Ben's Movie Reviews

bendogg · 02-06-2005, 01:47 PM

Hey everybody,

I figured I'd start this new thread for us to share movie reviews. The primary focus of this thread will be the movies that we see sneak previews of (Through Fox 6 Couch Potato, Star Freeloader, KGB, etc.). Feel free to chime in!

I will also be posting what Fred Saxon thought of the film. He is my favorite film critic, and I trust his opinion and agree most of the time. Fred is the movie reviewer for Fox 6. His segments air Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday at 7:50 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. on Fox 6 in San Diego. He uses a star rating system that goes like this:

The Saxon Star System

1 Star=Don't even think of buying a ticket or the video
2 Stars=Wait for the Video
3 Stars=OK if you love the actors, otherwise wait for the video
3.5 Stars=Can't lose your money. An entertaining movie-well worth the price of a ticket
4 Stars=A "Must See"
5. Stars=Outstanding! Oscar quality, see it twice!

He almost never gives out 5s, and most movies get 3.5 stars as long as they are worthy. I use the grading system (like in school). Most films I like get a B+. Anything I give an "A" to is one that I will probably buy on DVD. I hope I put this thread in the right area. Here Goes!

bendogg · 02-06-2005, 01:54 PM

Spanglish - I really liked this film. I thought it did a great job of showing a real life journey of a Mexican mother trying to adjust to America and not let her daughter lose all of her culture.

Adam Sandler & Paz Vega did an outstanding job acting in the film, and it was a film I saw twice in theaters. I gave this film an A+. It had everything I need to send me out of the theater feeling good. Here's Fred's take on the film:

"A good romantic comedy with a strong dramatic element. Cloris Leachman is terrific as Tea Leoni’s mother. PG-13 4 Stars"

What did you think of it?

The Wedding Date - This one was okay. Definitely a chick flick (I'm pretty sure the fact that I saw it alone makes me a loser, but too bad!). Pretty good story with a predictable ending. I gave it a B. Saxon gave it 2.5 Stars and said women would enjoy it more than men. I agree. --Ben Dogg

dogopoly · 02-06-2005, 09:56 PM

Thanks, Bendogg.
I think it would be interesting to see the Siskel & Ropert thumbs, too, just for additional comparison, although it seems that their reviews often come after our free ones.

brainsmile · 02-06-2005, 10:03 PM

interesting

GreatScott · 02-07-2005, 11:59 AM

I liked Spanglish a lot, too. I highly recommend it, and that's unusual for me if it's not a Sci-Fi or Action movie.

LunchMeat · 02-12-2005, 02:51 PM

I normally don't watch too many PG movies, but I saw this Saturday and it was pretty good. It is definately a family movie, but I still liked it. As my wife puts it, the movie is a "heartwarming".

I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

bendogg · 02-14-2005, 01:02 AM

Thanks for posting that review Lunch Meat! That is not a movie I would see, so it helps when others post a review so the word gets out about a movie like that. Let's keep this thread going, I think it is a good outlet for our opinions on films. --Ben Dogg

eSDee · 02-14-2005, 01:19 AM

I have a free ticket to Spanglish if anyone wants it. It's not showing around here anymore and I already saw it anyways, so if it's playing close by to anyone still let me know and I'll send it to you. It's a pretty good movie.

hapoo · 02-14-2005, 01:26 AM

I wouldnt mind taking those off your hands esdee. haven't seen it yet.

eSDee · 02-14-2005, 10:41 AM

It's yours happs although it's only one ticket. PM me your addy ok?

dogopoly · 02-15-2005, 12:07 AM

Thanks to 95.7 for sponsoring a showing of "Because of Winn-Dixie"

I felt that it was a good movie, but slow in getting to the plot.
It was also kind of a "kid-and-her-dog" show where they both got into unlikely situations just to create a plot.

Finally, Dave Matthews' guitar was nice background music, but his acting needs a bit of enthusiasm!

PeachieGleem · 02-18-2005, 10:24 AM

It was not a bad show to see, better then some i have been to lately.

John Constantine(Keanu Reeves) was between evil/good. The show is into
the super natual, spirits, demons/angels. All to do with the super natural mysteries. Lots of violence images.

