The King’s Daughter (2022)
66%RT Audience Score: 80%
Awards & Nominations: NA
A muddled mess that was clearly tinkered with in post-production to little avail, The King’s Daughter is a royal disappointment
The King’s Daughter is like a stale piece of candy that’s been sitting in your pantry for years – it might look pretty, but it’s definitely lost its flavor. The special effects are lackluster, the story is all over the place, and the performances are just plain hammy. But hey, at least Pierce Brosnan didn’t sing, right? Save your money and go buy some fresh candy instead.
Production Company(ies)
Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures,
Distributor
Gravitas Ventures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Docklands Studios, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for some violence, suggestive material and thematic elements
Year of Release
2022
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 31m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:Australia
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 21, 2022 Wide
Genre(s)
Fantasy/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario, Benjamin Walker, Rachel Griffiths, Julie Andrews, Fan Bingbing, directed by Sean McNamara, written by Ronald Bass, Barry Berman, fantasy, adventure, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Peter Debruge, tt stern-enzi, Claudia Puig, Richard Roeper, Mark Kennedy, Sheila O’Malley, Matt Brunson, Allison Rose, Joel Copling, Dennis Schwartz, Louisa Moore, produced by David Brookwell, Paul Currie, Wei Han, Sean McNamara, Hong Pang, Leo Shi Young, PG rating, Louis XIV, Père La Chaise, mermaid, sea captain, solar eclipse, immortality, France, Marie-Josèphe, defiance, royal physician, spiritual advisor, Pierce Brosnan as King Louis XIV, Kaya Scodelario as Marie-Joseph D’Alember, Benjamin Walker as Yves De La Croix, Rachel Griffiths as Abbess, Julie Andrews as Narrator, Fan Bingbing as Mermaid
Worldwide gross: $1,773,184
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,773,184
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,446
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 193,368
US/Canada gross: $1,758,963
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,758,963
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,067
US/Canada opening weekend: $723,802
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $723,802
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,318
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $40,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $40,500,000
Production budget ranking: 953
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $21,809,250
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$60,536,066
ROI to date (est.): -97%
ROI ranking: 2,003
Kaya Scodelario – Marie-Joseph D’Alember
Benjamin Walker – Yves De La Croix
Rachel Griffiths – Abbess
Julie Andrews – Narrator
Fan Bingbing – Mermaid
Director(s)
Sean McNamara
Writer(s)
Ronald Bass, Barry Berman
Producer(s)
David Brookwell, Paul Currie, Wei Han, Sean McNamara, Hong Pang, Leo Shi Young
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (64) | Top Critics (13) | Fresh (13) | Rotten (51)
The movie looks (and sounds) just terrific, even as it lurches rather inelegantly in pursuit of the magic the characters so clearly seek.
April 24, 2022
Peter Debruge
Variety
TOP CRITIC
The idea that it sat this long…I wish it just sat on the shelf a bit longer.
February 1, 2022 | Rating: D-
tt stern-enzi
WXIX-TV (Cincinnati, OH)
TOP CRITIC
A very colorful French bonbon with no substance, and it might just give you indigestion.
January 26, 2022
Claudia Puig
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
The King’s Daughter might be more fascinating than the movie itself, which has its moments of campy delights but is eventually sunk by the meandering story, some over-the-top performances and underwhelming special effects.
January 22, 2022 | Rating: 2/4
Richard Roeper
Chicago Sun-Times
TOP CRITIC
January is often where bad films are stashed, but The King’s Daughter isn’t just bad, it’s a cloying, cliched mess that’s not worth even the slightest risk of contacting COVID-19 to see in theaters.
January 22, 2022 | Rating: 0/4
Mark Kennedy
Associated Press
TOP CRITIC
It’s a vast understatement to say that Vonda McIntyre’s book deserved way better treatment than this.
January 21, 2022 | Rating: 1.5/4
Sheila O’Malley
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
Its not nearly as rancid as its seven-year delay would indicate, especially considering all the truly dreadful movies that hit the multiplex seemingly nanoseconds after filming has completed.
April 23, 2022 | Rating: 2.5/4
Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy
For a sci-fi, fantasy movie, The Kings Daughter has some good moments but not enough to make it an excellent film.
April 19, 2022 | Rating: 2.5/5
Allison Rose
FlickDirect
Two stories are being told in this historical drama, and only one of them kind of works.
March 21, 2022
Joel Copling
Spectrum Culture
It took eight years to make such a dud, I can only imagine how bad it was then.
March 1, 2022 | Rating: C-
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
If you’re a fan of fantasy fables that belong in a RedBox kiosk, you may find it comforting to know that you could do only slightly worse than iThe King’s Daughter/i.
February 21, 2022
Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots
A slapdash mix of poorly conceived drama, cliched dialogue, hammy acting, shoddy special effects and the scars of too many attempts to salvage something in post-production. On the bright side, the filmmakers didnt let Pierce Brosnan sing.
February 13, 2022 | Rating: 1.5/4
Sean P. Means
The Movie Cricket…
Plot
King Louis XIV’s quest for immortality leads him to capture and steal a mermaid’s life force, a move that is further complicated by his illegitimate daughter’s discovery of the creature.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The King’s Daughter features Julie Andrews as the narrator.
Sean-McNamara.jpg
66%
Captain Marvel (2019)
66%RT Audience Score: 45%
Awards & Nominations: 9 wins & 56 nominations
Packed with action, humor, and visual thrills, Captain Marvel introduces the MCU’s latest hero with an origin story that makes effective use of the franchise’s signature formula
Captain Marvel is a movie that will make you feel like you’re watching another Marvel movie, but with a badass square-jawed Bri Larson as the lead. The chemistry between Larson and Lynch is undeniable, and Lynch brings depth, love, and believability to Maria. The lackluster writing and serviceable production may make it a letdown, but it’s still diverting. Plus, it’s a film you should be proud to let your children watch because it will inspire them to understand that there should be no limits on what women can achieve. Overall, it’s a hugely enjoyable, funny, and masterfully put together offering from Marvel and Disney. Plus, they actually shoot in daylight at some honest-to-god recognizable locations in this one.
