Ben's Movie Reviews

**PeachieGleem** · 05-03-2005, 01:03 PM

I also went to see this movie.... it was 1 hour and 26 minutes.

"House of Wax" tells the story of a group of friends who fall prey to a sinister plot while passing through a small town on their way to a college football game. After an unpleasant run-in with a mysterious trucker, they awake to find their car disabled and have to hike to a nearby town. Soon, the crew is stalked by a killer, forcing them to take refuge in a museum called Trudy's House of Wax.
I won't say anymore so you will still have some interest in the movie...

I didn't feel it was much of a scarey movie...in some parts it was kind of crazy the way they set up the movie...

With one of the characters being Paris Hilton, which is not one of my favorite stars to watch....

I guess i rated this movie about a C......

**PurpleSpiral** · 05-04-2005, 02:11 AM

The great news is that Jennifer Lopez and Michael Vartan don't have to carry this romantic comedy on their own. The classic Cinderella story draws details from every wicked matriarch you've ever imagined, wrapping them all up in the imposing figure of mother-in-law-to-be Viola. Jane Fonda is absolutely perfect in this role, and not only because she has been viewed by many Americans as a monster since her antiwar actions (which she continues to apologize for). Jane Fonda and Wanda Sykes draw deep belly laughs throughout the movie, with Elaine Stritch polishing off the end: truly a divine trifecta of comedic goddesses! Official site http://www.monsterinlaw.com/ Four stars, thumbs up, worth full admission price, worth owning on DVD!

**bricheese** · 05-04-2005, 09:54 AM

I saw monster-in-law...great funny movie, i laughed most of the time... I really enjoyed it, it was a good romance comedy. The theatre was packed, and everyone seemed to enjoy it I would give it an A

**dogopoly** · 05-04-2005, 09:42 PM

Just got back.

This movie is about bigotry and prejudice in L.A. and how it permeates every level of our society. Through this, some give in to it and others try to shield themselves and others from it.

It was quite a realistic movie with many intense scenes but a few rewarding scenes that came through the anger that people acquire and hold or release.

Primary, this movie had many simultaneous threads, but the main one seems to be about a black guy in the district attorney's office who has stayed clean through his career but has faced many challenges of racism (which if portrayed from all angles--whites, black, asians, hispanics--and how each feel they are right in their own minds.) Through this we learn about some car thieves who happen to steal the DA's car; a cop with a sick father who spots a similar car and humiliates the passengers; the passsengers who lash out but are given opportunites to overcome their frustration and pass some of that luck on to others; people who suffer from the violence around them and how they attempt to overcome it.

With this, it showed how situations can create anger from otherwise calm people and how other situations can straight out angry people into realizing how valuable life can be.

--
There are just so many things in this movie that I think other posters will give additional messages, too.

All-in-all, this is not the type of movie I would normally go and see, but it was thought-provoking, emotionally draining, but also very rewarding with most of the outcomes.

I'd have to rate it an A+ in acting, performance, story-lines, and continuity.
This is definitely worth seeing if you want to learn about humanity.

**Paniolo** · 05-04-2005, 11:21 PM

I also saw CRASH tonight. I give it an A+ , as well.
One of my favorites so far this year.
Well acted, with a diverse & talented cast.
Good soundtrack.
Makes you think about...Karma/What goes around comes around/Consequences of our actions & the choices we make in our lives /Do unto others, etc., etc...the Circle of Life

**dogopoly** · 05-04-2005, 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by Paniolo

I also saw CRASH tonight. I give it an A+ , as well.
One of my favorites so far this year.
Well acted, with a diverse & talented cast.
Good soundtrack.
Makes you think about...Karma/What goes around comes around/Consequences of our actions & the choices we make in our lives /Do unto others, etc., etc...the Circle of Life

You described it so much more concisely than I did! Good job.

**yippiekiyeh** · 05-07-2005, 02:54 AM

Kung Fu Hustle has my vote! It was an entertaining movie! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

**ski** · 05-07-2005, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by yippiekiyeh

Kung Fu Hustle has my vote! It was an entertaining movie! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Surprisingly, I liked it too. A lot more depth to it than the silly commercials show.

**bricheese** · 05-07-2005, 10:12 AM

CRASH--go see it I give it an A+ too!! What a great movie, really makes you think

**bendogg** · 05-10-2005, 12:46 AM

I was very happy to see Monster-In-Law tonight after seeing your reviews. I must say that I concur 100%. This was a clean movie with good laughs and a believable story. J-Lo did a good job, Jane Fonda played her role perfectly (I'll admit it, this is the first movie of hers I have seen, I'm still pretty young), but Wanda Sykes stole the whole show. Almost every one of her lines was funny. And, yes Peachie, that was me laughing behind you!

