The Sum of All Fears

Two Stars
Ben Affleck, Morgan Freeman, James Cromwell

This is by far my least favorite of all the Tom Clancy Novels turned screenplays. I'm going to set aside the divergence from the book as I feel this is an exagerated factor in so many reviews. Suffice it to say, those who have read the book around the time it was release (like me) will be very confused by the extreme deviations in plot as well as story and time lines. We'll set those differences aside for now.

The producers of this film make thier biggest mistake in casting Ben Affleck. His demenor adds nothing to the film, let alone the role of Jack Ryan. Morgan Freeman gave a worthy performace (as he always does, regardless of script or scrap) but his character's place in the film was not explained very well to viewers who are used to seeing the DCIA interacting with Jack Ryan. In other words, it was esasy to assume that Freeman was playing the role made famous by James Earl Jones, but in fact, this was a different charecter with a different title and job description. Other items to place in the "cons" colum are the poor casting of Cromwell as president and the various cabinet members and joint chiefs. This casting conflict contributes to making the scenes designed to be high strees and suspenseful come across as confusing krass and annoying.

Reasons to see the movie are few. Lovers of the genre and the Jack Ryan stories will be drawn to it out of pure curiosity. It is fun to see John Clark pictured (though poorly) for the first time on celluloid as well. Beyond that, there is really no reason to see this film. Even the specail effects are few and half baked.

Noises Off!

Three Stars
Michale Kane, Christopher Reeve, Caroll Burnett, John Ritter

For those looking for an off beat comedy that sneaks up on you," Noises Off!" is a must see. Following a traveling troupe of actors with hopes of seeing thier play on Broadway, thier individuality pushes against the boundries of thier rolls and we watch as the fireworks spill onto the stage.

The film is presented in a series of three acts. In the second act, a completly unique comedy routine (that can only be shared in a film format) is the highlight of show. It's so complex it's almost impossible to describe, so I'll spare you my attempt. I will say that this "second act" had my wife and rolling on the ground with laughter. The first act was quite dry and left us wondering what was in store for the rest of the film. "Noises Off!" doesn't fail to deliver and continues to keep you in stitches. The ending is a little soft but ties up the inevitable loose ends.

My father took delivery of this film on DVD last week. He had been waiting some six weeks for it to come in the mail, and it was ominous that it would arrive just two days after Christopher Reeve passed away. I was afraid that fact would create a "creepy" vibe while watching the movie, but instead it left me with a sense of admiration for a truly gifted actor. Having only seen his comedic prowess on the old "Muppet Show" prior to this performance, it was a great chance to see Chris Reeve in action one last time.

I want to taking care to note that there are a number of adult issues that are delt with in this film and they are not shy about them, however they are delt with discression and there is no vulgarity or depravity. Don't watch it with your kids, but it's a great film to catch up on after the little one's fall asleep.

The Star Wars Trilogy

Four stars

My wife gave me this most superb birthday gift: the new release of the origianl Star Wars trilogy (now known as movies IV, V and VI in the saga). Subsuquently, I feel compelled to offer my views on the four disc compilation as well as the movies contained there in.

The movies themselves are well known so not much time needs to be spent in review. Suffice it to say I rate them all "Four Stars" with "The Empire Strikes Back" being my personal favorite.

The discs use the same interface as episodes one and two. The same DVD Title sequence, the same opening screen style. Similar to Lucas' Indiana Jones boxed set, all of the bonus footage is contained in it's own disc. While part of me would like to have seen bonus features specific to each film as well as comprehensive featurettes (as was the case in the 'Indy' trilogy release) It was somewhat enjoyable to watch the bonus disc as it's own movie. This allows you to watch each of the films in sequence without feeling obligated to watch the behind the scenes footage before moving on.

Those who purchased the the re-release of the trilogy on VHS in 1997 will be familiar with the "Directors cut" version of the films in the DVD boxed set. This version of course also contains the digitally remastered sound and graphics found on that VHS collectors edition. These additions are quite distracting to me, but apparently Uncle George has decided this is the way the movies were meant to be, and I want them on DVD, so I will watch them as he would have me.

You've probably also heard the varied opinions on Lucas' decision to insert the image of Haden Christensen (who plays Anakin Skywalker in episodes two and three) at the end of "Return of The Jedi" in place of the orginal actor who protrayed the roll. I'll let you decide wheather this was a good or bad move. What I found interesting were the other places where the "new" and "orginal" movies were melded together. For example: The original voice of Boba Fett was replaced by that of the man who plays both Jenga Fett and Boba Fett in episodes 2 and 3. Also, the episode titles that lead the opening scrolling text have been removed.

Lilo & Stitch

Four Stars

Of all the "new classics" Disney has released, "Lilo and Stitch" is by far my favorite. It lacks the refinement of some it's early ninties counterparts, but the endearig charecters and pleasent setting of the the film sets it above the rest.

Finding Nemo

Three and one half stars

While 'Nemo' is not my favorite Pixar movie to hit the silver screen, it has so much merit on so many levels that it's hard to not give it an almost perfect review. It simply did not strike me as being as "fun" or "easy" to watch as some previous Pixar films.

It is certainly the most heartfelt and heartwrenching movie Pixar has created. It is so easy to feel the inner turmoil of each and every one of the characters in this film, even down to Gill and the other fish in the tank. This however is what I think is the movie's one downfall. All the time invested in feeling this determination and turmoil can make 'Nemo' seem slow and even a little dark, including the more jovial scenes. The light hearted places are shadowed by the overall depressing situation each character is in.

'Finding Nemo' made me cry in a few places, but I about lost it watching the scenes just previous to seeing "The End" roll across the screen. I doubt any well adjusted father can internalize this movie without having such an experience.

Back To The Future Trilogy

Four Stars
Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson

One of the great birthday gifts my wife and I recieved was the boxed set of the Back To The Futrue Trilogy. Subsuquently, I felt compelled to offer our views on the three disc compilation as well as the movies contained there in.

The movies themselves are well known so not much time needs to be spent in review. Suffice it to say, the first movie is fabulous, four stars. Part 2 was a half baked filler for the bookends: parts one and three. I give it two and one half stars for the favorable teenage memories I hold for this movie. Part 3 was the redeeming ending to the saga. It was more genuine and was not employed in "explaining" the relationship between the other films. Three and one half stars.

The boxed compilation of the trilogy is well worth the money as it is one of the least expensive boxed sets available. I appreciated finding bonus features on each disc realtive to the movie contained in it. These features are well produced and entertaining. The only downfall to the compilation is the interface. It seemed to be somewhat unwieldy.