Production Company(ies)
Fantasy Films, Bryna Productions N.V., Zvaluw
Distributor
Walt Disney
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Shaver Lake, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and brief suggestive language
Year of Release
2019
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:12-Track Digital Sound IMAX 6-Track Auro 11.1 Dolby Atmos Dolby Surround 7.1 Sonics-DDP Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 4m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 8, 2019 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 28, 2019
Genre(s)
Action/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Annette Bening, Jude Law, directed by Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, written by Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Jac Schaeffer, produced by Kevin Feige, action, adventure, fantasy, PG-13, box office, budget, reviewed by Keah Brown, Brent McKnight, Tim Cogshell, Michael Sragow, Monique Jones, Linda Marric, Brian Eggert, Lonita Cook, Nicholas Oon, Kip Mooney, Laura Potier, Captain Marvel, MCU, superhero, Kree, Skrulls, U.S Air Force, Carol Danvers, Nick Fury, Ronan, Maria Rambeau, Talos, Keller, Korath, Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Atmos, Walt Disney, female lead, origin story, intergalactic battle, special superpowers, 1995, extraterrestrial warrior, secrets of her past, feminist, Tony Stark, Stan Lee cameo, ’90s music, MCU franchise formula, Avengers: Endgame
Worldwide gross: $1,128,462,972
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,303,887,664
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 66
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 142,190,585
US/Canada gross: $426,829,839
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $493,182,475
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 81
US/Canada opening weekend: $153,433,423
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $177,285,345
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 22
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $160,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $184,872,726
Production budget ranking: 140
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $99,553,963
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $1,019,460,974
ROI to date (est.): 358%
ROI ranking: 386
Samuel L. Jackson – Nick Fury
Ben Mendelsohn – Talos, Keller
Djimon Hounsou – Korath
Lee Pace – Ronan
Lashana Lynch – Maria Rambeau
Director(s)
Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Writer(s)
Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Jac Schaeffer
Producer(s)
Kevin Feige
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
9 wins & 56 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (544) | Top Critics (90) | Fresh (429) | Rotten (115)
The chemistry between Larson and Lynch propels the last half of the movie; Lynch brings depth, love, and believability to Maria.
March 12, 2021
Keah Brown
Bitch Media
TOP CRITIC
“Captain Marvel” has things going for it that elevate it a bit above the pack and provide more cultural oomph and import, but despite that, this is also a Marvel movie that feels like another Marvel movie.
June 30, 2020 | Rating: B
Brent McKnight
Seattle Times
TOP CRITIC
I like this character and I like this movie. Bri [Larson] is a square-jawed badass.
September 20, 2019
Tim Cogshell
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
Lacking a unifying vision and a charismatic star performance, this film is less a big-screen comic than a patchwork quilt.
March 21, 2019
Michael Sragow
Film Comment Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Captain Marvel is a film you should be proud to let your children watch. It will inspire them to understand there should be no limits on what women can achieve
March 13, 2019
Monique Jones
Shadow and Act
TOP CRITIC
A hugely enjoyable, funny and masterfully put together offering from Marvel and Disney.
March 12, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Linda Marric
The Jewish Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Unfortunately, the lackluster writing and serviceable production diminish the basic thrills we expect from the MCU, making Captain Marvel a letdown, if only because of its vast potential. It remains diverting, and that’s all.
March 3, 2022 | Rating: 2.5/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
There’s some great visual humor. Once you get on Earth things start picking up.
September 30, 2021
Lonita Cook
KCTV5 News at 9
Despite many redeeming qualities about Captain Marvel, I found it to be a very safe film with slightly heavy-handed elements, which wasn’t very exciting.
September 3, 2021 | Rating: 6.5/10
Nicholas Oon
Maximum Hype (YouTube)
This feels like a very by-committee MCU entry. At least they actually shoot in daylight at some honest-to-god recognizable locations in this one.
August 17, 2021 | Rating: B
Kip Mooney
College Movie Review
Carol Danvers takes us on her journey to understanding that her power does not need to be given to her; she can empower herself.
August 16, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Laura Potier
Outtake Mag
By repeatedly emphasizing resilience, Captain Marvel makes an effective role model for girls and boys alike.
July 22, 2021
Robin Holabird
KUNR (Reno, NV)…
Plot
After crashing an experimental aircraft, Air Force pilot Carol Danvers is discovered by the Kree and trained as a member of the elite Starforce Military under the command of her mentor Yon-Rogg. Six years later, after escaping to Earth while under attack by the Skrulls, Danvers begins to discover there’s more to her past. With help from S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Nick Fury, they set out to unravel the truth.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film Captain Marvel on Fresh Kernels.
Anna-Boden.jpg
66%
Night Moves (2014)
66%RT Audience Score: 41%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
2 nominations total
A uniquely character-driven thriller with a finely composed cast and some outstanding direction from Kelly Reichardt, Night Moves bolsters its thought-provoking themes with compelling drama
Night Moves is a movie that will make you question your definition of “natural” and your commitment to the environment. But let’s be real, the real star of the show is Jesse Eisenberg’s stylish facial hair. It’s so good, it deserves its own credit. Overall, the film is a decent thriller with a unique hook, but it’s a bit too procedural and removed for my taste. Still, worth a watch for the facial hair alone.
Production Company(ies)
MSNBC Films,
Distributor
Cinedigm
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2014
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Mono
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 52m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): May 30, 2014 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 2, 2014
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning, Peter Sarsgaard, Alia Shawkat, Logan Miller, Kai Lennox, directed by Kelly Reichardt, written by Jonathan Raymond and Kelly Reichardt, drama, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Candice Frederick, David Sims, Alissa Wilkinson, Rob Nelson, David Stratton, Craig Mathieson, Brian Eggert, Robert Sims, Michael J Casey, Dan Brightmore, Brent McKnight, R rating, eco-terrorism, environmentalism, hydroelectric dam, Saemi Kim, Neil Kopp, Chris Maybach, Anish Savjani, Rodrigo Teixeira, English, limited release, Cinedigm
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Dakota Fanning – Dena Brauer
Peter Sarsgaard – Harmon
Alia Shawkat – Surprise
Logan Miller – Dylan
Kai Lennox – Sean
Saemi Kim – Producer
Neil Kopp – Producer
Chris Maybach – Producer
Anish Savjani – Producer
Rodrigo Teixeira – Producer
Kelly Reichardt – Director, Writer
Jonathan Raymond – Writer
Director(s)
Kelly Reichardt
Writer(s)
Jonathan Raymond, Kelly Reichardt
Producer(s)
Saemi Kim, Neil Kopp, Chris Maybach, Anish Savjani, Rodrigo Teixeira
Film Festivals
Tribeca, Venice, Toronto
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
2 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (156) | Top Critics (72) | Fresh (134) | Rotten (22)
So much potential overshadowed by poor execution that begs the all important question: Why should we care?
