Movie Review - "Kill Bill Volume 2"

... is an action movie and sequel to "Kill Bill Volume 1" with Uma Thurman and David Carradine. Lots of action and fighting but with a slight twist in the plot. The ending is anticipated but is not as important as the way the plot gets you there.

Check it out sometime; just wait till later in your relationship. The blood and violence may be too much for a budding relationship.

Movie Review - "Johnson Family Vacation"

... is a comedy about a family's road trip adventures to a reunion. Cedric the Entertainer and Vanessa Williams are a married couple struggling with their relationship. The friction between them serves as a catalyst to their misadventures during the trip.

The movie won't win an Oscar but is a harmless first-date movie.

Movie Review - "Lost in Translation"

... is a movie with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. Bill is a movie star hired by Suntory Whiskey, a Japanese company, to serve as their spokesman. Scarlett is the wife of a photographer on assignment in Japan.

Initially I was not going to watch the movie. I changed my mind when my boss mentioned the movie captured the American experience in Japan; we were both stationed in Japan while in the military service.

Not a first date movie but recommend watching it if you have been to Japan. My boss was correct. It captured the American experience in Japan.

Movie Review - "Hellboy"

... is a movie with Ron Perlman as a creature born from the paranormal. Captured at "birth" by a young scientist, Hellboy grows into a fighter against evil.

A lot of action but not enough to pull me into the theater. Had no problems waiting for the DVD.

Movie Review - "13 Going On 30"

... comedy starring Jennifer Garner as a thirteen year old girl transformed into a thirty year old woman by "wishing dust".

It is a harmless first date movie. Take your soon to be "significant other" on a date.

Movie Review - "Tiptoes"

... is a movie about short people starring Matthew McConaughey and Gary Oldman. They are twin brothers whose parents are short people. Matthew is of normal stature; Gary is a short person.

Matthew has kept his family a secret from his girlfriend. Gary comes into their lives due to domestic circumstances from his personal life.

A slow movie that seems to drag on.

Movie Review - "Spartan"

... is an action movie starring Val Kilmer as a member of a Secret Service team charged with protecting a politician's college-age daughter.

The daughter is kidnapped by a 'white slavery" ring that prefers young American blondes. The Secret Service must get her back but are called of when she is found dead.

At least the impression given by the media is that she is dead

Movie Review - "The Ring"

... is a horror movie that was used to form the basis of "Scary Movie 3". That is, someone watches a video and exactly seven days later they are dead.

Not a bad movie. If you see "Scary Movie 3" and then watch "The Ring", you can see how closely the two story lines match.

Movie Review - "Girl with a Pearl Earring"

... is a first date movie. "Griet", the girl, is what makes this movie memorable. Check it out when you get a chance.

Movie Review - "My Baby's Daddy"

... is a comedy about three guys who become fathers. It has its moments but would wait till later to rent this one.

Better skip this one as a first date movie.

Movie Review - "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights"

... is a sequel to "Dirty Dancing" but with different main characters. Set in early 60's Cuba, the movie takes on a Latin beat - ballroom dancing and salsa blended together along a weak story line.

No surprises. It is a sequel that cannot capture the "feel" of the first movie.

Wait for a rainy day to rent this one.

Movie Review not yet available on DVD - "Manchurian Candidate"

... is a remake of the 60's thriller of the same name, starring Denzel Washington.

Updated version of the movie set in present day America.

Good movie.

Movie Review - "Out of Reach"

... a Steven Segal movie. Do not recommend renting. On par with Bill Cosby's "Leonard Part 6".

Movie Review - "The Whole Ten Yards"

... is a sequel to the movie "The Whole Nine Yards". The same main characters and actors are present except the wives divorced their husbands and married each others ex-husband.

Action and humor combine into a decent sequel to the original. May wait until after the first date to rent but may be suitable for the second.

Check it out some time.

Movie Review - "Big Bounce"

... is a comedy starring Owen Wilson and Morgan Freeman. Owen plays a cat burglar; Morgan is a district court judge.

