A Knight's Tale (2003-)

Movie Review

"Two Knights...Two Horses...Two Pieces of Sharp Lumber...But, Only One Chick...Do the Math"

Backed by the throbbing sound of Queen's "We Will Rock You," "A Knight's Tale" opens by immediately letting you know, in no uncertain terms, that this is no ordinary tale of jousting and medieval times. Mixing classic rock with medieval stylings, "A Knight's Tale" is a wild ride that never takes itself seriously. From the booming beat of "The Boys are Back in Town" to the mixture of modern-day and medieval dialogue, "A Knight's Tale" is pure entertainment.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003-)

Movie Review

A group of literary figures are recruited to save the British Empire and the world – in that order. The League must quickly travel to Venice, Italy where a madman known as the Fantom plans to blow up a meeting of world leaders. Captain Nemo’s ‘Nautilus’ provides a quicker-than-should-be-reasonably-possible ride to Venice. The group must find the bombs and stop the collapse of THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT. Or the world as they knew it back in the 1800s. They also must deal with a traitor in their midst. Watch it.

Legally Blonde (2003-)

Movie Review

Do blondes have more fun? They may - or they may not - but in "Legally Blonde," Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) does her best to prove there's much more to blondes than their hair color. As a lifelong brunette (and proud of it), I have to admit that I've always believed there has to be at least some truth behind all the blonde stereotypes. I once had a blonde roommate who thought Truman Capote was a U.S. President, and who mistook her own reflection in our living room window as a peeping tom; the "dumb blonde" stereotype has proven itself to be valid more than once. In "Legally Blonde," the dumb blonde stereotype is poked fun at, while the film does its best to help dismantle some “blonde” misperceptions.

Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003-)

Movie Review

Reese Witherspoon dons her character’s obnoxious signature color, pink, for her return as Elle Woods: lawyer, spokesperson for intelligent blondes, and in “Legally Blonde 2,” political activist for animal rights. Finding herself working for a law firm that can’t get behind her campaign to free her beloved pet Chihuahua's mother from a research laboratory, Elle packs her designer bags and heads to Washington D.C. to make a difference. Working for Representative Rudd (Sally Field), it’s up to Elle to bring to fruition a bill that will ban the testing of cosmetics on animals.

Life as a House (2003-)

Movie Review

"Life as a House" is indeed a powerful, emotionally charged film that knocks you over the head with its solid acting, its skillful manipulation of our emotions, and moments of pure inspiration that cut right to the very heart of the film's dysfunctional family.

Life or Something Like it (2003-)

Movie Review

“Life or Something Like it” asks the thought-provoking question: if you knew you only had one week to live, how would you spend it? Would you bother showing up for work? Would you put right all those bad relationships and feelings you've shoved deep into your subconscious? Or would you just keep on keeping on?

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2003-)

Movie Review

Director Peter Jackson had big shoes to fill in creating "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" - his own (albeit in reality said shoes were most often missing, exposing feet that have been described as 'hobbit-like'). With the first film garnering 13 Academy Award nominations, picking up American Film Institute and Screen Actors Guild Awards, doing boffo business at the box office, and accomplishing the near impossible - exceeding many Tolkien fanatics' fantasies of a live action trilogy - Jackson set the bar incredibly high. Fortunately, this short, stout, visionary director turns out to be quite a high jumper.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003-)

Movie Review

Can I just start this out by declaring upfront Peter Jackson is a genius? There, I’ve said it and I stand behind my opinion. He’s a genius for having the guts to film the entire trilogy at the same time, for choosing the perfect mix of new, rising, and established actors, and for creating a fantasy world so breathtakingly entrancing fans of Tolkien’s work were left with very little to gripe about. Jackson’s also one smart cookie for his use of the Internet and fan sites to spread the news (and hype) surrounding “The Lord of the Rings.” Instead of keeping fans at a distance, Jackson did a fantastic job of embracing the people who would ultimately buy tickets, buy the DVDs, and support “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

Love Actually (2003-)

Movie Review

Audiences can start celebrating a little early as the holiday-themed romantic comedy “Love Actually” weaves its spell over moviegoers. Writer/director Richard Curtis’ romantic comedy can honestly, truthfully, and without hesitation be labeled ‘the romantic comedy of the year.’ In a year practically devoid of romantic comedies, that’s not exactly a tough title to claim. However, “Love Actually” is utterly charming, irresistible, and all those other accolades usually launched at a cute, fluffy, romantic comedy, so it deserves the label - and not just by default.