September 2, 2017 | Rating: C-
Candice Frederick
Reel Talk Online
TOP CRITIC
Succeeds mightily when it comes to creating tension but struggles a little more with making its plot run together smoothly.
September 22, 2016
David Sims
AV Club
TOP CRITIC
Night Moves calls us (inadvertently or not) to reconsider our definition of what’s “natural.” Certainly, some of the ways we’ve failed to care for the planet as we were charged back at the beginning have had dire consequences. Let’s not ignore that.
April 13, 2016 | Rating: 3/4
Alissa Wilkinson
Christianity Today
TOP CRITIC
I’d say this is a movie about alienation that, in the spirit of the boldest activism, isn’t afraid to be ostracized itself. You may beg to differ, and I’d say that’s the point.
October 5, 2014
Rob Nelson
Minneapolis Star Tribune
TOP CRITIC
It’s a very well made film.
September 11, 2014 | Rating: 3/5
David Stratton
At the Movies (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
Virtually every shot feels like it adds to Reichardt’s vision and it draws so tightly together that by the end, the only people left accessible to the likes of Josh are those in the watching audience. Night Moves makes you an accessory.
September 10, 2014 | Rating: 4/5
Craig Mathieson
Sydney Morning Herald
TOP CRITIC
Shot by cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt with impressive clarity to the night scenes and weight to the mostly outdoor settings, Night Moves is an austere and beautifully composed film, marked by three excellent and nuanced performances at the center.
February 21, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
This may chronicle the events leading up to and after an eco-terrorist attack on an hydroelectric dam, but director Kelly Reichardt’s tightly drawn character study isn’t concerned with advocating or condemning green politics.
January 22, 2022
Robert Sims
Lights Camera Austin
‘Night Moves’ is not a movie that explores why people do what they do, but how they deal with what they have done.
November 9, 2021 | Rating: 3/5
Michael J. Casey
Michael J. Cinema
A sparse but chilling eco-thriller starring Jesse Eisenberg…
May 26, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Dan Brightmore
NME
“Night Moves” is a decent thriller with a unique, interesting hook, but in the end it’s too procedural and removed in nature.
July 8, 2020 | Rating: B-
Brent McKnight
The Last Thing I See
Jesse Eisenberg with stylish facial hair steals the acting thunder in indie auteur Kelly Reichardt’s environmental thriller…
June 16, 2020
David Lamble
Bay Area Reporter…
Plot
Private detective and former football player Harry Moseby gets hired on to what seems a standard missing person case, as a former Hollywood actress whose only major roles came thanks to being married to a studio mogul wants Moseby to find and return her daughter. Harry travels to Florida to find her, but he begins to see a connection between the runaway girl, the world of Hollywood stuntmen, and a suspicious mechanic when an unsolved murder comes to light.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning, and Peter Sarsgaard.
Kelly-Reichardt.jpg
66%
The Tailor of Panama (2001)
66%RT Audience Score: 46%
Awards & Nominations: 1 win & 1 nomination
The Tailor of Panama is a smart, darkly satirical thriller with exuberant performances from Pierce Brosnan and Geoffrey Rush
The Tailor of Panama is a spy-thriller that will make you laugh, cringe, and question your own morals. Brosnan’s performance is smarmy and entertaining, and the dry Brit wit throughout the film is a delight. It’s a classic adult film that doesn’t rely on sophomoric comedy, but instead, delivers a literate and entertaining comic thriller. Sure, it may be fragmented and challenging at times, but that’s what makes it interesting. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Just don’t forget to question your own self-interest behind Anglo-American imperialism.
Production Company(ies)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer,
Distributor
Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for strong sexuality, language and some violence
Year of Release
2001
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:SDDS Dolby Digital EX
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 49m
-
Language(s):English, Spanish
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 30, 2001 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 3, 2003
Genre(s)
Mystery & thriller
Keyword(s)
starring Pierce Brosnan, Geoffrey Rush, Jamie Lee Curtis, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine McCormack, Leonor Varela, directed by John Boorman, written by John Boorman, Andrew Davies, John le Carré, produced by John Boorman, Mystery & thriller, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Geoff Andrew, Peter Rainer, Liam Lacey, Stanley Kauffmann, Marc Savlov, Eric Harrison, Brian Eggert, Tim Brayton, Emanuel Levy, Ellen MacKay, Ron Wells, Scott Nash, R MPAA rating, espionage, Central America, storytelling, suits, British spy, morality play, Anglo-American imperialism, strong sexuality, language, violence, Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR, Scope (2.35:1)
Worldwide gross: $28,008,462
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $47,202,337
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,360
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 5,147,474
US/Canada gross: $13,729,742
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $23,138,576
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,362
US/Canada opening weekend: $1,837,068
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $3,095,989
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,159
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $21,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $35,391,057
Production budget ranking: 1,053
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $19,058,084
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$7,246,804
ROI to date (est.): -13%
ROI ranking: 1,468
Geoffrey Rush – Harry Pendel
Jamie Lee Curtis – Louisa Pendel
Brendan Gleeson – Mickie Abraxas
Catherine McCormack – Francesca
Leonor Varela – Marta
Director(s)
John Boorman
Writer(s)
John Boorman, Andrew Davies, John le Carré, John le Carré
Producer(s)
John Boorman
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
1 win & 1 nomination
Academy Awards
All Critics (117) | Top Critics (38) | Fresh (89) | Rotten (28)
Boorman has crafted a witty, classy and richly enjoyable morality play, which skewers the mercenary self-interest behind Anglo-American imperialism almost as an afterthought.
June 24, 2006
Geoff Andrew
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
If you think the spy-thriller genre has been streamlined and spoofed and subverted until nothing new can be done to it, think again.
September 26, 2002
Peter Rainer
New York Magazine/Vulture
TOP CRITIC
March 22, 2002 | Rating: 2/4
Liam Lacey
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
Seems diligently assembled.
May 2, 2001
Stanley Kauffmann
The New Republic
TOP CRITIC
An adult film in the classic sense of the phrase — no sophomoric comedy allowed, and a dry Brit wit is manifested throughout.
