Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
79%RT Audience Score: 75%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Wet Hot American Summer is a film that has stood the test of time, and for good reason. With its inventive absurdist comedy, loose feel, and commitment to casualness, it’s a parody that misleads with its title and surprises with its genius. The stellar cast, including Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, and Bradley Cooper, only adds to the film’s unbeatable charm. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate wonderfully stupid humor will find themselves laughing harder than they have in a long time. And while it may drag on at times, the skewering of underdog sports clichés and horny teen staples is perfectly irreverent and long overdue. So grab some pizza and beverages, settle in for a last-minute accessory to your Blockbuster night, and enjoy the blissfully unimportant lunacy that is Wet Hot American Summer.
“Wet Hot American Summer” is the kind of movie that you watch with your friends on a lazy Saturday night, with a pizza in one hand and a drink in the other. It’s not a movie that you take too seriously, but that’s what makes it so great. The cast is amazing, and the humor is delightfully stupid. Sure, it may overstay its welcome at times, but that’s just part of the charm. So if you’re looking for a good laugh and a fun time, give “Wet Hot American Summer” a chance. Who knows, you might just end up loving it as much as I do!
Production Company(ies)
Ensemble, HBO Max, Netflix
Distributor
USA Films
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2001
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 37m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jul 27, 2001 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 13, 2002
Genre(s)
Comedy
Keyword(s)
Wet Hot American Summer, comedy, R-rated, David Wain, Howard Bernstein, Michael Showalter, Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Paul Rudd, Marguerite Moreau, Zak Orth, box office, $292.1K, reviewed by Gene Seymour, Lisa Alspector, Nathan Lee, William Goss, Dennis Harvey, Michael Cuby, Andrew Galdi, Avaryl Halley, Emily Heller, Felicia Feaster, camp, counselors, summer, 1981, talent show, sexual frustrations, post-traumatic stress, MPAA rating, language, drug sequence, strong sexual content, Eureka Pictures, North Coast Group, USA Films, surround sound, Dolby Stereo, flat aspect ratio
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.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $8,948,035
Production budget ranking: 1,718
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,818,517
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
David Hyde Pierce – Henry Newman
Michael Showalter – Coop
Marguerite Moreau – Katie
Paul Rudd – Andy
Zak Orth – J.J.
Director(s)
David Wain
Writer(s)
Michael Showalter, David Wain
Producer(s)
Howard Bernstein
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (76) | Top Critics (29) | Fresh (29) | Rotten (47)
But even with its tackiness arched at an ironic angle, “Wet Hot American Summer’s” long-term fate is to become at best a last-minute accessory to a Blockbuster night of pizza and beverages.
March 31, 2019
Gene Seymour
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
The title of this inventive absurdist comedy (2001) is meant to mislead-it’s not a sex movie but a parody, and the loose feel is part of its genius.
March 31, 2019
Lisa Alspector
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
Structured only by its time frame (the last day of camp) and total commitment to casualness, the movie feels tossed off in the most appealing way,
March 31, 2019
Nathan Lee
Village Voice
TOP CRITIC
This shamefully underpromoted, gloriously silly romp made me laugh harder than any other movie this summer…this blissfully unimportant movie starts in a deceptively low key, gradually unveiling its total lunacy.
March 8, 2018
David Ansen
Newsweek
TOP CRITIC
The skewering of underdog sports clichés, horny teen staples and Vietnam-trauma melodrama is long overdue and perfectly irreverent in execution.
July 28, 2011
William Goss
Film.com
TOP CRITIC
Fairly hilarious — if still scattershot — final reels will leave auds feeling they’ve gotten their money’s worth.
May 20, 2008
Dennis Harvey
Variety
TOP CRITIC
Wet Hot American Summer only seems to get better with time. Part of this can be chalked up to its stellar cast…
September 27, 2022
Michael Cuby
them.
The cast is unbeatable
August 12, 2020 | Rating: 10
Andrew Galdi
Movie Bitches
It’s one of my favorite comedies of all time
August 12, 2020 | Rating: 10
Avaryl Halley
Movie Bitches
Wet Hot American Summer is gleefully, wonderfully stupid in the absolute best way.