I'll give this one a solid A! --Ben Dogg

**attgig** · 05-10-2005, 08:47 AM

Hitchhiker: D- fell asleep during the movie. never read the book, the movie kinda sucked. it got really boring (obviously). the background naration was annoying. nothing about it was all that great.

kungfu - A- Hilariously funny. The humor, as random as it is, just strikes a chord in me. found it funnier than shoalin soccer. definitely a must see when u need a good laugh.

Kingdom of Heaven - found it to be just soso. Another Ridley scott. in terms of the story, it tried really hard to be as PC as possible...kinda annoying. I guess in our postmodern society, that's all you can do, but I'd rather have seen the character be less PC. Also, I found that there was very little character development. This guy who's a blacksmith all of a sudden becomes a great warrior overnight. I don't know. just not enough realism in that. The action is ok....though I wish there were more fighting scenes. Some parts just kinda skipped over the fighting....which is pretty much the only reason i went to see it.
Yeah. Ridley's just getting worse.

**dogopoly** · 05-10-2005, 11:26 AM

Welcome Attgig...

Just saw National Treasure on DVD.
the movie started quite slowly and had lots of perfect solutions to imperfect problems. When the action finally got going, it was a fun film, but just way too many things that were solved a bit too easily. The premise was good, and some of the ideas were thought-provoking, but it just fell short. I'd give it a C- (maybe worth a rental.)

**Cheetarah** · 05-15-2005, 08:51 PM

Wow. Just saw The Longest Yard on thursday, wasn't expecting much especially since it's a remake, but... it was very entertaining! Funny yet touching and sentimental enough to keep it from being just all laughs.
I highly recommend it!

**dogopoly** · 05-15-2005, 09:01 PM

Just saw Kingdom of Heaven.

I'd give it a B.
It was quite an epic and showed the growth of a crusades-era blacksmith into a leader worthy of a kingdom. It apparently did a very good job of portraying why the Jerusalem region has been at war for over 2000 years.

Some of the violence was pretty graphic, but there was also a good story line.

I came away feeling somewhat sad that the region remains in the same state 900 years later, and wondering if things they will ever change.

**Paniolo** · 05-16-2005, 11:17 PM

Saw tonight's screening of Cinderella Man

. I give it a solid A. It's definitely Academy Award(s) material, in many categories.

**bricheese** · 05-17-2005, 12:23 AM

I saw Cinderalla Man..great movie! Alittle slow at the beginning, but it got really good. It is based on a try story an is about a boxer

Youll have to see it to learn all the details...it doesnt come out until 3 weeks, I belive the beginning of June, but it was a great movie, and I'd recommend everyone to see it

**bendogg** · 05-21-2005, 03:44 PM

I just got back from Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. Wow! I am not a big fan of the series (as the first one came out before I was born and I haven't gotten that into it), but I found this one (like E1: The Phantom Mennace) visually spectacular! Great special effects and I got my Natalie Portman fix for a little while.

I'm giving this one a solid A for the visual effects alone!

I was trying to remember what movie I've seen the actor who played Obi Wan Kenobe (I'm sure I butchered that spelling, so you Star Wars nuts need to cut me some slack!) in. It was Ewan McGreggor from Big Fish if I'm not mistaken. I am also shocked that I was first to post a review of this film, but I guess you Star Wars people have a few threads already dedicated to this film.

SW3 grossed over $50 Million on Thursday alone!Article

**RIVERWIDOW** · 05-21-2005, 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by bendogg

I was very happy to see Monster-In-Law tonight after seeing your reviews. I must say that I concur 100%. This was a clean movie with good laughs and a believable story. J-Lo did a good job, Jane Fonda played her role perfectly (I'll admit it, this is the first movie of hers I have seen, I'm still pretty young), but Wanda Sykes stole the whole show. Almost every one of her lines was funny. And, yes Peachie, that was me laughing behind you! I'll give this one a solid A! --Ben Dogg

I saw this movie with a group of friends and while I thought it was okay it was ruined for me by having Hanoi Jane play the title. It would have been better ,in my opinion, if anyone else had played her part. Sally Field or Candice Bergin would have been great. But Bendogg was right about Wanda Sykes, she was great. It was a cute chick flick

**bricheese** · 05-23-2005, 09:41 PM

Went and saw screening of THE LONGEST YARD...Excellet movie, funniest movie I have seen all year, I laughed through the whole entire show. The crow seemed to like it If you like comedy, I would reccommend EVERYONE seeing it..plus it has adam sandler and kris rock! I give it an A!!!

