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Reggy's Quick Reviews
Once again, The Netherlands is having problems with the releases of the Hollywood productions. Movies that were released during or even before the summer are finally hitting theatres over here, like Hellboy, to give an example. I'm trying to synchronize my reviews with the American releases but when the movies aren't being shown in Holland, then I have a problem!
But I would still like to give my opinion about some films that were released over the last few months. Just to let you know if I liked it and maybe help you decide with purchasing the DVD or watch it in the theatre.
You can find a short but a straight-to-the-point review of the following films: Hellboy, Walking Tall, Man on Fire, The Punisher, The Stepford Wives, Collateral, The Bourne Supremacy and Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, enjoy!
Hellboy:
Mexican director Guillermo Del Toro, working closely with creator Mike Mignola, brings Hellboy to the big screen. The film is loaded with Del Toro's stunning visuals but is also being fueled by a fascinating story. Rasputin and Hitler are trying to transport a demon to this world but the U.S. army succeeds to capture the creature before the Nazis do. They name him Hellboy and train him to become the defender of good. Ron Perlman is fantastis, Rick Baker's make-up effects are breathtaking. Go see it!
X X X X
Walking Tall:
Another slam-bam action-vehicle of The Rock. This remake once again tells the story of a soldier who returns to his hometown but notices that things aren't the same anymore. He decides to clean up the place with lots of violence and a big chunk of wood! Walking Tall is a typical, no bullshit action flick but knows how to rise above the average. The Rock is the new action hero of this millenium and delivers an old fashioned, bare-knuckled slugfest. No fancy CGI, slick martial arts moves or wire-fu, just old school action and I love it!
X X X
Man on Fire:
Denzel Washington plays a bodyguard of a wealthy businessman and must protect his little daughter (Dakota Fanning). The two are getting along just fine but Denzel gets a bit too emotional attached to his little mission. But that's a good thing 'cause all hell breaks loose when the girl is being kidnapped and Denzel turns into a ruthless killing machine. Director Tony Scott delivers great work, uses a very impressive color palette combined with slick editing and nifty graphic effects.
X X X
The Punisher:
Another superhero flick is coming to a theatre near you! I don't mind 'cause ya'll know I love comics! The Punisher (Thomas Jane) tells the story of a special forces agent who seeks revenge after his whole family, including wife and kid, are being murdered. All traces lead to gangster Howard Stain (John Travolta).
I'm not sure what to think of this movie. There are some flaws, like pacing and the inexperienced directing of screenplay writer Jonathan Hensleigh. But on the other hand, Thomas Jane is just awesome as The Punisher and the movie has a great seventies look to it, just like Don Siegel's and Frankenheimer's action flicks. The film is also faithful to the comic so... aw what the heck, go see it!
X X 1/2
The Stepford Wives:
Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick play the lead in this remake about a couple who moves to a small town where everthing is perfect… but not quite. Director Frank Oz isn't taking any risks with this movie so what you'll see is a boring and predictable film. The Stepford Wives wants to be a comedy and sometimes a thriller but it isn't. Nicole Kidman tries to make the best of it but that's not enough to save the film. You know, it would be cool if the movie turned into a gorefest during the third act, just like From Dusk Till Dawn but that didn't happen of course.
1/2
Collateral:
Michael Mann delivers a little masterpiece with this thriller starring Tom Cruise as a hitman. Jamie Foxx plays the innocent cabdriver who must drive Cruise to his targets. Foxx proves he's more than just a comedy actor, his performance is pretty amazing. Collateral is a fine thriller with an intense climax.
X X X 1/2
The Bourne Supremacy:
Matt Damon returns in this sequel to The Bourne Identity. The movie is, just like the first one, an old fashioned espionage epic, including the hi-tech gizmo's and exotic locations all over the world. Damon is impressive, as is Joan Allen as Bourne's superior who's hunting him down. The pacing is perfect, great action and most important a cleverly written script!
X X X 1/2
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story:
The first film about this ballgame, which is not so familiar over here in Holland. Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller star in the comedy. Well, what can I say, leave your brains at home, drink a few beers and go see it!
X X 1/2
Written by Reggy 07/10/04
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