Christie novels made into movies, don't miss this one.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Well done

[9/10 · 7 January 2007]

Disney has a penchant for ruining sequels and follow-ups to movies. This is not one of those times. Disney doesn't always mess up. (That's a big surprise!) Dead Man's Chest deals with the search for Davy Jones and a missing key to a chest, but no one knows what key or what chest. I enjoyed the characterizations and the casting was impeccable. Cinematography and special effects are very much on par with the first Pirates of the Caribbean. You must see the first one before you see this one. Otherwise, all the references to the first movie will be over your head. Don't worry about that, though. The first one was great. Enjoy this one with your kids (might want to view it first for violence and some adult situations.) It was great to see the actors from the first movie repeat their performances in this one. I'm looking forward to the 3rd (and final?) Caribbean when it comes out in May 2007. Johnny Depp gives a stellar performance again! I hope they can carry this on to the final one.

Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)

great for teens

[8/10 · 6 January 2007]

My son turned 12 in August. We purchased this movie at a drugstore while on vacation because I remembered watching it a loving it when I was younger. My son has a love of mysteries and "spies", so I thought that this would be a good movie for him to enjoy. He watched it twice the first day and has seen it several times over the last couple of weeks. It really appeals to younger mystery fans, even though it is rated PG-13, for violence. I would recommend any parent see this movie before they let their kids see it. Some of the violence is hallucinatory, and therefore quite "scary". I think the way it begins Holmes's and Watson's friendship is fun and creative. I think the script and characterizations are well done (especially in light of more current movies, which are just to draw viewers to the theater and have no substance.) The casting was inspired, and I don't see how they could have improved upon it. The cinematography was great and the special effects very good for the time of this movie. Some people might find Holmes's character a bit smug, but that is accurate to the stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I recommend this movie to mystery fans, fans of Sherlock Holmes (but NOT "perfectionist" fans), and anyone who enjoys a young fellow showing up his elders.

Glory (1989)

based on a true story

[10/10 · 1 January 2007]

This is the movie that everyone MUST see. It deals with the factual account of the formation of the first all-Black volunteer company in the Civil War. (The story is based on the letters of the commander of the all-Black unit to his loved ones.) Broderick plays a federal officer who leads the all-Black unit. He goes through clashes of conscience within himself and with other Northern officers. He is in a very dangerous position: not only because he is leading an "inferior" company; but, because he leads a Black unit,the Confederacy won't take him prisoner if he is caught. He'll be executed ASAP. The Black unit includes famous actors Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman, who give Oscar-level performances. I will never forget the time that Washington's character is punished by his commander. This was the first time I became "aware" of Denzel Washington and started following his career from this point on. Fabulous reenactments of battles. Great conflict among characters. Great characterization. If you only see one Civil War movie, this is the one to watch.

The Year Without a Santa Claus (2006 TV Movie)

remake of a classic

[1/10 · 12 December 2006]

Live-action remake of an animated Christmas classic. I really shouldn't have to go further to explain why this movie was so horrible, but here goes: the plot was barely the same as the original, which was made in 1974. I grew up with the animated story and it was the one movie (besides The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, which none can top) I looked forward to each year. Some years, it wasn't shown. I missed it. Now, however, I would rather watch a reality show than this horrible attempt at a remake. (I loathe reality shows.) Live action. Ugh. The make-up was definitely wanting. Santa's beard was so fake that I could do better, and I certainly am not trained in the art of special make-up. Special effects? Make-up was horrible everywhere. Acting. Ick. What they did to the plot should never have been done. If you've ever seen the first one, you will understand when I say: STOP RUINING A GOOD THING, Hollywood! I miss my classic. My son, who is 12 this year, does, too. I could understand if the "remake" were actually better. That happens sometimes, in cases like The Italian Job and Ocean's Eleven. Hollywood was on the ball with those, but the original movies weren't so hot to start with. This classic has been forever ruined thanks to somebody who just can't keep his/her fingers out of the pie. What, did they just need a cheap project for a lot of stars that had contracted with them, but they didn't have anything better for them to do? I can think of lots of better things they could do, but I won't list them here. They really aren't legitimate jobs, anyway. John Goodman, you should be ashamed. You had to have known what a junk-fest this was going to be when you saw the script. Delta Burke, I'm sorry I actually understand your taking the role of Mrs Santa. You've pretty much vanished from the American consciousness. Some of the actors involved were in the same position, I'm sure. But, you know what??? Sometimes bad press isn't good. Sometimes having your name associated with a horrible mess like this movie hurts your career. I, for one, have a long memory. You remade this movie? Blacklisted. Until you come up with something I couldn't resist, you are no longer anyone I care to see. This movie was THAT bad. Avoid it at all costs.