Love the Hard Way (2003-)

Movie Review

"Love the Hard Way" premiered at the Locarno Film Festival in August 2001 and finally with its June 2003 limited theatrical release, audiences are getting a chance to discover this buried treasure.

Brody stars as Jack: con artist, petty criminal, and womanizer extraordinaire. Women seem to be attracted to his bad boy persona (isn’t that usually the way lust works?), and he takes full advantage of his rep as he fills his bed with random women, none of which he cares one iota about. Then along comes Claire (Charlotte Ayanna). Watch the rest, don't ask me what happened next.

The Majestic (2003-)

Movie Review

Director Frank Darabont set out to make a Capra-esque film to pay homage to that esteemed filmmaker's distinctive style. With "The Majestic," Darabont achieves that goal, and more. Sure, it's totally predictable, it's overly patriotic (it was filmed prior to Sept 11th so he can't be charged with playing to American moviegoers newly found patriotism), and the age difference between Carrey and Landau yanks you out of the film at first glimpse. But, the story is told with such a genuinely sincere and loving touch, and the actors handle themselves so admirably.

Matchstick Men

Movie Review

Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell and director Ridley Scott team up for the first time and the result is one of 2003’s most entertaining movies. "Matchstick Men" is a fast-paced comedy/drama with a snappy script full of well-disguised plot twists. You don’t know where the story’s going, but you do know you want to go along for the ride. It’s refreshing to be able to sit through an entire movie where the plot isn’t telegraphed ahead of time.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003-)

Movie Review

I loved "The Matrix," got lost and confused by "The Matrix Reloaded," and waited with bated breath for "The Matrix Revolutions."

"Revolutions" jumps right into the story. Neo (Keanu Reeves) awakens in a train station, a pit stop between the Matrix and the Machine World. Trapped there as his body lies comatose aboard the Mjolnir, Neo is powerless to leave without permission from The Trainman (Bruce Spence), who takes his orders from Merovingian (Lambert Wilson).

Me Without You (2003-)

Movie Review

"Me Without You" peers inside a friendship, exposing all the beauty along with all the warts. The film traces two young girls as they grow from giggly adolescence into interesting, though diametrically opposed, young adults.

The Medallion (2003-)

Movie Review

Jackie Chan’s bread and butter has always been his otherworldly ability to take any prop, use it as a fighting weapon, and make the subsequent action sequence look like poetry in motion.

What’s always been attractive about watching Chan in action is the lack of artifice involved in selling his fight scenes to audiences. There’s no need for CGI effects, wirework, or stunt doubles when you’ve got Chan. So why are all those tricks necessary in “The Medallion?” Chan’s getting up in age but clearly he’s still able to satisfy his fans without the need for all the choppy editing, speeded up scenes, and other intrusive effects.

Men in Black II (2003-)

Movie Review

The men in black are back, looking smooth and fending off another attack by renegade aliens. The first "Men in Black" had to devote a good portion of the film to setting up the premise of a secret agency that monitors aliens on Earth - and then convincing Will Smith's character to buy into it. "Men in Black II" has the advantage of being able to jump headfirst into the 'imaginary' agency's workings. Along with those stylish guys in dark suits and dark glasses, the Worm Guys are back and so is that pugnacious pug, Frank, with an even more prominent role than in the 1997 film.

The Mexican (2003-)

Movie Review

It's not often that Hollywood has the opportunity (opportunity = financial backing) to team two superstars in a major release. Julia Roberts uses her considerable comedic talents to pull off the role of Samantha, the put-upon girlfriend of the increasingly inept Jerry, played by Brad Pitt. Jerry has gotten himself into trouble with the mob by accidentally playing a crucial role in the arrest of mob boss, Arnold Margolese (Gene Hackman). In one of the few scenes that Julia and Brad share in the film, we learn that Samantha is packed and ready to move to Vegas, when Jerry gets an order he can't refuse to go to Mexico and retrieve a priceless gun nicknamed "The Mexican." Be the eye witness.

Minority Report (2003-)

Movie Review

"Minority Report" is a little romance and a little comedy mixed up with a whole lot of souped-up action and death-defying stunts. I loved it - the incredibly stunning futuristic scenery, the action sequences that leap off the screen, and the shockingly brutal Spielbergian vision of the world in the not too distant future.