April 23, 2001 | Rating: 3.5/5
Marc Savlov
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
A literate and entertaining comic thriller.
April 20, 2001
Eric Harrison
Houston Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Smart and challenging though it may be at times, The Tailor of Panama remains fragmented in unsatisfying ways.
March 14, 2022 | Rating: 2.5/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
Brosnan… completely alters the tone of the movie with every scene he’s in, bringing a level of smarminess that makes it far more interesting than just a bureaucratic spy thriller
September 11, 2014 | Rating: 6/10
Tim Brayton
Antagony & Ecstasy
January 18, 2013 | Rating: B
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Not a great movie — for adults only.
January 1, 2011 | Rating: 2/5
Ellen MacKay
Common Sense Media
December 6, 2005 | Rating: 2/5
Ron Wells
Film Threat
September 30, 2005 | Rating: 4/4
Scott Nash
Three Movie Buffs…
Plot
Women have been MI.6. agent Andy Osnard’s weakness. As punishment for being caught sleeping with the wrong woman on his last posting in Spain, Andy is relegated to the global backwater of Panama as his next field assignment. Although nothing is happening there on the surface, Panama is still seen as having global importance due to the canal, with something always possible to rock the boat as seen by the recent history of the corrupt regime of Manuel Noriega. The advice of his superior is to co-opt one of the only few hundred British nationals living there to act as an informant for pay. Andy chooses Harry Pendel, a men’s-suits tailor with Savile Row credentials through his now deceased business partner Arthur Braithwaite. This choice is because of Harry’s client list, he the tailor to the elite and powerful, including the Panamanian president, who might treat him like the proverbial “bartender” or “hairdresser” confidante, and because his American wife, Louisa, works in a senior managerial position within the canal authority. But what may have swayed Andy’s choice the most is that he knows the truth about Harry: that he not only does not have Savile Row credentials, but is an ex-con, Arthur Braithwaite was his Uncle Benny, also a criminal, and that despite his tailor shop doing good business, he is deep in debt from a farming venture gone wrong, none of this known to Louisa. As such, Harry has no choice but to cooperate; the payment from Andy at least gets him out of his farm debt. As a side, Harry also has some connections to people who actively worked in the opposition against Noriega: Mickie Abraxas, who has turned to the bottle to cope, and Harry’s store manager Marta, the right side of her face which shows the physical scars of that war, the scars at the hands of Noriega’s men. With Andy placing more and more pressure on Harry to provide intel of some importance, Andy eventually learns through Harry that the Panamanian government is planning on selling the canal to the Chinese. This intel is exactly what Andy was looking for to set in motion a plan to reach his ultimate goal with this Panamanian posting.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Pierce Brosnan plays a seductive British spy who preys upon the main character in The Tailor of Panama.
John-Boorman.jpg
66%
Saving Grace (2000)
66%RT Audience Score: 55%
Awards & Nominations: NA
The plot and basis for jokes are slight, but Saving Grace is indeed saved by some charming performances, most notably Brenda Blethyn’s
Saving Grace is a movie that’s as charming as Brenda Blethyn’s smile. Critics may say it’s shapeless and mediocre, but they’re just being grumpy. This movie has everything you need for a good time: a lovely Cornish setting, a hilarious plot, and a whole lot of weed. Yes, you read that right. Saving Grace is a stoner comedy that will make you laugh until you cry. It’s like Cheech and Chong meets Downton Abbey. So grab some popcorn, roll a joint (if that’s your thing), and get ready for a wild ride. Saving Grace is the feel-good movie of the year.
Production Company(ies)
Icon Entertainment International, The Ladd Company, B. H. Finance C.V.
Distributor
New Line Home Video [us], Fine Line Features
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
TV-MA
Year of Release
2000
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Stereo
-
Aspect ratio:1.78 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 34m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Sep 1, 2000 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 26, 2003
Genre(s)
Comedy
Keyword(s)
starring Brenda Blethyn, Craig Ferguson, Martin Clunes, Tchéky Karyo, Jamie Foreman, Bill Bailey, directed by Nigel Cole, written by Craig Ferguson, Mark Crowdy, Mark Crowdy, comedy, R-rated, Saving Grace, box office gross $12.1M, New Line Home Video [us], Fine Line Features, reviewed by Lisa Schwarzbaum, Edward Lawrenson, Liam Lacey, Peter Travers, Jay Carr, Michael Wilmington, Jim Lane, Frank Swietek, Robin Clifford, Jim Shelby, Brian Mckay, John R McEwen, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Surround, Scope (2.35:1), Grace Trevethen, Cornwall Coast, debt, marijuana-growing, creditors, repossessors, bankruptcy, financial irregularities, manor, suffocating mountain of debt, illicit plant, charming performances, Brenda Blethyn’s performance, comedy, romance, female-driven, British comedy, stoner comedy, drug content, English language
Worldwide gross: $26,330,482
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $12,178,602
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Craig Ferguson – Matthew
Martin Clunes – Dr. Bamford
Tchéky Karyo – Jacques Chevalier
Jamie Foreman – China MacFarlane
Bill Bailey – Vince
Director(s)
Nigel Cole
Writer(s)
Craig Ferguson, Mark Crowdy, Mark Crowdy
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (89) | Top Critics (28) | Fresh (56) | Rotten (33)
September 7, 2011 | Rating: C+
Lisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
In trying too hard to convince us what good eggs his characters are, Cole creates a shapeless, dramatically unengaging movie.
December 2, 2002
Edward Lawrenson
Sight & Sound
TOP CRITIC
Saving Grace has a lovely Cornish setting and Blethyn to recommend it, but mostly it’s a contact mediocre.
March 22, 2002 | Rating: 2.5/4
Liam Lacey
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
Blethyn’s solid-gold charm turns Saving Grace into a comic high.
May 10, 2001 | Rating: 3.5/5
Peter Travers
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
It’s funny and charming most of the time, thanks to Brenda Blethyn.
January 1, 2000
Jay Carr
Boston Globe
TOP CRITIC
It has two great British landmarks: champion actress Brenda Blethyn and that wonderful rugged Cornwall coast. All that’s enough for a temporary high.
January 1, 2000
Michael Wilmington
Chicago Tribune
TOP CRITIC
August 7, 2008 | Rating: 3/5
Jim Lane
Sacramento News & Review
A pleasant little comedy with the soul of one of those old, much loved Ealing pictures of the forties and fifties but overlayed with a coating of Hollywood glitz.