The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974 TV Movie)

wonderful

[9/10 · 12 December 2006]

You know, this is one of those movies you look forward to each Christmas. I love the Miser Brothers. The animation is very well done, and the songs are catchy. The plot is fun, and we get reminded of some of the good things about Christmas. This is a classic Christmas movie up there with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. What a shame they made a remake (live action, no less). Now I guess this version will be relegated to the dusty back of all the discarded classics. Sometimes Hollywood just needs to leave well enough alone. If you get to watch this one, or own it, enjoy it with your whole family. Some really young kids might be a little scared, but I think the "scary" factor is the same as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. If your kids can handle that one, then this one might be OK. I always try to watch movies before my kids see them, since some parents have stricter or looser standards. Up to you parents to decide, but I would have let my toddler watch it if it had come on this year.

Frosty Returns (1992 TV Movie)

I'd give it 0 if I could

[1/10 · 8 December 2006]

You know when you are growing up and you fall in love with the Christmas stand-bys: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman? Frosty the Snowman has a sequel which was made in 1976 called Frosty's Winter Wonderland. It's a great movie. This movie, Frosty Returns, is a waste of airtime. Acting, casting, plot, characterization, animation, everything about this movie is horrible. If there were a 0 rating, this movie would definitely deserve it. Who on earth decided that this movie should be shown in place of Frosty's Winter Wonderland needs to be fired (or shot). I like the actors who are in this movie, so don't think I have something against John Goodman, Brian Doyle-Murray or Jan Hooks. This was one of the worst movies ever made. Avoid it if you value your time, and try Frosty's Winter Wonderland if you can. It's got better acting, plot, animation, characterization, and just a more Christmasey feel. I don't usually use the "S" word in my comments, but this one deserves it. This movie just plain SUCKS.

3rd Rock from the Sun (1996–2001)

We own the series

[10/10 · 8 December 2006]

I fell in love with Third Rock when it was on daily in syndication. I just didn't know what it was about until the last season it was on. Can you believe that? I'm a huge fan now. I love the extras offered in the DVD collection. You learn all about the production and plots. I love all the characters. Some recurring characters (look for Jan Hooks and John Cleese!) are just roll-on-the-floor-laughing funny. If you've never seen this series, please start with show number 1 from season 1. You have to meet these characters from the very beginning to understand a lot of the comments. I didn't understand "Sally" until I saw the first episode. Then I got it. The casting is perfect. The characterizations are hilarious. I honestly can't see this show too much. I'm glad they are on DVD so they won't wear out like VHS would (for those of you over 30). By the way, if you know anyone who has Asperger's Syndrome/Autism, it is likely they will love this show, too. (My son has AS) They can really relate to these characters trying to figure out how to be human. (You do know they are aliens, right?) Buy it, watch it, fall in love with it. I'm just disappointed they didn't make 10 seasons!