Owen is persuaded into breaking in to a rich real estate developer's home. Through some twists and turns, the story unfolds into a happy ending.

Not too excited about the movie. Good for some laughs.

Wait till after the first date to rent this one though.

Movie Review - "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen"

... is a comedy about a young teenage girl who moves from New York City to New Jersey. The story brings a twist to the normal teenage flick in that the girl is a hopeless romantic who day dreams a lot.

A first date movie with some funny part thrown in.

Save it for another rainy day.

Movie Review - "Starsky and Hutch"

... is a movie based on the popular TV show of the 70's. Funny at times with some disco dancing and 70's slang, it is good enough for a rainy day.

Look for the cameo appearance of the original Starsky and Hutch.

Harmless first date movie.

Bonus Movie Review not yet available on DVD - "Bourne Supremacy"

... is a sequel to a great movie - "Bourne Identity". Matt Damon is a trained killer who is battling memory loss. He can't recall his past. He sees bits and pieces but cannot make a connection.

Trying to leave it all behind, he is forced out of hiding. Framed for a murder and on the run again, he battles for his life and seeks revenge on his enemies.

Check it out.

Movie Review - "Agent Cody Banks 2"

... is a sequel about the kid who leads a double-life - teenager in school and international secret agent.

Better to wait on this one and watch after you have married your first date and have kids.

Movie Review - " Monster"

... is a movie starring Charlize Theron as a woman serial killer. Based on a true story about a prostitute and the circumstances that drive her to kill. To get into character, Charlize gained weight and lost her pretty looks.

Not a first date movie. Better to wait on this one before watching with your significant other.

Bonus Movie Review not yet available on DVD - "Spiderman 2"

... is sequel that shows Spiderman's inner turmoil to be a normal person or to be a superhero.

He must make a choice but cannot come to grips with leading two lives. In the end, the decision becomes clear.

Check it out sometime. Not a bad first date movie as long as you have seen the first movie.

Oh by the way, the ending is a lead in to a "Spiderman 3".

Movie Review - "The Butterfly Effect"

... drama about a man who can change the future by going back to the past.

Using a personal journal to remember a past event in his life, he travels back in time, changes the event's outcome, and thereby changes his life.

Unfortunately, one change in the past could result in a death of a friend or family, lost love, or opportunity.

Good movie. Check it out sometime. If you are an optimist, view the theatrical version. If you are a pessimist, view the director's cut.

Movie Review - "Cold Mountain"

... is a drama set during the American Civil War and stars Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, and Renee Zellweger.

The story takes you from a brief but lasting "love at first sight" moment between Nicole and Jude. What follows are the trials and tribulations of two lovers in war. Nicole waits for Jude's return from the war. Jude fights to live in order to return home.

Good movie - may not be a first date movie for some but worth a rental.

Check it out some time.

Movie Review - "Perfect Score"

... is a comedy about high school students and their attempt to steal the answers to the SAT.

At first glance, I did not want to rent the movie but after the first 30 minutes I had changed my mind.

Funny, harmless first date movie - rent it when you get a chance.

Movie Review - "Secret Window"

... is a mystery starring Johnny Depp as a writer with "issues". He is caught up in a divorce, accused of plagiarism, and on the verge of insanity.

Good story that leaves the viewer guessing - at least until the last 45 minutes of the movie.

Check it out but consider it a non-first date movie. The cheating wife and divorce thing may affect your relationship.

Movie Review - "Shade"

... is a movie with Sylvester Stallone as a card shark. Three con artist attempt to hustle him in a card game.

With over $2 Million at stake, the pressure to succeed is high. What happens?

Check it out sometime. The story drags at times but overall I consider it a good movie.

Consider it a first date movie. Your date won't leave wondering if you are a nutcase.

Movie Review - "Gangs of New York"

... movie with Daniel Day Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio with a cameo from Liam Neeson.

Gangs run rampant in the city. Daniel and Liam are two key gang leaders. There is a fierce battle that leaves Daniel's gang the victor. Liam is killed and leaves an orphan son, Leonardo.

Years later, Leonardo returns to avenge his father. The remainder of the movie focuses on Leonardo's actions.

