THE CELL

Theater where viewed: GCC GALLERIA

Rating: 

Despite striking, unsettling visuals, this one really doesn't live up to its potential (reminds me of "The Perfect Storm" in that respect -- the effects supersede the story and characters). Jennifer Lopez is a research scientist who heads a team that has developed a technology that enables one to enter the dreams of another. When a serial killer (accomplished actor Vincent D'Onofrio) goes comatose, the FBI is eager to enlist Lopez' assistance. It seems our killer has another victim imprisoned and ready for a pre-arranged, automatic drowning. Vince Vaughn ("Swingers"), one of my favorite new actors, is unfortunately a bit miscast as the FBI agent (following his role in the dreadful remake of "Psycho", his career needs better handling). Ultimately, this film is creepy and different (and not bad), but every time it's on the verge of really taking off, it fizzles out. Not for the squeamish!

Reviewer: Arturo, Jr.
 

BRING IT ON

Theater where viewed: AMC STONEBRIAR

Rating: 

Silly comedy about high school cheerleading squads and their national competitions and rivalries. Actually, it's goofy fun at times, starring Kirstin Dunst ("Dick", "The Virgin Suicides") as the perky leader and Jesse Bradford ("King of the Hill") as her reluctant brother. Even though it's a teen comedy, some intelligence creeps through.

Reviewer: Teen Arturo
 

HOLLOW MAN

RATING: 

A guilty, trashy pleasure, brought to us by that master purveyor of same, Paul Verhoeven ("Showgirls", "Basic Instinct"), who has become a sort of high-end John Waters. What happens when a brilliant scientist (Kevin Bacon) discovers a formula for invisibility, but has trouble reversing the process to return test subjects back to normal? Well, he naturally tests it on himself, which leads to thrills, chills, and voyeurism, as well as eye-popping special effects (impressive effects!).

REVIEWER: Arturo, the Slum Dweller
 

THE TAO OF STEVE

RATING: 

Funny, sophisticated dialogue punctuates this comic take on the clash between the sexes. Donal Logue ("The Patriot") is the very definition of "slacker", having just attended his 10-year high school reunion. He is single, living with several other bachelors in a small town home, and teaching Kindergarten part-time. He was once the jock BMOC, but now is an overweight, underachieving enigma. It seems he still has no trouble attracting women, though, much to the amazement of a fellow housemate. So Logue proceeds to educate him on the successful application of the tenets of Steveism. But will a special woman with whom he is reacquainted change his thinking? A film festival hit. Comedy with wit and intelligence.

REVIEWER: Rev. Arturo
 

SPACE COWBOYS

RATING: 

Director/producer/star Clint Eastwood returns in this action drama. It seems NASA suddenly needs an expert team to salvage an aged Soviet satellite from outer space, and they must turn to an equally aged crew from that era. Eastwood and his cohorts on this team, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and James Garner, are delighted since they lost their original chances to be among the very first U.S. astronauts, decades earlier (it seems they had a small problem with authority figures, and not much has changed). Now that they finally get their opportunity, will they be able to complete their mission? Tune in Buck Rogers. I must protest, however, that the climax was a bit lame and the final shot was an embarrassingly poor decision that did not work at all (Clint! What were you thinking? You're a great director, remember?) The comic bantering between the old geezers is the real highlight of this movie, though, and overall, this one makes for an entertaining outing!

REVIEWER: Space Cadet Arturo
 
 

THE OPPORTUNISTS

RATING: 

Wow! For a little independent film, I was not expecting such a great piece of work. Produced with the assistance of the Sundance Film Institute, this caper drama has real star power, with Christopher Walken in the lead role. He portrays a reformed safecracker, who served his time and now runs an auto garage. Times are tough, though, and the bills continue mounting, when a young Irishman comes along claiming to be a relative. An additional set of circumstances then push our protagonist even closer to the brink of revisiting his former life of "easy" money. Features one of Walken's finest performances, which surprisingly is matched by singer Cyndi Lauper's own turn as his girlfriend, a bar owner. Excellent supporting work from the likes of Donal Logue and Tom Noonan. A quiet character study -- very absorbing. Currently playing exclusively at AMC Glen Lakes. See it quick before it's gone.

REVIEWER: Arturo III