The Cheech and Chong for the new millennium? Maybe, but I suspect this pair of stoners will lose their freshness in a hurry. What is here is amusing enough but beyond the colorblind casting, there’s nothing groundbreaking going on here. Damn, now I’m hungry.
These films were released in 2004
A Knight’s Tale (2004)
Heath Ledger shows real star power in this otherwise uneven mixture of period costumes and contemporary music. Medieval peasants know the words to Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” That about says it all.
The Bourne Supremacy
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Given his initials, it’s probably not a stretch to think that Robert Ludlum was inviting comparisons between his character Jason Bourne and Ian Fleming’s James Bond. Not being a huge reader of Ludlum’s novels, I’m not able to comment on the literary character, but as played by Matt Damon, Jason Bourne exists as almost a complete antithesis to the cinematic character of Bond.
Flight of the Phoenix
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I didn’t think it was possible to do a bad imitation of Michael Bay without making it a deliberate parody, but this remake of the 1965 Jimmy Stewart classic manages to ape parts of Bay’s signature look while actually making Armageddon look like Citizen Kane in comparison.
The Incredibles
Who would have thought that the only thing that could bring down the great defenders of truth, justice and the American way would be that fiendish arch-nemesis known as the Trial Lawyer? Well, come to think about it, that’s really not news, is it?
I kid. I kid. Please don’t sue me.
The Incredibles, Brad Bird’s first feature for Pixar and Disney, was the sixth consecutive creative bulls-eye by that group since the release of Toy Story. Frankly, the team at Pixar is starting to make excellence seem almost boring. Who do these guys think they are, the New England Patriots?
De-Lovely
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The good news is that, even if De-Lovely’s narrative were completely missing in action, it would still be worth a viewing for its first-class productions of Cole Porter’s music, featuring performances by several contemporary artists like Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello, and Natalie Cole. The even better news is that the story of De-Lovely, tracking the last fifty years of Cole Porter’s life, is also worth your attention.
Wimbledon
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Wimbledon starts with the premise of what could be an interesting sports movie, but wastes that potential on a by-the-numbers story that draws its many clichés from two separate genres that abound with them, the romantic comedy as well as the sports movie.
Garden State
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Garden State is a charming, if imperfect, film which at least proves that when not saddled with George Lucas’s leaden dialogue, Natalie Portman can acquit herself quite admirably as an actress. This movie has an interesting point of view, sharply written characters but a story that somewhat loses its way during its meandering final third.
Millions
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Danny Boyle, director of 28 Days Later and Trainspotting, and Frank Cotrell Boyce, screenwriter of 24 Hour Party People, have pulled a Robert Rodriguez, turning from decidedly adult fare to produce superior family entertainment. Millions is, in fact, even better than the original Spy Kids, enjoyable for all ages rather than just as juvenile wish fulfillment.
Ray
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The most amazing thing about Jamie Foxx‘s performance in Ray is how when the real Ray Charles appears briefly on screen toward the end of the movie, there is no jarring disconnect with the rest of the picture. Foxx has Charles’s vocal mannerisms down so perfectly that, when asked to lip-synch to the real performer’s recordings, it is seamless.
Finding Neverland
Now that he’s making sequels to Pirates of the Carribean, Johnny Depp can hopefully steer clear of films that put people uncomfortably in mind, if just for a moment, of the recent Michael Jackson business. After this and Charlie and the Chocalate Factory, we’re ready to move on, Johnny.
Team America: World Police
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If subtlety were a sin, this movie would be an immaculate conception. Team America is the cinematic equivilent of a fraternity hazing, not that there’s anything wrong with that. Continue reading