Long movie, wait till a rainy day and consider it a "non-first date movie".

Movie Review - "Along Came Polly"

... comedy with Ben Stiller and Jenifer Aniston. Ben is a newlywed life insurance adjuster. Jenifer is a waitress living a "bohemian" lifestyle.

Ben gets jilted while on his honeymoon, returns to work, and soon after meets Jenifer while on the rebound.

Good comedy and first date movie. Check it out sometime.

Movie Review - "Starship Troopers 2"

... is a sequel to "Starship Trooper". The bugs are still attacking in force, but they have taken a different route to destroy humans.

The blood and gore is rampant, but the movie does not have the same feel as the first movie.

Wait for a rainy day to rent this one and don't consider it a first date movie.

Movie Review - "Paycheck"

... is a movie starring Ben Affleck as a "reverse engineering" Engineer. He is hired by companies to purchase a product, take it apart, then rebuild it into something better.

However, there is a catch. His memory is erased at the conclusion of an assignment which is not a big deal when the pay is good.

Unfortunately, one assignment goes too far.

Good movie with enough suspense to keep you interested. Check it out, it is a first date movie.

Movie Review - "Last Samurai"

... is historical movie starring Tom Cruise as a military advisor to Japan. His assignment focuses on modernizing Japan's military and training its soldiers in modern war.

Ill-preprared to take on the warlord class of Samurai, Tom is ordered to engage them. In the ensuing battle, Tom is captured but his life is spared because of the ferocity he showed in battle.

As a captive of the Samurai, he recovers from his wounds, learns to speak their language, and trains in the ways of the Samurai. Ultimately, he becomes an ally of the Samurai.

Great movie with lots of action. Enjoy the scenery and the martial arts. Check it out.

Movie Review - "Calendar Girls"

... is a true story about a group of women from a small town in Great Britain. They are members of the Womens' Institute, an organization that seeks to provide for the enlightment and education of its members.

Tragedy strikes one of their members; her husband dies of leukemia. As a memory to her husband, the group conspires to make a few "pounds" to purchase a chair or sofa for the hospital where the husband died. They decide on spicing up their annaul calendar by posing in the buff.

Good movie made even more interesting with women acting "guite randy" in their antics to make the calendar.

Movie Review - "Miracle"

... movie with Kurt Russel as the coach of the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team.

Although the outcome is predictable, Kurt's performance provides more depth to the personality of the team and its preparations against the Russians.

Check it out some time.

Bonus Review not yet avaible on DVD - "Van Helsing"

... is a movie that expands upon the Dracula myth. A good versus evil story that brings in Frankenstien and the Werewolf in the battle against vampires.

Graphic violence abound throughout "120 plus" minutes of action. But, if you like action and visual effects, check it out before it comes out on DVD.

Movie Review - "Chasing Liberty"

... coming of age flick about a teenager played by Mandie Moore but with a twist. She is the President's daughter.

Wanting to break-away from her parents, she seeks freedom and liberty to do what she wishes without the Secret Service or her parents looking over her shoulder.

After a successful get away from her protectors, she begins a trip to the Love Festival in Berlin. She befriends a young photographer and together they journey to Berlin.

But, the handsome young photographer is really someone else ....

Give it a chance and rent it sometime. It is a first date movie, so there is nothing to scare away your date.

Movie Review - "Love Actually"

... another comedy that involves a group of people who are somehow linked to one another. Sort of a love triangle but replace the triangle with an octagon.

Hugh Grant plays the British Prime Minister. There are others that I recall but cannot name off-hand. Regardless, the fame of the actors and actresses are less important than the role they play.

It is a nice "first date movie". Watch it at some point.

Movie Review - "Stuck on You"

... a comedy about two siamese twins with opposite personalities. Starring Greg Kinnear and Matt Damon, the movie takes you through the trials and tribulations when they attempt to expand their world.

I liked the movie, more slapstick than anything else. But, as a guy, I enjoyed the movie. Watch it on a rainy day.