December 6, 2005 | Rating: B-
Frank Swietek
One Guy’s Opinion
April 9, 2005 | Rating: C
Robin Clifford
Reeling Reviews
May 20, 2003 | Rating: 1/4
Jim Shelby
Palo Alto Weekly
Grossly overestimates the effects of Marijuana so that it can get the cheap laughs. But it is genuinely and consistently funny
March 20, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Brian Mckay
eFilmCritic.com
February 8, 2003 | Rating: 4.5/5
John R. McEwen
Film Quips Online…
Plot
An angel offers a jaded Oklahoma City police detective the chance to redeem her life.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny comment about the film Saving Grace on Fresh Kernels.
Nigel-Cole.jpg
66%
A Civil Action (1998)
66%RT Audience Score: 55%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 2 Oscars
5 wins & 10 nominations total
Intelligent and unconventional
A Civil Action is like a legal thriller that’s trying to be a morality play, but ends up being a bit of both and not enough of either. Travolta is decent, but it’s Duvall who steals the show with his dreamy-fox portrayal of the opposition lawyer. The script is fine, but the movie feels a bit too long and the ending is a bit of a letdown. Overall, it’s worth a watch if you’re into issue-oriented films from the 70s, but don’t expect it to blow your mind.
Production Company(ies)
London Film Productions,
Distributor
Buena Vista Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Northbridge, Massachusetts, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for some strong language
Year of Release
1999
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 52m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 8, 1998 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 4, 2003
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring John Travolta, Robert Duvall, Tony Shalhoub, William H Macy, Željko Ivanek, Bruce Norris, Rachel Pfeffer, Robert Redford, Scott Rudin, directed by Steven Zaillian, written by Jonathan Harr, Steven Zaillian, legal thriller, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Joe Morgenstern, Richard Schickel, Owen Gleiberman, Emanuel Levy, Almar Haflidason, Kenneth Turan, Catherine Springer, Maitland McDonagh, Rob Gonsalves, Anthony Miele, Robin Clifford, PG-13, Buena Vista Pictures, Dolby SR, DTS, SDDS, Surround, Dolby A, Dolby Digital, Flat (1.85:1)
Worldwide gross: $56,709,981
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $101,795,997
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,008
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 11,100,981
US/Canada gross: $56,709,981
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $101,795,997
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 739
US/Canada opening weekend: $70,079
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $125,794
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,851
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $75,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $134,627,091
Production budget ranking: 263
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $72,496,689
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$105,327,783
ROI to date (est.): -51%
ROI ranking: 1,696
Robert Duvall – Jerome Facher
Tony Shalhoub – Kevin Conway
William H. Macy – James Gordon
Željko Ivanek – Bill Crowley
Bruce Norris – William Cheeseman
Rachel Pfeffer – Producer
Robert Redford – Producer
Scott Rudin – Producer
Jonathan Harr – Writer
Steven Zaillian – Writer/Director
Director(s)
Steven Zaillian
Writer(s)
Jonathan Harr, Steven Zaillian
Producer(s)
Rachel Pfeffer, Robert Redford, Scott Rudin
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 2 Oscars
5 wins & 10 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (71) | Top Critics (19) | Fresh (44) | Rotten (27)
There’s much to enjoy in A Civil Action.
April 2, 2019
Joe Morgenstern
Wall Street Journal
TOP CRITIC
A richly acted – see especially Robert Duvall’s dreamy-fox opposition lawyer – subtly suspenseful, blessedly unmoralizing morality play.
April 1, 2019
Richard Schickel
TIME Magazine
TOP CRITIC
September 7, 2011 | Rating: C+
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
Based on a true story, this is an intelligent legal thriller, very much in the mode of 1970s issue-oriented films, that may be too subtle and complex for the damands of today’s market.
June 1, 2006 | Rating: 3/4
Emanuel Levy
Variety
TOP CRITIC
A fine script from director Steven Zaillian gives all involved plenty to chew.
April 17, 2001 | Rating: 4/5
Almar Haflidason
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
As proficient a job as writer-director Steve Zaillian and his team do, A Civil Action has unmistakably unraveled by its close.
February 14, 2001 | Rating: 2.5/5
Kenneth Turan
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
A wonderful ride but an ultimately unfulfilling destination.
July 26, 2021 | Rating: 3/5
Catherine Springer
CathsFilmForum.com
This is a case in which the material really is better served in book form.
November 22, 2009 | Rating: 2.5/4
Maitland McDonagh
TV Guide
The movie becomes one more David-and-Goliath morality play.
July 30, 2007 | Rating: 3/5
Rob Gonsalves
eFilmCritic.com
While Travolta is passable as Schlichtmann, it is the outstanding work from Duvall, Macy and briefly Tony Shalhoub that drive the story.
December 6, 2005 | Rating: 3/5
Anthony Miele
Film Threat
I expected a harder hitting indictment against the uncaring power of corporate America. Instead, we get a middlin’ courtroom drama that lacks the intensity of such films as the 1982 Sidney Lumet/Paul Newman film, The Verdict.
April 9, 2005
Robin Clifford
Reeling Reviews
the film is slightly overlong and the ending is anti-cathartic.
February 28, 2005 | Rating: 5/10
Dragan Antulov
Draxblog Movie Reviews…
Plot
Jan Schlichtmann, a tenacious lawyer, is addressed by a group of families. When investigating the seemingly non-profiting case, he finds it to be a major environmental issue that has a lot of impact potential. A leather production company could be responsible for several deadly cases of leukemia, but also is the main employer for the area. Schlichtmann and his three colleagues set out to have the company forced to decontaminate the affected areas, and of course to sue for a major sum of compensation. But the lawyers of the leather company’s mother company are not easy to get to, and soon Schlichtmann and his friends find themselves in a battle of mere survival.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The film features a strong cast including John Travolta, Robert Duvall, and William H. Macy.
Steven-Zaillian.jpg
66%
Why Do Fools Fall In Love (1998)
66%RT Audience Score:
Awards & Nominations: NA
This is a fun comedy with delightful musical numbers
Why Do Fools Fall in Love” is a movie that tries to tell the story of a pop star and his three wives, but it falls short in many ways. Critics have called it soulless, underwritten, and just plain dull. However, Larenz Tate’s performance as the boyish rascal with a helium voice is worth watching. The movie is entertaining in a campy way, but it’s not something you’ll remember for long. If you’re a fan of the music, you might enjoy it, but don’t expect too much.
