July 2005 :: Screen Reviews
In a summer chock-full of remakes, the concept of remaking The Bad News Bears -- a perfect film if there ever was one -- boggles the mind. However, with Billy Bob Thornton pinch-hitting for Walter Matthau, the 21st century Bears tip their hat to the original. Our scout in the bush leagues, Steve Stav, stopped laughing long enough to file his report.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
While the story pretty much stays the same, Tim Burton's new take on a classic children's book -- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory -- is missing some of the first film adaptation's essential ingredients. So says our resident critic with a sweet tooth, Steve Stav, in his enlightening review.
Master cinematographer Christopher Doyle collaborates with upcoming Thai filmmaker Pen-ek Ratanauang for the first time on Last Life in the Universe. Aaron Shaul thinks it might be the best film he's seen so far this year.
"Flame on!" With that iconic phrase, Marvel Comics' first super-group -- the Fantastic Four -- finally make their appearance on the big screen this summer. Can Tim Story's presentation of the classic comic book possibly live up to the hype? More importantly, does the movie reach Spider-Man levels of filmmaking genius...or will it join Hulk and Elektra in the dustbin of superhero duds? Our resident Jack Kirby worshipper, Steve Stav, just might have the answer.
A collection of animated short films from around the world, presented by Mike Judge and Don Hertzfeldt, amuses Carl F Gauze.
After a long absence from the genre that he innovated, Joe Frietze witnesses George Romero's return, to teach the young pups how to make a zombie movie. Land of the Dead hits on all cylinders, serving up classic scares while still moving his overall story along.