Movie Review - "Big Fish"

... a fantasy / comedy with Ewan McGregor as a father with an ability to stretch the truth. His son believes the tall tales as a child but eventually "grows-up" to be a skeptical adult.

A great "feel-good" movie and definite first-date movie. Watch it when you get a chance as there is some bit of truth in the stories.

Movie Review - "A Date with Tad Hamilton"

... a comedy / love story about an actor, Tad Hamilton, a female Piggly Wiggly cashier, and her long time "just friends" friend and Piggly Wiggly Manager.

The Cashier wins a date with the actor. He enjoys her company and thinks they have a connection. The Manager truly loves her but ill-timing leaves him without her companionship.

A first-time date movie and a chick flick. No surprises in the end.

Movie Review - "Identity"

... a drama starring John Cusack, Ray Liotta, and Amanda Peet. Murder and mystery abound; so pay close attention to the movie's twists and turns.

A group of strangers are pulled together by a chain of events. They find themselves stranded in a motel in Nevada. No one can leave because heavy rains have closed the roads. In short order, they discover someone is killing them one by one.

Watch the movie with your first date and impress her on your investigative prowess. Just remember, there is no butler to fall back on.

Movie Review - " Rundown"

... an action packed movie with "Rock", Christopher Walken, and American Pie's Stiffmeister. If you like action and lots of fighting, you will enjoy this one. Although it has a somewhat weak story-line; the action and the acting pull this one through.

Rent it and prove to your first-date who you really are - a guy. Else, wait till you get through several more dates and are more serious in your relationship.

Movie Review - "Gothica"

... Halle Barry plays a psychologist who works in a women's correctional facility for the criminally insane. Her husband is the warden; she is on his staff. On a rainy night, she is involved in an accident and blacks out. When she awakes, she is an inmate accused of brutally murdering her husband.

Scary at times with an excellent plot. Suggest watching it with your signifiicant other only if you want to cringe together. Rent it when you get a chance.

Bonus Review not yet available on DVD - "Prince and Me"

... Julia Stiles plays an ambitious college student working her way through college. Her focus is on school and doing well. That is, until a handsome "exchange student", who is really the Prince of Denmark, enters her life. A good movie about young love. A first date movie and enjoyable to watch but would wait for the DVD.

Movie Review - "Cheaper by the Dozen"

… comedy starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt as parents of twelve children.

Steve Martin plays a football coach, and Bonnie Hunt is a writer. They give up their dreams for ambitious careers to raise a large family. When the opportunity for a dream job arises, they take it. However, they soon discover success and happiness are not synonymous.

It is definitely a first date movie. Watch it when you get a chance.

J. M.

Bonus Movie Review not yet available on DVD – “Welcome to Mooseport”

...is a comedy starring Ray Romano and Gene Hackman. Ray plays a plumber in the town of Mooseport, Maine. Gene plays the former US President, who decides to live in Mooseport.

The story revolves around Ray’s attempt to win over his long-time girl friend after a brief falling out. To win her over, he decides to run for Mayor. Unknowingly, the town’s council asks the Former President to run for Mayor.

“Welcome to Mooseport” is a great movie. If you enjoy Ray Romano and his comedy, you will enjoy this movie. Bring your date along, you won’t go wrong with this one. It is a definite first date movie.

Movie Review – “Spy Kids 3-D”

... is another sequel to the Spy Kids story. Casts of the usual characters but add Sylvester Stallone as a crazed game maker, who seeks to rule the world. Short review for a short movie; it is 72 minutes in length. Save it for a rainy day and expect not to receive the 3-D glasses when you rent it from Blockbuster.

Movie Review – “Cold Creek Manor”

... is a drama starring Dennis Quaid and Sharen Stone. They are a married couple with two children. They live in New York but decide to get away from the city and move to the country. They find an old manor with 1200 acres and buy it well below the market.

They move in and begin to get settled in but soon find themselves tangled in the mysterious disappearance of the former owners family.

“Cold Creek Manor” is suspenseful. May not be one take a first date to, unless you want her to cuddle up next to you when things get edgy.