August 4, 2020
Emily Heller
Polygon
But like many a “Saturday Night Live” gag, Wet Hot American Summer also can overstay its welcome and drag interminably on, its joke about the longest day in the world backfiring as it moves sputteringly toward a resolution.
January 30, 2020
Felicia Feaster
Creative Loafing
Where is Jason Voorhess, the hockey-masked killer of Camp Crystal Lake, when you really need him?
July 19, 2014
Joe Leydon
The Moving Picture Show…
Plot
On the last day of summer camp in 1981, a group of counselors try to complete their unfinished business before the day ends, dealing with pent-up sexual frustrations, unresolved post-traumatic stress, and the talent show in the comedy film “Wet Hot American Summer.”
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The film features a star-studded cast including Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Paul Rudd, and Bradley Cooper.
David-Wain.jpg
79%
The Contender (2000)
79%RT Audience Score: 73%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 2 Oscars
1 win & 22 nominations total
The Contender wears its political heart on its sleeve, but strong performances and a solid screenplay help the end result add up to a gripping drama from either side of the aisle
The Contender” is a political drama that’s got it all: sex, lies, and politics. It’s like “House of Cards” but with a better cast and less Kevin Spacey. Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, and Gary Oldman are all fantastic, and the story is captivating. It’s a little overlong, but it’s worth it for the scandalous wit and energy. Plus, it’s got some pretty shameless leftist propaganda, which is always fun. Overall, “The Contender” is a great movie for anyone who loves politics, drama, and a good cast.
Production Company(ies)
Toho Company,
Distributor
DreamWorks SKG
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Santa Clarita, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for strong sexual content and language
Year of Release
2000
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 6m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 13, 2000 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 14, 2012
Genre(s)
Mystery & thriller
Keyword(s)
starring Joan Allen, Gary Oldman, Jeff Bridges, Sam Elliott, Christian Slater, William Petersen, Katheryn Morris, directed by Rod Lurie, written by Rod Lurie, Mystery & Thriller, R rating, box office gross $17.8M, produced by Willi Bär, Marc Frydman, James Spies, Douglas Urbanski, reviewed by David Germain, Nell Minow, Peter Travers, George Perry, Philip Wuntch, Glenn Lovell, David Nusair, Ted Murphy, Christopher Smith, Michael Dequina, Joan Allen as Laine Hanson, Gary Oldman as Shelly Runyon, Jeff Bridges as President Jackson Evans, Sam Elliott as Kermit Newman, Christian Slater as Reginald Webster, William Petersen as Gov Jack Hathaway, political drama, first woman Vice President, confirmation hearings, shocking secrets, scandal, personal life, political future, strong performances, solid screenplay, gripping drama, timing, dialogue, funny, wicked, intense meeting, Oval Office, explicit footage, sexual romp, media-televised investigation, secret agent, morality play, potboiler red herrings, questionable attacks on loyalty, heavy-handed, well-acted, uncompromising candidate, chief nemesis, folksy Commander in Chief, Farrelly Brothers-inspired hairstyle, select committee, appointing, vilification, indecent sexual past, kowtow, powers that be, loaded with twists, original, conceivable, subtle but effective, over-the-top finale, Hollywood-ized, betraying, okay but unsatisfying, skip-able
Worldwide gross: $22,428,990
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $38,901,194
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,447
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 4,242,224
US/Canada gross: $17,872,723
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $30,998,733
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,263
US/Canada opening weekend: $5,363,900
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $9,303,233
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 978
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $20,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $34,688,315
Production budget ranking: 1,065
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $18,679,658
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$14,466,779
ROI to date (est.): -27%
ROI ranking: 1,547
Gary Oldman – Shelly Runyon
Jeff Bridges – President Jackson Evans
Sam Elliott – Kermit Newman
Christian Slater – Reginald Webster
William Petersen – Gov. Jack Hathaway
Director – Rod Lurie
Producers – Willi Bär, Marc Frydman, James Spies, Douglas Urbanski
Writer – Rod Lurie
Director(s)
Rod Lurie
Writer(s)
Rod Lurie
Producer(s)
Willi Bär, Marc Frydman, James Spies, Douglas Urbanski
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 2 Oscars
1 win & 22 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (131) | Top Critics (39) | Fresh (100) | Rotten (31)
The movie has plenty going for it: a terrific cast led by Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges and Gary Oldman, a captivating story line, a sharp script. Most important, The Contender has timing.
