Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
A romantic comedy that begins with a discussion about sex education and ends with a bit of an unexpected twist, “Definitely, Maybe” focuses on an engaging father and his 10-year-old daughter. Ryan Reynolds is a genial but bland leading man, but the women–including young Breslin–more than hold their own in this fun film.
“All Roads Lead Home” does not fall in the same category as a classic like “Old Yeller.” But it does tell a heartwarming tale that features some super cute animals, including an adorable, scene-stealing puppy. At times a tad too earnest, the movie (which is inspired by a true story) makes for pleasant viewing that could open up some nice dialogue between parents and children about how compassion comes in many different forms.
By Jae-Ha Kim Amazon.com January 18, 2008 Swordfights, battles, and betrayal fuel The Last Legion, which tells the story of the last emperor of Rome: a slight 12-year-old boy who is a descendent of Julius […]
Ironically, “Mad Money” was directed by Callie Khouri, who wrote “Thelma & Louise” and “Something to Talk About”–movies that had all the key components (compelling storyline and characters worth cheering on) that “Mad Money” is lacking.
Directed by Michael Landon, Jr., “Saving Sarah Cain” is a sweet film with an Afterschool Special vibe about a family thrown together by unfortunate circumstances.
Since winning the Academy Award for her breakthrough performance in “Children of a Lesser God,” Marlee Matlin has been renowned for her acting. But Matlin also is an accomplished author of children’s books.
Equal parts whimsical and bittersweet, “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” is a family-friendly movie that will charm youngsters. Dustin Hoffman stars in the titular role of an eccentric 243-year-old owner of a magical toy store.
For all intents and purposes, Noel and Liam Gallagher are Oasis. So in Oasis: Lord Don’t Slow Me Down, it doesn’t really matter that the rest of the band (which includes Ringo Starr’s son Zak Starkey on drums) wasn’t in the lineup when the group made it big in 1995 with songs such as “Wonderwall.” The two-disc DVD offers a documentary as well as a concert filmed in the group’s native Manchester, England, in 2005. In its heyday, Oasis was at the top of its game.
With his film adaptation of his play of the same name, Tyler Perry asks the question, “Why did I get married?” The answer is different for each of the four couples featured in this relationship comedy, which includes Janet Jackson as a psychologist whose own marriage is on shaky ground. Not known for subtlety, Perry hammers in the point that no marriage is perfect–just as no one is completely blameless.
Set in two dichotomous worlds, “Shanghai Kiss” tells the story of a Chinese-American actor who doesn’t quite fit in anywhere. In his hometown, he’s considered a foreigner even though he’s American. And in his family’s native China, his mannerisms make him stick out in sea of familiar faces.
Set against a backbeat of reggaeton music (which combines elements of reggae, hip-hop, and salsa), the film has its work cut out. The genre is little known to much of the film’s demographics (teenagers), and Grandberry is likeable, but he’s not a convincing leading man. His role requires simmering sexuality; he provides adorableness, but the moviegoer is never convinced that he is anything but a nice boy.
Set in Saudi Arabia, “The Kingdom” is a political action thriller with good acting and wonderful visuals. Its so-so script, though, at times meanders aimlessly until a good explosion jolts the viewer’s attention back to the screen. Jamie Foxx stars as FBI special agent Ronald Fleury, who leads an elite team into Saudi Arabia to find the terrorists who attacked American employees working in the Middle East.
In a perfect world, “Good Luck Chuck” would’ve captured the humor of “Superbad” and the raunch of the “American Pie” films. But what we’re left with, instead, is a raunchy film with an anemic storyline. Cursed as a child with a hex that prevents him from finding true love, Charlie “Chuck” Logan (Dane Cook) finds that the women he dates find the men of their dreams immediately after they’ve dumped him.
Based on the best-selling book of the same name, the film version of The Nanny Diaries is a cute chick flick, but it lacks the witty tone of the novel, which took time to flesh out the characters. The tone is set early on when the narrator notes, “In Africa they have the saying: ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ But for the tribe of the Upper Eastside of Manhattan, it takes just one person: the nanny.”
Released in conjunction with a CD of the same name, Absolute Garbage is a collection of 15 music videos from the rock band Garbage. Fronted by Shirley Manson, whose smooth and distinctive voice is equally adept at purring as it is growling, the group also includes drummer Butch Vig, guitarist Steve Marker, and bassist Duke Erikson. But make no mistake about it: The visuals are all about the photogenic Manson.
Capitalizing on the charisma of John Stamos and Eric Dane, “Wedding Wars” is a romantic comedy with a political agenda–gay marriage. No, Stamos and Dane don’t play lovers, but rather estranged siblings.
When it seems inevitable that Anita (Sally Field) will succumb to cancer, her grown children return home to help prepare her funeral arrangements in the dramedy “Two Weeks.”
If you’ve ever wondered if your favorite filmmakers were geniuses (or mere hacks) back in their youth, “Reel Talent: First Films by Legendary Directors” will help clue you in.
Handled differently, the film could’ve been saddled with the ick factor of siblings chasing after the same young woman. But the way director Rolf de Heer presents it, it is a parable that distinguishes between right and wrong, in an entertaining and non-judgmental way. Cinematographer Ian Jones is to be commended for his amazing work. He frames the shots in a superb fashion and showcases the raw beauty of the land–and the people–that time has forgotten.
By Jae-Ha Kim Amazon.com June 28, 2007 Though Queen Latifah is less known for her dramatic skills, films such as Life Support drive home the point that this singer turned actress has the chops to […]