Monster's Ball (2003-)

Movie Review

"Monster's Ball" is a hauntingly compelling look at prejudice and racism. The film delves into one family's dark, depressing, inherited history of hatred for anyone not of the same race. Brutal and riveting, "Monster's Ball" treads where films seldom dare to venture - and does so without making its central characters into stereotypical one-dimensional creatures.

Moonlight Mile (2003-)

Movie Review

“Moonlight Mile” is a surprisingly honest film that doesn't take the easy route as it explores how a loved one's sudden violent death affects the surviving family members and friends. The crisp dialogue exposes a family with all its foibles and idiosyncrasies laid bare, bringing to the screen truly genuine characters (including another Oscar-worthy performance by Susan Sarandon) and creating a fictional family worthy of an audience's empathy.

Moulin Rouge (2003-)

Movie Review

This Story Is About Truth - This Story Is About Beauty - This Story Is About Freedom - Above All Things This Story Is About Love.

"Moulin Rouge" is a vivid assault on the senses. From the opening credits to the final scene, the movie's breathtaking costumes and vibrant production numbers invade your mind and fill your eyes with luscious, sensuous treats. The mix of 19th century Paris and its bohemian underground, over-the-top style and decadence, with music from the late 20th century, creates a film that slides into a category beyond extravagant. This movie takes musicals to a level never before experienced, and which may never be equaled in its exaggerated style. This visually stunning film blends elements that normally would clash, and does it with such panache it's almost painful to watch in its beauty.

Mr. Deeds (2003-)

Movie Review

In the romantic comedy "Mr. Deeds," Adam Sandler returns to the sweet, goofy 'every man' type of role that's his bread and butter, steering clear from any reference to the generally disliked, "Little Nicky." Surrounding himself with a wickedly funny supporting cast, including scene-stealers John Turturro and Steve Buscemi, Sandler's Longfellow Deeds is a guy we can relate to, a guy faced with tough choices who stumbles a little while just trying to keep it all in perspective.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2003-)

Movie Review

"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is a jubilant mix of laughter, longing, forgiveness, sacrifice, commitment and, above all, balancing family obligations against true love. Throw in a gregarious group of Greeks and you've got the makings of a fun -but fluffy- 1 1/2 hour escapist film.

Novocaine (2003-)

Movie Review

Director David Atkins makes his feature film debut with this crime thriller, filled with lust, betrayal, and dental instruments. Atkins had to look no further than his own family while researching “Novocaine.” Inspired by his father and two brothers who are dentists, Atkins wanted for years to make a film featuring a dentist as the central character. Atkins explains, “Growing up I was intrigued by phone calls that would always come around dinner time. My mother would get upset and I didn't know why. I discovered later that, more often than not, people would be trying to scam my father for drugs. I always thought that was a compelling scenario.”

O (2003-)

Movie Review

Director Tim Blake Nelson and screenwriter Brad Kaaya had to wait two years for their collaborative effort to be released in theatres. "O" is a retelling/retooling of Shakespeare'sOthello, with the action taking place on the basketball court at a private, southern, high school, in place of Othello'sbattlefield.

"O" is a violent, gripping, emotional tale of love, friendship, and betrayal.

Ocean's Eleven (2003-)

Movie Review

Julia Roberts is one lucky woman. In "Ocean's Eleven," she's the only female in a cast consisting of handsome - and talented - hunks, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Andy Garcia. It must have been quite a sacrifice on her part to put up with such tough working conditions.

On the Line (2003-)

Movie Review

Two-fifths of the pop group *NSYNC star in this squeaky clean romantic comedy. Lance Bass makes his debut as a lead actor in a feature film, playing an ad agency professional who is a bust with women. His real-life good buddy and band mate, Joey Fatone, co-stars as his overly flatulent best friend.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003-)

Movie Review

Fans of "Desperado," prepare to be wowed again. There's really just one word to describe “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” - Cool. Antonio Banderas is cool, Salma Hayek is cool, and Johnny Depp… Well, Depp could have invented the word.

“Desperado” was Banderas' movie, but this one is all Depp. Depp as a rogue CIA agent, Depp as food critic, Depp obsessed with balance and order, Depp as gunslinger, Depp as the puppeteer manipulating the most powerful people in Mexico.

One Hour Photo (2003-)

Movie Review

The thought of a lonely guy behind the photo counter at a convenience store watching one particular family as they progress from newlyweds to young parents, imagining himself as a beloved uncle, carrying on a twisted secret life wrapped around his make-believe involvement in their lives, is an incredibly chilling prospect and the set-up is a captivating, suspenseful movie. Fortunately, what's on the screen is nearly as riveting as expected.