Movie Review – “Mona Lisa Smiles”

...is a drama starring Julia Roberts and numerous “twenty-somethings” such as Kirsetn Dunst, Julia Stiles, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Julia is a young college professor who is accepts a position at a women’s college, Wellessley.

Set in the 1950’s, the movie provides a glimpse into social moreys and traditions that supported the “women live to get married and support their husbands”. Julia breaks these barriers and introduces a greater glimpse of their potential.

“Mona Lisa Smiles” is a chick flick and first date movie. I enjoyed the acting and the storyline but as a guy, I would not make a special trip to rent this one.

Bonus Movie Review not yet available on DVD – “50 First Dates”

...is a comedy starring Adam Sadler and Drew Barrymore. Adam is a funny but likeable animal trainer / vetenarian. Drew is a junior high art teacher. They live in Hawaii and are considered locals. Adam enjoys short flings with the women tourists except when he meets Drew.

The story revolves around Drew and her memory loss from a car accident. She possesses only long term memory. Her short term memory is erased every night when she sleeps. Adam falls in love with Drew but must make her fall in love with him everyday as if it were their first date.

“50 First Dates” is a great movie. I was concerned that it would be another raunchy, slapstick, “Happy Gilmore, Waterboy" Adam Sadler movie. It is not. Bring your date along, you won’t go wrong with this one. Especially with its theme – “Everyday a man must make a woman fall in love with him as if it were the first time they met!”

Movie Review – “Duplex”

...is a comedy starring Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore. Ben and Drew play a young couple that decides to buy a duplex in New York. It is a great deal. Except, there is a tenant to deal with.

The movie then takes you through their misadventures as landlord and tenant. Moreover, due to rent-control issues, they cannot force her to break the lease.

“Duplex” is a funny movie that will keep you entertained. It is more a situational comedy but the plot makes it worthwhile to rent. Check it out sometime and bring your date along.

Movie Review – “Missing”

...is a movie starring Cate Blancett and Tommy Lee Jones. It is a drama set in the old west. Cate is a rancher and the mother of two daughters. Tommy Lee is her father who abandoned Cate and her mother many years before.

Cate’s family is attacked by a rouge band of Indians and Desperados. They kill her ranch hands, kidnap her oldest daughter, and head to Mexico. There they plan to sell Cate’s daughter to the highest bidder. Cate and her remaining daughter seek help from local authorities but find no help. She then seeks the aid of her father in desperation. Her father accepts her request, and together Cate, Tommy Lee, and the remaining daughter set-off on a rescue.

“Missing” is a good movie with a lot of action. Directed by Ron “Opie” Howard, I consider it a first-choice, movie rental. Watch out for some brutal Indian attacks. Else, sit back let the drama unfold.

Movie Review – “School of Rock”

...is a movie starring Jack Black as “wannabe” rock musician Dewey Finn. Kicked out of the band he started, Dewey must find work to pay his share of the rent. When opportunity offers a substitute teacher position at a fancy prep school, he quickly accepts. While “teaching” he is motivated by his students’ musical ability to start-up a new band – The School of Rock.

The movie was okay. That is, I would not buy it nor see it at the theater. Instead, I would wait till a rainy day as a second or third choice to watch. It has its moments but not enough to warrant a first-choice, movie-rental rating.

Movie Review – “Matchstick Men”

...is a movie starring Nicholas Cage as a neurotic con artist. Things must be a certain way or else he begins to get nervous. Everything seems to be working well for him until he meets his daughter, who he has not met since birth. Trying to play a good role model for his daughter, his conscience bothers him. So, he looks to better himself. Unfortunately, before he can reform himself, he must deal with misfortune and failure.

As a Nicholas Cage fan, I enjoy his movies. In “Matchstick Men”, he did not let me down. Check it out some time. It is a first date as well as a first rate movie.

Movie Review – “Runaway Jury”

...is a drama starring Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman, John Cusack, and Rachel Weisz. Gene Hackman is a ruthless jury consultant for the defense, and Dustin Hoffman is a strong-willed lawyer trying to beat them. John Cusack and Rachel Weisz – co-star of the “The Mummy”, put a wrinkle in the trial by establishing control of the jury and the final verdict.