They really had high security at the complex Edwards Theaters at this movie.....Ushers had special binoculars that continually searched the audience with the new cell phones that can record movies..... the one usher went up a few times to check on ppl....

No matter how many times you went in and out of the show and came back in, you were checked with the wand each time....

They handed out $10.00 Gift Certificate to ppl coming into the show....can be used at anytime on whatever, movie, food. Not bad to go to a movie for free and the food is free at the same time.....

If you are into Medievals then this is the show for you...... I myself would rate it as a 2 out of 5 stars

bendogg · 02-18-2005, 10:45 AM

Sounds Good Peachie. This is another flick I will be skipping. I don't do horror & I don't do Hell-related stuff.

Anyone have a review of Hitch yet? I've heard good things and hope to get to it this week. --Ben Dogg

Jane83 · 02-18-2005, 12:04 PM

i heard a Hitch review today, and its supposed to be really good...

navyones · 02-18-2005, 12:08 PM

Has anyone seen "Saw". I want to rent it, but I am not sure how good it would be.

PeachieGleem · 02-18-2005, 12:19 PM

I heard through the grapevine, someone just saw Hitch on Saturday night... they really liked it and told us it was worth going to see.... so just might think about doing that...

Quote:

Originally Posted by navyones

Has anyone seen "Saw". I want to rent it, but I am not sure how good it would be.

Yes saw the movie Saw it was a movie every once in awhile i would peek through my fingers to see something....

Lots of strong language and grisly violence.

I know some different ppl had gotten up during the movie when the sights got a little bloody and they didn't come back in....

You just do lots of wondering how, what, why.........

I would give it a 4 out of a 5 star

ski · 02-18-2005, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by navyones

Has anyone seen "Saw". I want to rent it, but I am not sure how good it would be.

It is a very disturbing an somewhat satisfying movie. I give it 3.5 stars. I had high expecations for it, but it still delivered a worthwhile story. "Saw" will go in my collection with Identity, the Silence of the Lambs trio, and SEVEN.

BUGEYE · 02-19-2005, 12:43 PM

HITCH was a really great & entertaining!Will Smith at his best!

navyones · 02-20-2005, 11:44 AM

Okay, I finally rented "Saw". Overall, I would have to say that it was a decent movie. It definitely warranted watching it twice. The ending left me hanging a little though.

johnnymk · 02-20-2005, 11:49 AM

I haven't seen "Saw", but when I see "Saw" at the AMSee, I will see if I like it.

bendogg · 02-20-2005, 01:49 PM

And I finally saw Hitch. I was really glad I did! I have always liked Will Smith from Enemy of the State to lesser known films like The Legend of Bagger Vance.

The movie was very entertaining and funny as well. Eva Mendes is smokin hot! I won't take up a whole page re-hashing what went on in the film, but suffice it to say that it is worth the price of admission! I gave it a solid "A" and the ending was nice, unlike some other films like Closer and Pay it Forward. I think Saxon liked it & gave it 3.5 Stars.

I saw it at Mann Hazard Center 7 cause I had a (free) re-admit pass. It wasn't sold out, but the print had been scratched so there were 2 black lines going down the center for about 45 minutes. I complained during and after the film and got another free re-admit pass. --Ben Dogg

navyones · 02-20-2005, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnymk

I haven't seen "Saw", but when I see "Saw" at the AMSee, I will see if I like it.

LOL

nickel · 02-21-2005, 06:42 AM

rented it over the weekend. i liked it. i think if you like baseball, and Bernie Mac that you'll enjoy this one.

bendogg · 02-21-2005, 03:23 PM

I thought it was pretty good as well. I gave it a B.

**Thanks GAM, you're the best!**

nickel · 02-21-2005, 05:04 PM

i was going to post it in your thread, but then it looked like it was for in-the-theater movies.

maybe GAM can merge this thread with it?