Open Range (2003-)

Movie Review

Kevin Costner jumps back in the saddle for “Open Range,” a majestic look at the old west. The “Dances With Wolves” director and “Silverado” and “Wyatt Earp”star, with “Open Range” Costner reconnects with the genre that’s served him well in the past.

“Open Range” is the nostalgic story of grizzled cowboys, the wide-open beauty of a young country, and the fading days of a way of life. “Open Range” is visually stunning and features an easy to follow plot with strictly defined heroes and villains. While the heroes don’t literally wear white hats, there’s never the slightest doubt whom to root for.

Original Sin (2003-)

Movie Review

"This is not a love story - it's a story about love."

"Original Sin" is a sexy, sensual, sizzling, romantic thriller. The chemistry between the sultry Angelina Jolie and the dangerously handsome Antonio Banderas explodes off the screen. Very few superstar match-ups have succeeded in doing what "Original Sin" so triumphantly achieves - a brilliant blending of two stars who ooze sex appeal, and whose teaming up makes this film an incredible viewing experience.

Pearl Harbor (2003-)

Movie Review

Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay launched a full out attack on moviegoers on May 25th. "Pearl Harbor" exploded onto the big screen with an impressive publicity campaign that had fans, websites, and other media outlets, counting down the days until its Memorial Day Weekend release.

While most of the publicity was centered around the battle scenes and the reenactment of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the movie itself is more of a love story in which there just happens to be a war breaking out.

Peter Pan (2003-)

Movie Review

Buy this movie expecting to see an androgynous female gymnast surrounded by a cast of squeaky clean, politically correct kids engaged in harmless fun and you’ll be terribly surprised. This isn’t the watered down, kiddie-cartoonish “Peter Pan” you’ve come to expect. This version is darker, scarier, more violent, and a good deal more faithful to the spirit of J.M. Barrie’s work.

Phone Booth (2003-)

Movie Review

Any less of a charismatic leading actor and this film would have been dead within the first 15 minutes. However Hollywood's current bad boy, Colin Farrell, uses that animal magnetism of his to full advantage as a man pinned down in a phone booth by an unseen sniper. Watching a man trapped in a phone booth for 90 minutes could get old extremely fast, but Farrell sinks his teeth into this character, compelling the audience to join him in that crowded space for the hour and a half it takes for the film to unfold.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003-)

Movie Review

In this movie you’ll find an original, swashbuckling adventure starring Johnny Depp as one of the most ‘interesting’ pirates ever seen on film. Depp claims his inspiration for Captain Jack Sparrow came from mixing Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards and the cartoon skunk, Pepe Le Pew. Interesting idea – taking a pirate and infusing in him the characteristics of one of rock and roll’s most out there stars. So what’s “Pirates” about? Basically it’s pirates stealing from pirates, pursued by pirates who stole from the British fleet who are bringing up the tail in the pursuit chain.

Poolhall Junkies (2003-)

Movie Review

"Poolhall Junkies" doesn't try to disguise the fact it's a 2003 quasi rip-off of "The Hustler." Yet the movie can be somewhat forgiven because the filmmakers had the presence of mind to surround their main character, Johnny (played by writer/director Mars Callahan), with classy actors who can take a minimal plot and a recycled story and create a film that somehow manages to distinguish itself from the ordinary.

Possession (2003-)

Movie Review

Gorgeously filmed and beautifully acted, “Possession” is one of the best romantic films released this year. The four lead actors - Gwyneth Paltrow, Aaron Eckhart, Jeremy Northam and Jennifer Ehle - so completely captivate the audience that it's difficult to leave the theatre when the lights come on. You become so fully involved in their lives and their stories that there's a disconcerting feeling of disappointment when the credits roll.

Queen of the Damned (2003-)

Movie Review

Stuart Townsend, Marguerite Moreau, and Aaliyah combine talents in a blend of sex, vampire violence, pulsating rock rhythms, and erotic fantasy in director Michael Rymer's vision of Anne Rice's third novel in the "Vampire Chronicles."

Red Dragon (2003-)

Movie Review

Whether or not you are a fan of the 1986 "Manhunter" (also based on Thomas Harris' "Red Dragon"), you've got to admit that seeing Sir Anthony Hopkins crawl into Hannibal Lecter's skin one more time makes for gripping entertainment.

"Red Dragon" offers more creepy thrills than "Hannibal" and is almost - not quite, but almost - as startlingly chilling and breathtakingly thrilling as "Silence of the Lambs" (thank you Ted Tally for returning to the trilogy as "Red Dragon's" screenwriter).

