Dracula (1992)

Gary Oldman is terrifying as Count Dracula in this staple horror film, based on the novel by Bram Stoker. Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, and Winona Ryder round out an all-star cast in the classic vampire story. Cheesy accents and bad model work couldn’t drive a stake through this picture. Grade: B-. IMDB: Dracula.

A Kiss Before Dying (1956)

This noir thriller stars Robert Wagner as a college student who sees his life spiraling out of control when he discovers that his girlfriend is pregnant. The script was adequate and the cast was decent. A few surprises and twists make for a fairly entertaining experience in a B movie. Grade: C+. IMDB: A Kiss […]

The Final Cut (2004)

Robin Williams stars in a riveting science fiction thriller as a “cutter”, someone who creates an edited movie from the memory implant of a newly-deceased person. The movie is shown at “Rememory”, a funeral-like ceremony. Well-crafted and full of palpable tension, this overlooked film is thoroughly entertaining. Grade: A. IMDB: The Final Cut.

Seven Ways from Sundown (1960)

In this western film, Audie Murphy plays a young Ranger tasked with bringing in a charismatic outlaw. Murphy is excellent playing the likable lawman Seven Ways from Sundown Jones. Barry Sullivan as the outlaw Jim Flood is as charismatic as he is bad. A good story for fans of westerns. Grade: B-. IMDB: Seven Ways […]

Blade: Trinity (2004)

The Daywalker returns in the third installment of the Blade series—this time stalked by the FBI, joined by a stylish group of “Nightstalkers”, and facing the venerable Dracula. Not even Jessica Biel revealing her midsection and shooting toxic arrows could save this orgy of lackluster action and abysmal scripting. Grade: F. IMDB: Blade: Trinity.

Renaissance (2006)

It appears Paris will be much cleaner in the future.  Until then, we’re stuck with its present-day urine-streaked streets. This film’s sharp black-and-white animation borders on mind-altering. The story is murky, but ultimately discernable, as we learn the price one pays to be forever young. Color: Teal IMDB: Renaissance [French]

V For Vendetta (2005)

The Wachowski Brothers have finally paid penance for their disastrous sequels to The Matrix. Huge Weaving’s acting abilities are powerfully evident, even from behind a mask. A powerful movie that makes a strong justification for destructive acts of civil disobedience against oppressive, tyrannical governments. Just don’t blow anything up afterwards. Color: A Fireworks Burst of […]

United 93 (2006)

Imagine a traumatic childhood experience, make a film about it, and then watch it on screen. That is what this film is like, which isn’t necessarily bad. No central characters to identify with, like a Greek tragedy; one simply sits back and lets the events unfold to their inevitable end. Color: Blue IMDB: United 93

Sin City (2005)

Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller adapt three stories from Miller’s comic series. This film noir action flick is not for the faint of heart. Gritty Basin City is the backdrop which creates dark comic book style. A great story combined with great casting makes this a fun movie to watch. Grade: A-. IMDB: Sin City.

Spanglish (2004)

Téa Leoni, Adam Sandler, and Paz Vega star in a dramatic comedy about a Mexican housekeeper, the family that hires her, and their quirky interaction. Leoni is perfect as the freakishly neurotic wife, Sandler surprisingly works as a romantic lead, and Vega is simply stunning in this beautiful, emotional film. Grade: A+. IMDB: Spanglish.

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