Production Company(ies)
Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Pictures,
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Stahl House, Case House 22 – 1635 Woods Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language and some sexuality
Year of Release
1998
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 55m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Aug 8, 1998 Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2001
Genre(s)
Biography
Keyword(s)
starring Halle Berry, Vivica A Fox, Lela Rochon, Larenz Tate, Paul Mazursky, Little Richard, directed by Gregory Nava, written by Tina Andrews, biography, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Keith Phipps, Paul Tatara, Todd McCarthy, Liam Lacey, Peter Stack, Kenneth Turan, Barbara Shulgasser, Serena Donadoni, Emanuel Levy, Robin Clifford, R MPAA rating, doo-wop, Frankie Lymon, The Teenagers, Zola Taylor, Elizabeth Waters, Emira Eagle, Platters, Morris Levy, song royalties, substance abuse, addiction, tragedy, musical numbers, masks, court case, Diana Ross, Goodie Goodie, lip synching, entertainment
Worldwide gross: $12,461,773
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $22,869,111
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,668
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 2,493,905
US/Canada gross: $12,461,773
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $22,869,111
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,370
US/Canada opening weekend: $3,946,382
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $7,242,167
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,034
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Vivica A. Fox – Elizabeth ‘Mickey’ Waters
Lela Rochon – Emira Eagle
Larenz Tate – Frankie Lymon
Paul Mazursky – Morris Levy
Little Richard – Self
Director(s)
Gregory Nava
Writer(s)
Tina Andrews
Producer(s)
Stephen Nemeth, Paul Hall
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (58) | Top Critics (21) | Fresh (30) | Rotten (28)
Why Do Fools Fall In Love never really conveys the essence of its subject.
May 23, 2019
Keith Phipps
AV Club
TOP CRITIC
“Why Do Fools Fall in Love” is a misfire in several ways, but the key problem is that the writers have a clunky, concrete Christmas tree, not something thematic that can be used to devise scenes of various shades and colors.
May 23, 2019
Paul Tatara
CNN.com
TOP CRITIC
Too ill defined to emerge from the pack of box office also-rans.
June 18, 2008
Todd McCarthy
Variety
TOP CRITIC
A celebration of pop fantasies, a boyish rascal with a helium voice, and three pretty fools who fell in love with him.
April 25, 2003 | Rating: 2.5/4
Liam Lacey
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
A fresh, enlightening example of how to take a tragic American show-business story and make it funny, warm and terrifically entertaining.
June 18, 2002 | Rating: 4/4
Peter Stack
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Though Nava’s soapy directing style makes Fools watchable enough in a campy way, the film’s unsophisticated nature undermines its better qualities.
February 14, 2001 | Rating: 2/5
Kenneth Turan
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Drug use brings down teen idol; sex, violence, cursing.
August 27, 2019 | Rating: 2/5
Barbara Shulgasser
Common Sense Media
Why Do Fools Fall in Love, in its own glossy, entertaining way, is a deeper examination of how an individual can use numerous masks to conceal himself, even from the ones he loves.
May 23, 2019
Serena Donadoni
Metro Times (Detroit, MI)
This biopic is soulless, underwritten, over-acted and, worse, just plain dull.
December 6, 2005 | Rating: 0.5/5
Dave McCoy
Film Threat
July 19, 2005 | Rating: 2/5
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Larenz Tate is terrific recreating the excitement of Frankie’s stage presence.
April 9, 2005 | Rating: B
Robin Clifford
Reeling Reviews
Worth it for the music — but only barely.
April 3, 2005 | Rating: 2/5
Scott Weinberg
eFilmCritic.com…
Plot
In the mid-1980s, three women (each with an attorney) arrive at the office of New York entertainment manager Morris Levy. One is a singer from Los Angeles, formerly of the Platters; one is a petty thief from Philadelphia; one teaches high school in a small Georgia town. Each claims to be the widow of long-dead doo-wop singer-songwriter Frankie Lyman, and each wants years of royalties due to his estate, money Levy has never shared. During an ensuing civil trial, flashbacks tell the story of each one’s life with Lyman, a boyish, high-pitched, dynamic performer, lost to heroin. Slowly, the three widows come together and establish their own bond.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Larenz Tate’s performance as Frankie Lymon is described as “terrific” and “recreating the excitement of Frankie’s stage presence.”
Gregory-Nava.jpg
66%
My Fellow Americans (1996)
66%RT Audience Score: 64%
Awards & Nominations: NA
It doesn’t commit any impeachable offenses, but My Fellow Americans lacks strong regulatory oversight of its toothless political satire and misuse of comedic talent
My Fellow Americans is like a political version of The Odd Couple, but with more cursing and less cleaning. While some critics may say the script is weak, I say it’s just the right amount of lowbrow humor to make me laugh out loud. Lemmon and Garner are a dynamic duo, and the supporting cast is just as impressive. Sure, the movie may not be perfect, but it’s definitely worth a watch if you’re in the mood for some silly political satire. Just don’t take it too seriously, or you might end up like Stephen Hunter and wishing movies could be impeached.
Production Company(ies)
Columbia Pictures,
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Biltmore Estate – 1 Approach Road, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for salty language and innuendo
Year of Release
1996
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 41m
-
Language(s):English, Spanish
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 20, 1996 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 17, 1997
Genre(s)
Comedy/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Jack Lemmon, James Garner, Dan Aykroyd, John Heard, Sela Ward, Wilford Brimley, Lauren Bacall, directed by Peter Segal, written by E Jack Kaplan, Richard Chapman, Peter Tolan, comedy, adventure, LGBTQ+, PG-13, Warner Bros., box office, $22.3M, reviewed by Bob Thomas, Desmond Ryan, Jay Boyar, Dave Kehr, Joe Morgenstern, Jake Hamilton, Danielle Solzman, Matt Brunson, Stephen Hunter, Gary Thompson, Roger Hurlburt, David Sterritt, ex-presidents, political satire, assassination attempt, conspiracy, White House, Airforce One, bribery scheme, homeless family, Gay Pride parade, celebrity impersonators, toothless political satire, misuse of comedic talent
Worldwide gross: $22,313,201
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $42,590,222
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,410
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 4,644,517
US/Canada gross: $22,313,201
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $42,590,222
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,138
US/Canada opening weekend: $2,860,334
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $5,459,650
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,087
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $21,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $41,038,028
Production budget ranking: 941
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $22,098,978
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$20,546,785
ROI to date (est.): -33%
ROI ranking: 1,577
James Garner – President Matt Douglas
Dan Aykroyd – President William Haney
John Heard – Vice President Ted Matthews
Sela Ward – Kaye Griffin
Wilford Brimley – Joe Hollis
E. Jack Kaplan – Writer
Richard Chapman – Writer
Peter Tolan – Writer
Peter Segal – Director
Jon Peters – Producer
Director(s)
Peter Segal
Writer(s)
E. Jack Kaplan, Richard Chapman, Peter Tolan
Producer(s)
Jon Peters
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (60) | Top Critics (27) | Fresh (28) | Rotten (32)
With two of the screen’s best comedic actors, a script that crackles with wit and surprise, and perfectly tuned direction, My Fellow Americans scores a bull’s-eye.