The Ring (2003-)

Movie Review

Just in time for Halloween comes one of the creepiest films in years, “The Ring.” Filled with spooky special effects, “The Ring” will have you cringing in your seat and watching parts of the movie through the slits between your fingers placed firmly over your eyes.

Featuring a superb cast that's firing on all cylinders, the movie has quite a few moments of genuine spine-tingling thrills. Not since “The Sixth Sense” has a film built up the horror and suspense so effectively.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2003-)

Movie Review

The gifted pair behind the critically acclaimed films "Bottle Rocket" and "Rushmore" return for their third collaboration, "The Royal Tenenbaums."

Director/writer Wes Anderson and writer/actor Owen Wilson take a twisted look at a bizarre dysfunctional family of geniuses in their new film, "The Royal Tenenbaums." Told by way of a narrator, the film is described by Anderson as a movie that is a book, rather than a movie based on a book. Watch all about it...

The Rundown (2003-)

Movie Review

The Rock emerges as a viable action movie star with his role as a bounty hunter on the verge of retirement in Peter Berg's action comedy "The Rundown." Expectations weren't exactly high after his starring turn in the critically panned prequel to "The Mummy," "The Scorpion King." But under Peter Berg's direction in "The Rundown," The Rock is able to show off a decent set of acting chops. Even more surprising is the fact that even when he's not kicking some bad guy's butt, he's still extremely believable and entertaining to watch. Believe it or not, after "The Rundown," you can now add drama and comedy to the list of genres The Rock is capable of tackling.

School of Rock (2003-)

Movie Review

Jack Black is a Tasmanian Devil in human skin in the comedy"School of Rock," co-starring a bunch of musically talented kids and Joan Cusack. Black's in his element as an old-school rock and roller who encounters rock-deficient youngsters and teaches them how to screw the man, rebel against oppression, and recite the history of classic rock - all in just a matter of days.

Seabiscuit (2003-)

Movie Review

“Seabiscuit” takes place during the Great Depression, a time when Americans got their news and entertainment via the radio. With the country in the midst of one of the harshest periods of our history, people needed something inspirational to lift their spirits and give them hope. They found that hope in the most unlikely of heroes – a ragtag racehorse named Seabiscuit.

Secondhand Lions (2003-)

Movie Review

Robert Duvall and Michael Caine are terrific in the family-friendly comedy/drama, “Secondhand Lions.” These two venerable actors with over 11 decades of work between them are fresh and fun to watch as two crotchety old men who, on first glance, seem to live by the old adage, “Shoot first, ask questions later.”

Serendipity (2003-)

Movie Review

Serendipity (noun) - the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for; a natural gift for making useful discoveries by accident.

Director Peter Chelsom tackles love and relationships again, this time around creating a tremendously more entertaining product than his last effort. Chelsom's "Town and Country" holds the undesirable distinction of being Hollywood's biggest box office failure. "Serendipity" should give moviegoers and critics alike something positive to say about Chelsom as a director.

Shanghai Knights (2003-)

Movie Review

“Shanghai Knights” took the unlikely pairing of martial arts wizard Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson (an actor not known for his fighting skills) and created a buddy movie with bite. The two disparate stars worked tremendously well off of each other onscreen to the delight of audiences of all ages (and even the delight of non-Jackie Chan fans).

Shipping News (2003-)

Movie Review

"The Shipping News" is an outstanding adaptation of the critically acclaimed novel by E. Annie Proulx. Telling the story of Quoyle (Spacey), a man with zero self-esteem who loses the wife that was never really his to begin with, the film follows his adventure as he moves his young daughter to the inhospitable climate of Newfoundland. Watch the rest...

Shrek (2003-)

Movie Preview

This is one of the funniest movies I've seen in years. It's also one of the sweetest romances. Who would have thought that a huge, ugly, bug-eating, tube-eared, gassy green ogre could be so loveable? Mike Myers voice was the perfect match for this animated creature, though personally I believe Eddie Murphy stole the show with his Donkey doings.

Sidewalks of New York (2003-)

Movie Review

Edward Burns wrote, directed, produced and stars in this blunt, tell-it-like-it-is romantic comedy. "Sidewalks of New York" showcases the grittier side of love, lust, and committed relationships. The film's an intelligent, frank - yet amusing - look at a group of New Yorkers whose lives intersect and are tossed about in tumultuous, though thoroughly believable, relationships.