mwillemsen Reviews

The Pledge (I) (2001)

A few points short of becoming a masterpiece !

[10 April 2002]

Sadly this film hadn't got the attention it deserved. An all star cast and another fine turn from Sean Penn behind the camera had me believe that this could be a little masterpiece. And it almost accomplished that. Hearing rave reviews (especially about a top class performance from Jack Nicholson),I expected this film to notch a few Oscar nominations. But on the otherhand "the Academy" doesn't always get it right. Jack was good but I've seen him do better many times before. The supporting cast was excellent including Robin Wright-Penn and Benicio Del Toro. The story is simple (retired cop tries to catch a child murderer) but the psychological aspect of the movie is tremendous.Although the ending wasn't all that it still made you think. And I'm assuming that's what Sean intended. So my conclusion is that you shouldn't get too excited by the (loads of) wonderful reviews,but this is still a movie that surely deserves your attention. Only if it's to see that Sean Penn's first two outings as a director weren't a fluke. And remember that Jack on automatic pilot (that's my opinion !!!) is still worth your attention. So why don't you leave those wannabe blockbusters alone and give this one a try. It surely won't change your life but I'll bet you that you won't be dissapointed! Rating ; 8/10

Satan's School for Girls (2000 TV Movie)

Less than average movie

[20 March 2002]

I didn't expect much from this movie as I normally don't from made for TV movies. But at least I expected an above average version of "Charmed". And sadly I was wrong. The plot ( Shannen Doherty investigates her sisters apparent suicide ) was disappointing and there are no words for the poor special effects. A few minor twists in the movie couldn't prevent me thinking why I even bothered. Stick with series like "Charmed" and "Buffy,the vampire slayer" or the far better movie called "The Craft". And if you see this movie at your local video store,stay away !!! Say I didn't warn you.

Jeepers Creepers (2001)

Surprising good horror flick

[11 March 2002]

*** SPOILER ALERT !!! *** I didn't know what to expect. It got some great reviews but on the other hand the horror movies of late were a bit disappointing (excluding The Others of course!) I'm glad that horror movies still have a future after instant forgettable films such as Dracula 2000,Soul Survivors and Urban Legends-Final Cut. But lets talk about the movie; Refreshing new faces in the likes of Justin Long and the gorgeous Gina Philips (I think we'll see much more of her in the future !) who play siblings. Then there's the Creeper. What I liked about the movie was that you didn't know what the siblings were up against in the beginning. It created some real tension in the first half of the movie but then the gore kicks in. But still much better than most films deliver. The ending wasn't quite the twist I expected , but much better than the original ending I caught on DVD. In my view we have a new horror cult figure in the form of "the Creeper" (a crossing between an old disfigured man,a vampire and a lizard). But I have to say that I'm holding my breath concerning the sequel. But at least it's directed by the same director who also wrote the first movie. And I'm really hoping Gina Philips will return for the second outing. And before I forget , the director has a cameo. Watch the walls as Justin Long enters the chamber of death. A must see movie !!!

The Yards (2000)

Great cast,mediocre movie,disappointing Wahlberg

[8 March 2002]

I expected a lot of this movie and I felt a bit cheated. All right,the reviews weren't that super but with an assembled cast like that,who could blame me. Joaquin Phoenix was great (after his superb role in Gladiator) but leading man Mark Wahlberg seemed a bit lost. Don't get me wrong! He's a fine actor and let's leave it like that. The "oldies" (James Caan,Faye Dunaway,Ellen Burstyn) left behind a good impression. I'll just end by saying that this ain't another Godfather or Goodfellas. Just a decent movie to watch on a rainy day. And ponder on the fact that in this movie the young generation have a lot to learn (including beautiful Charlize Theron) from the "oldies". Excluding Joaquin Phoenix,ofcourse.