Frosty's Winter Wonderland (1976 TV Movie)

the original sequel

[8/10 · 8 December 2006]

This is the Frosty the Snowman sequel that I remember. It's not the cheesy "Frosty Returns" that is so sappy about the environment. I mean, come on, it's a Christmas special, and a thing to look forward to. I groan every time Frosty Returns comes on because I know it is not this movie, the original sequel to Frosty the Snowman. I don't know who decided to let the other have precedence, but whoever did needs to be fired or shot, whichever is more painful. In this delightful tale, the children realize that Frosty is lonely and they decide to make a "wife" for him. They get married, but will they live happily ever after? Not if Jack Frost has anything to say about it! Enjoy this one if you ever get to see it.

The Craft (1996)

This one stays with you

[8/10 · 8 November 2006]

I remember when this movie was being filmed. I believe it was in Savannah, GA. At that time, I lived about 1 hour away. I heard all kinds of press about this movie. Wiccans were irate, enraged, or upset that the script used actual spells. Yep. Actual spells! I liked this movie. I liked the lead actress in another role years ago. "The Boy Who Could Fly." (I recommend that one, too.) You'll recognize another of the witches from "The Waterboy". The plot was titillating. I find myself thinking of this movie occasionally, even though I have only seen it once, and that was when it first came out. It definitely has elements of horror. If you scare easily, don't see this one. If you want your kids to see it, please watch it yourself first. (Unless you WANT your kids sharing your bed for a few weeks after.) I have wanted to see this one again, but I haven't had a chance. I don't own it, and I have young kids. It's rare I get to be alone with my husband to see a movie, so I usually choose something I've never seen before. I will see this one again someday, though. Suspend your belief and get into this one. I think it would be great to watch with friends. (Don't you like to see people react to scary movies? I'm one of the people you want to take to a scary movie. I provide comic relief when I scream at sudden on-screen surprises. Maybe you have a friend like me. Just don't blame me when they get mad at you for scaring them, please.) Enjoy this one with popcorn -- and a blanket to hide under.

The Waterboy (1998)

the reason it gets only a 7

[7/10 · 8 November 2006]

Great movie. I enjoyed the plot very much. The characterizations were very funny and well-done. Only problem with this movie was Henry Winkler. I felt he did not give a good performance. The more I watch the movie, however, the more I realize maybe it was the script itself or bad casting. The role, I felt, just didn't fit Henry Winkler. (I don't have any recommendations for who would fit the role, however.) My mother hated this movie. The Waterboy is what some people call "slow". She is a teacher and couldn't stand to see what appeared to be a very stupid man as the star of the movie. (Yep, she hated Forrest Gump, too...) I, however, enjoyed his ignorant innocence. Naivete, if you will. I highly recommend that moms show this movie to their daughters. Any mom who acts like Kathy Bates's character, RUN. My ex-mother-in-law really loved the mom in this movie. (Hence the "ex".) Overbearing moms are a sure sign that something is wrong with your man. Great life lesson in an Adam Sandler film: I like it! Some parts were corny. But I can deal with corny. My dad's from Ohio. I was raised with corny. I recommend this one to people who like Adam Sandler, who like Kathy Bates, or who have ever been "the underdog". Great with popcorn. Great with friends. Watch it before your kids see it, though. Adult themes. Have fun!

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

hard to describe

[10/10 · 8 November 2006]

This is an art movie. Which means the whole idea of the movie is so rich and full that you have to see it more than once to get a handle on it. It's hard to describe the movie itself. It seems simple. A run-of-the-mill retailer who is the brother of 7 sisters (yeah, 7!) finds love after he discovers a harmonium in the street. (Or is it love?) Man, his sisters are something else. The characterizations were impeccable. I wanted to hit his sisters. (Maybe more than once.) Never have I felt so much compassion for a guy that can get violent. I felt bad for every little thing to which I ever subjected my little brother. (Hey, it was always self-defense. -- Well, mostly, anyway.) This movie takes turns you don't expect, but makes them in such a way that you realize it was inevitable. I highly recommend this movie. If you watch it once, you need to watch it again before you make up your mind about it. I was amazed at the depth of this movie. I was surprised by the cinematography. The director really makes you visually see things in a different way. I have the DVD set. I recommend it because of all the extras. I enjoyed them as much as the movie (rare for me). Buy this one. You won't regret it.