August 7, 2019
Bob Thomas
Associated Press
TOP CRITIC
Using talent of this order on a script this weak, along with merely decorative appearances by the likes of Lauren Bacall and Wilford Brimley, amounts to the Hollywood equivalent of government waste.
October 22, 2013 | Rating: 2/4
Desmond Ryan
Philadelphia Inquirer
TOP CRITIC
As political satire, My Fellow Americans makes a poor candidate.
October 22, 2013 | Rating: 2/5
Jay Boyar
Orlando Sentinel
TOP CRITIC
Yes, it’s Grumpy Old Presidents, in which most of the comedy comes from the supposed shock of hearing two senior citizens cursing at each other in terms Beavis and Butt-head would find inelegant.
October 22, 2013 | Rating: 2/4
Dave Kehr
New York Daily News
TOP CRITIC
I’d cheerfully vote the writers, director and producers of My Fellow Americans out of office.
October 22, 2013
Joe Morgenstern
Wall Street Journal
TOP CRITIC
Okay, so it’s Midnight Run meets All The President’s Men, but the Lemmon-Garner rapport is dynamite and the glittering support cast of Lauren Bacall, Dan Aykroyd and John Heard are given sparkling dialogue.
October 22, 2013 | Rating: 4/5
Jake Hamilton
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
My Fellow Americans certainly holds up after several presidential administrations but the film could definitely be better.
February 22, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/5
Danielle Solzman
Solzy at the Movies
The humor is clearly of the lowbrow variety, but Lemmon and Garner handle their lines with the conviction of Royal Shakespeare Company members tackling Macbeth.
July 24, 2016 | Rating: 2.5/4
Matt Brunson
Creative Loafing
If My Fellow Americans had ever decided which movie it wanted to be, it might have been pretty good. As it is, the good half and the bad half all but cancel each other out.
October 22, 2013 | Rating: 2.5/4
Stephen Hunter
Baltimore Sun
If only movies could be impeached.
October 22, 2013 | Rating: 1/4
Gary Thompson
Philadelphia Daily News
Mostly, My Fellow Americans is solidly written, offbeat entertainment well-served by the fine leads, clever casting of supporting roles and a script that holds together, even through a less-than-stellar finale.
October 22, 2013
Roger Hurlburt
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Peter Segal’s comedy has a few witty moments surrounded by a lot of silliness.
October 22, 2013
David Sterritt
Christian Science Monitor…
Plot
Kramer and Douglas, two former presidents from opposite ends of the political spectrum, become reluctant allies when they become the target of a conspirator in President Haney’s administration. The two ex-presidents realize they have an enemy within the government and set out to find evidence that will clear their names. The search takes them across the Southern Appalachians; along the way they meet a homeless couple, thwart kidnapers in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant, and find themselves marching in a gay pride parade.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The film stars Jack Lemmon, James Garner, and Dan Aykroyd.
Peter-Segal.jpg
66%
2 Days in the Valley (1996)
66%RT Audience Score: 54%
Awards & Nominations: NA
A labyrinthine thriller with a host of memorable characters, 2 Days in the Valley is an uneven but intriguing thriller/black comedy
2 Days in the Valley is like a rollercoaster ride that goes from murder to farce in a matter of seconds. The characters are all over the place, but somehow they all come together in the end. It’s a bit of a muddle, but it’s a fun ride nonetheless. Plus, the actors are all lively and flavorsome, which makes up for the lack of depth in their characters. If you’re looking for a quirky crime comedy that pairs sex with violence, then this is the movie for you. Just don’t expect anything too deep or groundbreaking.
Production Company(ies)
Ghost Pictures, Passion Pictures,
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Los Angeles National Cemetery – 950 S Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for violence, sexuality, and language
Year of Release
1996
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English, Vietnamese
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Nov 20, 2007
Genre(s)
Crime/Drama
Keyword(s)
2 Days in the Valley, Crime, Drama, Danny Aiello, Glenne Headly, Jeff Daniels, James Spader, Greg Cruttwell, Teri Hatcher, Eric Stoltz, directed by John Herzfeld, written by John Herzfeld, produced by Jeff Wald, Herb Nanas, reviewed by Owen Gleiberman, Todd McCarthy, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Stephen Holden, Mick LaSalle, Jack Mathews, Mike Massie, Steve Persall, Chris Hewitt, Stephen Hunter, Jo Berry, R rating, $11.1M box office, Surround sound mix, murder-for-hire, conspiracy, labyrinthine thriller, black comedy, memorable characters, uneven, intriguing
Worldwide gross: $11,132,210
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $21,248,556
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,691
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 2,317,182
US/Canada gross: $11,132,210
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $21,248,556
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,392
US/Canada opening weekend: $3,352,440
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $6,398,955
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,053
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Glenne Headly – Susan Parish
Jeff Daniels – Alvin Strayer
James Spader – Lee Woods
Greg Cruttwell – Allan Hopper
Teri Hatcher – Becky Foxx
Director(s)
John Herzfeld
Writer(s)
John Herzfeld
Producer(s)
Jeff Wald, Herb Nanas
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (58) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (36) | Rotten (22)
Writer-director John Herzfeld blends violence and top-heavy absurdism, creating a self-conscious muddle of indie-style hackery.