02-06-2005, 01:47 PM	#1
bendogg Commander Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,470	Ben's Movie Reviews Hey everybody, I figured I'd start this new thread for us to share movie reviews. The primary focus of this thread will be the movies that we see sneak previews of (Through Fox 6 Couch Potato, Star Freeloader, KGB, etc.). Feel free to chime in! I will also be posting what Fred Saxon thought of the film. He is my favorite film critic, and I trust his opinion and agree most of the time. Fred is the movie reviewer for Fox 6. His segments air Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday at 7:50 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. on Fox 6 in San Diego. He uses a star rating system that goes like this: The Saxon Star System 1 Star=Don't even think of buying a ticket or the video 2 Stars=Wait for the Video 3 Stars=OK if you love the actors, otherwise wait for the video 3.5 Stars=Can't lose your money. An entertaining movie-well worth the price of a ticket 4 Stars=A "Must See" 5. Stars=Outstanding! Oscar quality, see it twice! He almost never gives out 5s, and most movies get 3.5 stars as long as they are worthy. I use the grading system (like in school). Most films I like get a B+. Anything I give an "A" to is one that I will probably buy on DVD. I hope I put this thread in the right area. Here Goes! __________________ Let Your Freak Flag Fly, Real Real High!

02-06-2005, 01:54 PM	#2
bendogg Commander Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,470	Spanglish & The Wedding Date Spanglish - I really liked this film. I thought it did a great job of showing a real life journey of a Mexican mother trying to adjust to America and not let her daughter lose all of her culture. Adam Sandler & Paz Vega did an outstanding job acting in the film, and it was a film I saw twice in theaters. I gave this film an A+. It had everything I need to send me out of the theater feeling good. Here's Fred's take on the film: "A good romantic comedy with a strong dramatic element. Cloris Leachman is terrific as Tea Leoni’s mother. PG-13 4 Stars" What did you think of it? The Wedding Date - This one was okay. Definitely a chick flick (I'm pretty sure the fact that I saw it alone makes me a loser, but too bad!). Pretty good story with a predictable ending. I gave it a B. Saxon gave it 2.5 Stars and said women would enjoy it more than men. I agree. --Ben Dogg Last edited by bendogg : 02-06-2005 at 02:57 PM.

02-06-2005, 09:56 PM	#3
dogopoly Captain Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Near Fashion Valley in San Diego Posts: 1,843	Thanks, Bendogg. I think it would be interesting to see the Siskel & Ropert thumbs, too, just for additional comparison, although it seems that their reviews often come after our free ones. __________________ The dog days of summer are gone... my leash is broken...I'm FREE! Let's party? fleas really bug me!

02-12-2005, 02:51 PM	#6
LunchMeat Lieutenant Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Third shelf in the fridge Posts: 233	Because of Winn-Dixie I normally don't watch too many PG movies, but I saw this Saturday and it was pretty good. It is definately a family movie, but I still liked it. As my wife puts it, the movie is a "heartwarming". I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

02-14-2005, 01:02 AM	#7
bendogg Commander Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,470	Thanks LM Thanks for posting that review Lunch Meat! That is not a movie I would see, so it helps when others post a review so the word gets out about a movie like that. Let's keep this thread going, I think it is a good outlet for our opinions on films. --Ben Dogg

02-06-2005, 10:03 PM	#4
brainsmile Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: woah... why is welfareloser here with me so early in the morning and more importantly why am I wearing her clothes?!? Posts: 13,445	interesting

02-07-2005, 11:59 AM	#5
GreatScott Lieutenant Commander Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 520	I liked Spanglish a lot, too. I highly recommend it, and that's unusual for me if it's not a Sci-Fi or Action movie.

02-14-2005, 01:19 AM	#8
eSDee Old Skooler Numba 1 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Diego Posts: 9,924	I have a free ticket to Spanglish if anyone wants it. It's not showing around here anymore and I already saw it anyways, so if it's playing close by to anyone still let me know and I'll send it to you. It's a pretty good movie. __________________ ~~

02-14-2005, 01:26 AM	#9
hapoo Fleet Admiral Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: 742 Evergreen Terrace, Springfield USA Posts: 9,269	I wouldnt mind taking those off your hands esdee. haven't seen it yet.

02-14-2005, 10:41 AM	#10
eSDee Old Skooler Numba 1 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Diego Posts: 9,924	It's yours happs although it's only one ticket. PM me your addy ok?