Spanglish (2004)

serious role for Sandler

[9/10 · 8 November 2006]

Adam Sandler in a serious role? Worked for me! This movie is essentially about a young Mexican-only-speaking woman who ends up working for a very liberal, English-only-speaking American family. I think everyone could identify with at least one of the characters of this great flick. I found myself laughing, crying, and thinking. This movie asks a lot of questions, and you have to look inside yourself for the answers. How difficult is it to really be yourself? Can you continue to "be yourself" when it isn't what everyone else wants you to do? How do you deal with someone who insists you conform to their idea of what you should be? And, how neurotic can one housewife be? (just kidding) Caught you getting serious. Remember, after all, that this is just a movie. While it represents people we know, or even ourselves, it can entertain us as well. Parts were so funny, I was laughing tears. Parts were so touching, the tears weren't about laughter. I highly recommend this, especially to anyone who ever felt "not quite good enough" or wondered why other people can't be what we want them to be. (I think that's pretty much everyone, isn't it?) I feel that the relationship between the women and the daughters made this movie very real to me. I can't wait to watch it with my daughter when she's a teen. I think it would open a lot of doors for conversation. It's not a 100% chick flick, guys. Try it. Everyone I know who saw this movie loved it and recommended it to their friends. I'm doing that now for you! Enjoy!

Happy Gilmore (1996)

Great fun

[8/10 · 8 November 2006]

I'm an Adam Sandler fan. I'm also a mom. Sometimes, I want those things to be able to mix. This is one movie I was comfortable sharing with my 12-year-old son. (Parents, please watch this one before you let your kids see it if you are conservative!) He gets a kick out of watching Happy overreact to the things that happen to him in this flick. My son also knows not to take Adam Sandler movies seriously. That's one of the great things about him. He can enjoy a movie that isn't considered "Oscar quality" and not put it down just for that reason. I found this movie hilarious and watch it often. Some of the cameos were cute. Check out a famous game show host golfing with Happy. The acting was a bit wooden, but game show hosts don't get their job for their acting talent. You'll recognize actors that Sandler casts in all of his movies. (And why not? Ron Howard does it, too!) The plot was cute. If you hate golfing, don't worry. This movie isn't all about golf. That's why it's called "Happy Gilmore" instead of "Golfing with Happy Gilmore". I think Happy is the "dark" side of all of us. Little holds him back from expressing his opinion when things aren't the way he thinks they should be. It's a great "unwinding" movie. Had a bad day? Happy does the acting out for you. (If we all acted like Happy, this world would be a strange, violent place. But, since we aren't like Happy, we can live vicariously through him as we watch him do the things we only daydream about.) I watch this one when I just want to laugh. (It really is the best medicine!)

The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986)

must see, parents check it out first!

[8/10 · 8 November 2006]

My son has loved this movie since we got it for him several Christmases ago. We had rented it, and he flipped over the cat and dog. When a kid gets that excited about a good movie, you buy it. He's twelve now and still loves it. My two-year-old daughter picks it out to watch often. (Yep, she gets to choose her own movies out of our "kid movie" folder.) The kids love watching the movie for the interaction of Milo (the cat) and Otis (the dog) with each other and other animals. The movie is the tale of what happens to them for about the first year of their life. The narration (in America, by Dudley Moore) is sweet, silly, and full of drama (isn't that what life is?). It is geared toward a young audience, but parents may want to watch this one before letting their kids watch. If you are a conservative parent, parts of it might bother you. I found that I "know" what my kids can understand and what they can't. Parents are the best ones to know whether this movie is OK for their kids. Some might not want to have to explain certain elements (i.e. kitten/puppy birth). They show everything. (I wanted to write this without it being a possible "spoiler", but I was surprised by the graphic nature of the birth sequences. You might be, too.) In all, the plot, characterization, and the one-liners in the narration make this fun for parents as well as kids. I highly recommend it!