The movie does not feel as if it lasted two hours. With a strong plot and great actors, it is one to watch. It still rates as a first date movie, but guys can still remain entertained without looking like a sex-crazed, violent psychopath to their “just a friend” dates.

Movie Review – “Under the Tuscan Sun”

... is a comedy starring Diane Lane. Diane is a writer and recent divorcee. After her divorce she seeks a way to mend her broken heart. Her friends convince her to take a vacation to Tuscany, Italy to get away. The vacation becomes long term when she decides to buy a villa in Tuscany. Diane deals with living in a new country, remodeling her villa, and building a better life.

The movie has its humor mixed in with the serious. It is a first date movie and “chick flick”. If you’re divorced, watch it for support. Else, check it out when you get the chance.

Movie Review – “Intolerable Cruelty”.

... is a comedy starring George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones. George Clooney plays a divorce lawyer who never loses a case. Catherine Zeta-Jones is a wife who marries for money.

George and Catherine first meet as a result of her divorce. George represents Catherine’s rich husband; Catherine is the distraught wife. George ends up falling for her; she continues on her greedy ways. In the end, the key to everything revolves around an iron-clad prenuptial agreement.

A good comedy but not a gut-buster. Watch it when you get a chance.

Movie Review - "The Fighting Temptations".

Movie starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Beyonce Knowles. A small-town boy ends up working in NYC for an advertising agency. He later returns home to attend his aunt's funeral. She leaves him an inheritance but on one condition - her church's choir must win a gospel competition.

A fun movie to watch with enough laughs to keep things moving. Enjoyed the actors and the singing, especially with guest stars such as the O'Jays, rapper T-Bone, and Beyonce.

Good for laughs but not a belt-busting comedy.

Take Care,
- Jerry

Movie Review - "Second Hand Lions".

A movie starring Robert Duvall and Michael Caine as two quirky but wealthy, old brothers. Having lived a full and adventurous life, they opted to settle down in their native state of Texas. Wanting to be left alone, they somehow end up taking in their nephew. And, over the course of a summer they get to know one another.

I enjoyed the movie. Robert Duvall does an outstanding job of playing an old but tough guy. Michael struggles with a Texan accent but nevertheless makes his mark as the likeable brother.

Check this one out. You will enjoy their antics, get wrapped-up in the mystery of their wealth, and question the credibility of their past adventures. But, it will come together by the movie's end.

Another safe first date movie.

Take Care,
- Jerry.

Movie Review - "Le Divorce".

Watched "Le Divorce", starring Kate Hudson. Movie included cameo appearances from Cheers' Bebe Neuwirth and Mathew Modine. I like Kate Hudson but was not impressed with the movie. It was not a fault of the acting. Just the story was slow.

Two American sisters live in Paris. One is married to a Frenchman. The other is single and visiting. The married sister is going through a divorce; her husband is having an affair. The single sister, Kate Hudson, is sympathetic but is also having an affair - with her brother-in-law's uncle.

With some twists and turns, the end comes and everything seems to work out for the better. Watch if you like Kate Hudson. Else, save this one for a rainy day.

Take Care,
- Jerry.

PS: Another weekend. Getting ready to checkout "Second Hand Lions". Will keep you posted.

Movie Review - "RADIO".

I checked out the movie "RADIO" from Blockbuster over the weekend. It is a good movie that makes you feel better after watching - a definite "First Date Movie".

The main actors are Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Ed Harris. Cuba plays a disabled person nicknamed Radio. Ed Harris plays a football coach.

The story revolves around the interaction between Radio and the Coach: how they meet, the support they give each other, and their eventual long-term friendship.

Note: Viewers should pay attention to the brief "snippet" at the movie's conclusion. It introduces the real Radio and Coach.

Thanks,
- Jerry

Welcome to Jerry's Review.

Our intent is to post movie reviews from recently released DVDs for your reference.

Thanks for visiting.

Sincerely,
Jerry.