September 7, 2011 | Rating: D-
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
To the director’s credit, the actors all seem responsive to his touch, giving performances that are lively and flavorsome, if not deep or unlike anything each of them has done before.
April 16, 2008
Todd McCarthy
Variety
TOP CRITIC
Herzfeld has a tolerable eye for filling a ‘Scope frame but a tin ear when it comes to creating dialogue; these are all characters we’ve met before, and most even seem bored with themselves.
April 16, 2008
Jonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
A sleek, amusingly nasty screen debut by a film maker whose television credits include an Amy Fisher docudrama.
May 20, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/5
Stephen Holden
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
Funny, pathetic, sad, absurdist — writer-director John Herzfeld plays it any number of ways, and makes them all work.
June 18, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Mick LaSalle
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
There are too many characters, but some are a lot of fun. The tone shifts, from graphic murder to wig-flipping farce, are too extreme, but much of it works.
February 14, 2001 | Rating: 3/5
Jack Mathews
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
By the time the parties meet up for a chaotic showdown, amusement has all but disappeared, leaving the conclusion, no matter how resolute, mostly devoid of satisfaction.
January 2, 2022 | Rating: 3/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
2 Days in the Valley is a neatly folded piece of cinematic quirk.
August 7, 2021 | Rating: B+
Steve Persall
Tampa Bay Times
The characters come together in surprising ways – by the end of the movie, each actor has played a scene with virtually everyone else.
August 7, 2021
Chris Hewitt
St. Paul Pioneer Press
Around and around it goes, and only Herzfeld knows where it will stop. Fortunately, he’s as astute a plotter as he is observer of the human condition.
August 7, 2021 | Rating: 3/4
Stephen Hunter
Baltimore Sun
[An] interestingly quirky and occasionally steamy comedy thriller…
August 7, 2021 | Rating: 3/5
Jo Berry
Radio Times
Flawed crime comedy pairs sex with violence.
July 18, 2017 | Rating: 2/5
Andrea Beach
Common Sense Media…
Plot
John Herzfeld deftly welds together a multitude of subplots
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
James Spader plays a strangely serene character in this labyrinthine thriller.
John-Herzfeld.jpg
66%
Executive Decision (1996)
66%RT Audience Score: 53%
Awards & Nominations: 2 wins & 2 nominations
Executive Decision adheres entertainingly to classic action thriller formula, proving a genre outing doesn’t need to win points for originality to be solidly effective
Executive Decision is like a bag of chips – it’s not the most nutritious thing out there, but it’s satisfying and you can’t stop once you start. The movie takes itself seriously, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it. It’s got all the action movie tropes you could want, and while it’s not as inventive as some other thrillers out there, it’s got its own personality. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride – just don’t forget the popcorn!
Production Company(ies)
Government of West Bengal
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Alverno High School – 200 North Michillinda Avenue, Sierra Madre, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for violence and brief language
Year of Release
1996
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby SDDS
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Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
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Runtime:NA
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Language(s):English, Arabic
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Aug 15, 2000
Genre(s)
Action
Keyword(s)
starring Kurt Russell, Halle Berry, John Leguizamo, Steven Seagal, Oliver Platt, Joe Morton, directed by Stuart Baird, written by Jim Thomas, John Thomas, action, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Owen Gleiberman, Desson Thomson, Janet Maslin, Susan Stark, Roger Ebert, James Berardinelli, Mal Vincent, Mike Massie, Tom Long, David Nusair, Rob Gonsalves, R MPAA rating, produced by Joel Silver, Jim Thomas, John Thomas, Karyn Fields
Worldwide gross: $121,969,216
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $232,808,193
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 612
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 25,388,025
US/Canada gross: $56,569,216
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $107,976,237
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 698
US/Canada opening weekend: $12,069,780
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $23,038,138
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 585
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $55,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $104,981,003
Production budget ranking: 380
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $56,532,270
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $71,294,920
ROI to date (est.): 44%
ROI ranking: 1,177
Halle Berry – Jean, Flight Attendant
John Leguizamo – Captain Rat
Steven Seagal – Lt. Col. Austin Travis
Oliver Platt – Dennis Cahill
Joe Morton – Sergeant “Cappy” Matheny
Director(s)
Stuart Baird
Writer(s)
Jim Thomas, John Thomas
Producer(s)
Joel Silver, Jim Thomas, John Thomas, Karyn Fields
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
2 wins & 2 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (41) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (26) | Rotten (15)
September 7, 2011 | Rating: C+
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
Satisfying junk food.
May 20, 2003
Desson Thomson
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
A good, taut movie for red-meat action audiences.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 4/5
Janet Maslin
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 2/4
Susan Stark
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
A movie for people who are sophisticated enough to know how shameless the film is, but fun-loving enough to enjoy its excesses and manic zeal.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3/4
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
TOP CRITIC
For uncomplicated excitement, the film offers a solid one-hundred thirty minutes.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3/4
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
TOP CRITIC
For moviegoers, the nerve gas might be no more irritating than the film’s preposterous plotting.
March 10, 2022 | Rating: 2.5/4
Mal Vincent
The Virginian-Pilot
Takes itself very seriously and, though filled with action movie tropes, never becomes a joke.
September 11, 2020 | Rating: 7/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
Executive Decision is indeed fun to watch if you like bang-bang thrillers. It’s nowhere near as inventive and mad as John Woo’s recent Broken Arrow, and it rather pointedly. But it has just enough of its own personality.
January 30, 2019
Tom Long
Santa Cruz Sentinel
A smart, adult thriller…
August 13, 2011 | Rating: 3.5/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
It finally gives us what Hollywood has been threatening for years, the movie nobody was waiting for: Airport ’96.
July 30, 2007 | Rating: 2/5
Rob Gonsalves
eFilmCritic.com
A nerve-racking thriller that’s more topical today than it was in 1996.
October 8, 2005 | Rating: 4/5
Chuck O’Leary
Fantastica Daily…
Plot
Terrorists take over a 747 bound from Athens to Washington D.C., supposedly to effect the release of their leader. Intelligence expert David Grant suspects another reason and convinces the military that the ‘plane should not be allowed to enter U.S. airspace. An assault mission is devised, using a specially equipped ‘plane designed for mid-air crew transfers, and Grant finds himself aboard the 747 with a team of military anti-terrorists who have to defuse a bomb and overpower the terrorists.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film Executive Decision on Fresh Kernels.
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