Billy Madison (1995)

liked it

[7/10 · 6 November 2006]

Adam Sandler,...early role... Adam Sandler has done some really funny movies that I enjoy watching over and over. This one is not my favorite by any means. It definitely is not a kid's movie. A guy who wasted his chances at a good education is being disinherited. Can Billy Madison get back in his dad's good graces? Yep. One condition. Complete every grade through high school graduation. Billy partied through school before. Can he make it through now that it is so vital to his future? I enjoyed the Kindergarten teacher. Great casting there. The love interest is beautiful, but in an approachable way. Quite believable to my way of thinking. I loved the casting overall. I had trouble with some parts that were experienced by the drunken Billy, but I have trouble with drunken roles, period. It wasn't totally glamorized like some, but getting drunk and wasting your life isn't humorous to me at all. I loved the "time warp" effect Billy experiences at high school. (Remember what was cool when you were in school? Well, it ain't cool no more!) It has a feel-good ending, and that is what I like most about it. Sometimes you just want to see a movie that makes you feel the human condition sometimes isn't quite as bad as it seems. Maybe very dysfunctional, but not a total loss.

Mr. Deeds (2002)

Hey, I liked it!

[8/10 · 6 November 2006]

Apparently, quite a few people didn't like this movie. Don't expect "The Wedding Singer"! Longfellow Deeds is suddenly the heir to a media empire. What will he do? Why, what he's supposed to do: find out all about his new company and take over, right? Well, not exactly. Enjoy Deeds's introduction to "high society", his quirky new gal (she's just a "small-town girl" from Winchestertonfieldville!), and all the efforts of the "bad guy" to get Deeds out of the picture. Look for Steve Buscemi and Rob Schneider. Schneider actually is doing a cameo of one of the characters he has played in a previous Sandler film ("Big Daddy"). I thought it was cool. And, hey, forget Winona Ryder ever shoplifted, okay? She has done some good work before, even nominated for an Oscar ("Little Women"). Everyone has their quirks; hers just happens to be illegal, that's all. (Do I need to attach a *wink* to this??) I found the plot laugh-out-loud funny in places. Yeah, not Sandler's BEST movie, but definitely one of my favorites (I didn't like some of the acting performances...a lot can be said for good casting.) . I enjoyed the special makeup. Funny how little things can mean a lot with someone's appearance. Remember not to take this one seriously. It is Adam Sandler, after all. (I'm a huge fan. I own all his movies -- except "Little Nicky". Wish I never saw that one.) If you like Adam Sandler, you'll enjoy this one -- hopefully as much as I did!

Big Daddy (1999)

I loved it, but most didn't

[9/10 · 6 November 2006]

Alright. Adam Sandler plays dysfunctional characters all the time. What made people think he wouldn't be like that in this film is beyond me. Get ready for dysfunctional in a funny way. If you can't handle seeing someone "parent" in a "dysfunctional way", this is NOT for you. Don't waste your time with this one. But if you can appreciate a total "loser" who doesn't even have a five-year plan who suddenly finds himself taking care of a kid the best he knows how, then try this one. This is not for kids. This is not for people with "homosexual issues", either. The plot was hilarious, the acting was actually good in most parts. Some of the acting was wooden, as is usually the case when certain roles are given to actors who aren't comfortable with what they have to do. Maybe the casting could have been better there. For anyone who has seen this movie, "Hooters!". Everyone else can watch the movie to catch this reference. Enjoy this one with people who know that life in film is NOT to be taken seriously. Be on the lookout for Rob Schneider. His character is delightful and happens to have a cameo in a later Sandler film. (Mr. Deeds) Strange but true! I loved this film. But then, I found Sandler's character to be delightfully dysfunctional. And I certainly didn't take it seriously!