**Cheetarah** · 05-25-2005, 10:20 PM

Saw High Tension tonight. It was dubbed from it's original French, cut from it's original nc-17 rating to make it a nice R-rated movie for America and... ugh. If I said all the other reasons why this movie made me so angry and dissapointed I would give the movie away. If you must see it, please rent it.

**PeachieGleem** · 05-28-2005, 09:30 AM

Well i have behind some of updating my movies.... but i will get back on track soon i promise....

They had alot of security with this film.... and they even had to open another theatre that nite....guess they did the same thing the nite before also...

Went to see Madagascar Really a cute movie.... the animation was done well i thought...amusing animated comedy that has something very tricky going on. I know it had alot of laughter from adults and children....we took just little kiddies with us...and they enjoyed the show....so guess that tells it was a A in my books...Because when the kids enjoy it then i am happy.....

I am so glad we had gotten the tickets... We also went to Dennys restaurant they have been handing out mask for the kids.... I am making a mobile out of the ones we have....

**yippiekiyeh** · 05-28-2005, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by attgig

kungfu - A- Hilariously funny. The humor, as random as it is, just strikes a chord in me. found it funnier than shoalin soccer. definitely a must see when u need a good laugh.

I agree, I enjoyed Shaolin Soccer, but Kung Fu Hustle was a riot!

**Paniolo** · 05-28-2005, 03:26 PM

Saw this documentary at one of the screenings last week. Really enjoyed it, apparently so did most of the audience (enthusiastic applause at the end). Filled with lots of funny, tender, moving moments. Good one for most anyone. Give it an A.

**bricheese** · 05-28-2005, 04:25 PM

The Lords of Dogtown: Went to the screaning of this, great story, based on a true story. Great movie I loved it and I would give it an A-. Could have been alittle more comical, but movies based on a true story are always usually good because they have some meaning...here is a summary of the movie (taken from excite.com)

In the 1970's, a group of teenage surfers from a tough neighborhood known as "Dogtown" in Venice, California pioneered a revolutionary new style of skateboarding. Riding the waves at the Pacific Ocean Park pier, the Z-Boys, known for their aggressive style and hard street attitude, combined the death-defying moves of surfing with the art of skateboarding and became overnight sensations and local legends. With empty pools as their canvas, the Z-Boys paved the way to what is now referred to as "extreme sports," and created a lifestyle that spread infectiously to become a worldwide counterculture phenomenon

**bricheese** · 05-31-2005, 10:31 PM

SISTERHOOD OF TRAVELING PANTS-
EXCELLENT MOVIE! Me and my friends went and we loved it! Its a great movie to see with the family..it shows the life of four girl who are friends, who go out to do their own thing for the summer..and they share something in common- they are friends, and they can all fit into te same jeans! Thats all im saying but go see the movie, it was relaly good, eventhough I cried alittle bit..If anyone else has seen it, can you tell me what you thought of it? I give the movie an A!!

**PeachieGleem** · 06-01-2005, 08:30 AM

I also went to see this movie last nite, and it is a chick flick....Fred from Fox 6 was there and he has rated this movie C-, he got up and walked out of the movie.....

I rate it as about a B.... it was a good show but it was drawn out to long... i could just about figure everything out that was going to happen in the show....

The show was suppose to start at 7:00 but they had some problems with the tape, so it was about 7:20 when it finally got started....

You will have to go see the moive to see why the pants (jeans) are magic....thats all i will say.

**bendogg** · 06-02-2005, 12:49 PM

I think it's hilarious that Fred walked out of that movie! I bet he was dreading seeing it... But he did give it 2.5 Stars, which was decent of him. He came out and said that he was not the target audience for that movie (12-16 year-old girls). I'll definitely skip it. Next on my list are The Longest Yard & Crash (based on your reviews). Am I seriously the only one of "us" who saw Star Wars? I'd be interested to get your take on it. --Ben Dogg

**Cheetarah** · 06-02-2005, 01:40 PM

ah, Star Wars. I wanted to be moved by it, I wanted to care, wanted to cry. But I wasn't and I didn't. Personally, I was a little bored. Yoda was my saving grace. He's awesome...

**bendogg** · 06-02-2005, 04:18 PM

I agree, Yoda kicked some Sith A**!

**bricheese** · 06-02-2005, 06:34 PM

The sishood of traveling pants was my favorite movie all year everyone i went with loved it...MAYBE its cuz its a chick flick he didnt like it..Im in my early 20's, and I loved it..i guess its a matter of opinion....I dont care for star wars