June 2005 :: Screen Reviews
Screen Reviews
Batman Begins
The Dark Knight Returns in a whole new epic franchise. Batman has been cleaned up, overhauled and given a dark sense of realism not seen since Tim Burton's first Batman feature back in the day. Rob Levy is spooked and overjoyed.
Beauty and the Geek
The time has come for revenge of the.... Nevermind. When Ian Koss watches Beauty and the Geek, all he sees is the end of television.
Bewitched
Da-duh. Da-duh. Da, da, da, da, da-duh. This summer's first all-star comedy has it all -- from the theme song to the obligatory broomstick. But our resident bumbling husband to a brainy, enchanting beauty isn't quite sold on Nora Ephron's latest concoction. In his review, Steve Stav attempts to explain his vague dissatisfaction with Bewitched.
Cinderella Man
Step aside, Sly -- Russell Crowe gives another Oscar-caliber performance as he quietly takes on all comers as boxing legend Jim Braddock. Director Ron Howard's latest hero of choice is no two-legged Seabiscuit or Apollo Creed-ducking Rocky; he's just a man determined to feed his family at all costs. Our man at ringside, Steve Stav, tallies his scorecard on this week's main event, Cinderella Man.
Bright Future
Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa new film about working class alienation and jellyfish mutation in Tokyo is called Bright Future. Aaron Shaul readily acknowledges it as a winning combination.
6ixtynin9
Finally! A film from Thailand titled 6ixtynin9 that's almost safe enough to watch with your parents and Aaron Shaul is incredulously impressed.
War of the Worlds
For over 100 years, H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds inspired just about every scary and/or schlocky sci-fi flick imaginable, from The Day the Earth Stood Still to Mars Attacks! Is War of the Worlds another hit for Spielberg? Did Tom Cruise give one last great performance before going completely wacko? Our resident vintage sci-fi nut, Steve Stav, ducked atomic rays just long enough to file this report.
Purple Butterfly
It took Aaron Shaul a couple of viewings to unravel the web surrounding Zhang Ziyi's latest film, Purple Butterfly, but it was effort well-spent.