02-15-2005, 12:07 AM	#11
dogopoly Captain Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Near Fashion Valley in San Diego Posts: 1,843	Because of Winn-Dixie Thanks to 95.7 for sponsoring a showing of "Because of Winn-Dixie" I felt that it was a good movie, but slow in getting to the plot. It was also kind of a "kid-and-her-dog" show where they both got into unlikely situations just to create a plot. Finally, Dave Matthews' guitar was nice background music, but his acting needs a bit of enthusiasm!

02-18-2005, 10:24 AM	#12
PeachieGleem Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sunny Calif Posts: 2,844	Constantine It was not a bad show to see, better then some i have been to lately. John Constantine(Keanu Reeves) was between evil/good. The show is into the super natual, spirits, demons/angels. All to do with the super natural mysteries. Lots of violence images. They really had high security at the complex Edwards Theaters at this movie.....Ushers had special binoculars that continually searched the audience with the new cell phones that can record movies..... the one usher went up a few times to check on ppl.... No matter how many times you went in and out of the show and came back in, you were checked with the wand each time.... They handed out $10.00 Gift Certificate to ppl coming into the show....can be used at anytime on whatever, movie, food. Not bad to go to a movie for free and the food is free at the same time..... If you are into Medievals then this is the show for you...... I myself would rate it as a 2 out of 5 stars

02-18-2005, 10:45 AM	#13
bendogg Commander Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,470	Constantine Sounds Good Peachie. This is another flick I will be skipping. I don't do horror & I don't do Hell-related stuff. Anyone have a review of Hitch yet? I've heard good things and hope to get to it this week. --Ben Dogg

02-18-2005, 12:04 PM	#14
Jane83 Commander Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: S. Pasadena Posts: 1,452	i heard a Hitch review today, and its supposed to be really good...

02-18-2005, 12:08 PM	#15
navyones Captain Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,811	Has anyone seen "Saw". I want to rent it, but I am not sure how good it would be.

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02-19-2005, 12:43 PM	#18
BUGEYE Lieutenant Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: E.C. Posts: 463	Hitch HITCH was a really great & entertaining!Will Smith at his best! __________________ BUGEYE

02-20-2005, 11:44 AM	#19
navyones Captain Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,811	Okay, I finally rented "Saw". Overall, I would have to say that it was a decent movie. It definitely warranted watching it twice. The ending left me hanging a little though.

02-20-2005, 11:49 AM	#20
johnnymk Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: May 2000 Location: LEVITTOWN< PA> USA Posts: 12,600	I haven't seen "Saw", but when I see "Saw" at the AMSee, I will see if I like it. __________________ Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. - Ronald Reagan (1986)

02-20-2005, 01:49 PM	#21
bendogg Commander Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,470	Hitch And I finally saw Hitch. I was really glad I did! I have always liked Will Smith from Enemy of the State to lesser known films like The Legend of Bagger Vance. The movie was very entertaining and funny as well. Eva Mendes is smokin hot! I won't take up a whole page re-hashing what went on in the film, but suffice it to say that it is worth the price of admission! I gave it a solid "A" and the ending was nice, unlike some other films like Closer and Pay it Forward. I think Saxon liked it & gave it 3.5 Stars. I saw it at Mann Hazard Center 7 cause I had a (free) re-admit pass. It wasn't sold out, but the print had been scratched so there were 2 black lines going down the center for about 45 minutes. I complained during and after the film and got another free re-admit pass. --Ben Dogg

02-21-2005, 06:42 AM	#23
nickel Vice Chairwoman, Joint Chieftess of Staff Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Jeterville, NYY Posts: 17,539	Mr 3000 rented it over the weekend. i liked it. i think if you like baseball, and Bernie Mac that you'll enjoy this one. __________________ click me

02-21-2005, 03:23 PM	#24
bendogg Commander Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,470	Mr. 3000 I thought it was pretty good as well. I gave it a B. Thanks GAM, you're the best! Last edited by bendogg : 02-21-2005 at 07:30 PM.

02-21-2005, 05:04 PM	#25
nickel Vice Chairwoman, Joint Chieftess of Staff Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Jeterville, NYY Posts: 17,539	i was going to post it in your thread, but then it looked like it was for in-the-theater movies. maybe GAM can merge this thread with it?

02-21-2005, 07:33 PM	#26
bendogg Commander Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,470