January 18, 2018
David Germain
Associated Press
TOP CRITIC
Thoughtful, enjoyable film for older teens.
December 28, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
May 8, 2001 | Rating: 3/5
Peter Travers
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
April 16, 2001 | Rating: 3/5
George Perry
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
Streetsmart and savvy.
January 1, 2000
Philip Wuntch
Dallas Morning News
TOP CRITIC
What it lacks in credibility, it more than makes up for in energy and scandalous wit.
January 1, 2000
Glenn Lovell
San Jose Mercury News
TOP CRITIC
…a slightly overlong yet mostly compelling drama…
May 11, 2021 | Rating: 3/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
September 8, 2009 | Rating: 2/5
Ted Murphy
Hollywood.com
Sex, lies and politics–they all boil together beautifully in “The Contender,” a strong political drama that understands Washington, knows its dirty secrets, and uses its excellent cast to fine effect.
October 18, 2007 | Rating: A-
Christopher Smith
Bangor Daily News (Maine)
Pretty much shameless leftist propaganda being sold as conventional Hollywood entertainment, but it manages to satisfy on the traditional genre terms.
October 14, 2007 | Rating: 3/4
Michael Dequina
TheMovieReport.com
The Contender thumps its Democratic Bible hard enough to put Jonathan Edwards to shame.
July 30, 2007 | Rating: 2/5
Rob Gonsalves
eFilmCritic.com
July 14, 2007 | Rating: 3.5/4
Joe Lozito
Big Picture Big Sound…
Plot
A political thriller about Laine Hanson, a Senator who is nominated to become Vice President following the death of the previous office holder. During the confirmation process, Laine is the victim of a vicious attack on her personal life in which stories of sexual deviancy are spread. She is torn as to whether she should fight back, or stick to her high principles and refuse to comment on the allegations.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Gary Oldman sports a “Farrelly Brothers-inspired hairstyle” in his role as the chief nemesis of the film.
Rod-Lurie.jpg
79%
Tigerland (2000)
79%RT Audience Score: 71%
Awards & Nominations: 2 wins & 5 nominations
A great cast and the gritty feel of the film help elevate Tigerland above the familiarity of the subject matter
Tigerland is a war movie that doesn’t quite make it to the top ranks, but it’s still worth a watch. Colin Farrell shines as a talented newcomer, and the film’s gritty aesthetic adds to its overall appeal. Sure, it veers into oversentimentality at times, but hey, we’re talking about a war movie here. Overall, Tigerland is a solid second-tier entry that will make you think about the characters and maybe even appreciate the set design. Plus, it’s a great companion watch to Full Metal Jacket if you’re in the mood for some war movie double feature action.
Production Company(ies)
R. P. Productions, Heritage Films, Studio Babelsberg
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Camp Blanding, Starke, Florida, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for violence, pervasive language, a scene of strong sexuality and some drug use
Year of Release
2001
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 49m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Sep 13, 2000 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 15, 2003
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
Tigerland, Colin Farrell, Matthew Davis, Clifton Collins Jr., Tom Guiry, Shea Whigham, Russell Richardson, Joel Schumacher, Arnon Milchan, Beau Flynn, Steven Haft, Ross Klavan, Michael McGruther, Drama, R, Vietnam War, Fort Polk, Louisiana, infantry training, defiance, combat, war, gritty, familiar, great cast, critic reviews, box office, budget, reviewed by Emanuel Levy, directed by Joel Schumacher, produced by Arnon Milchan, Beau Flynn, Steven Haft, MPAA rating, 20th Century Fox, Surround, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Dolby Stereo
Worldwide gross: $148,701
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $250,604
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,891
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 27,329
US/Canada gross: $139,692
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $235,421
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,513
US/Canada opening weekend: $26,715
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $45,022
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,245
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $10,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $16,852,884
Production budget ranking: 1,455
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $9,075,278
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$25,677,559
ROI to date (est.): -99%
ROI ranking: 2,021
Matthew Davis – Paxton
Clifton Collins Jr. – Miter
Tom Guiry – Pvt. Cantwell
Shea Whigham – Wilson
Russell Richardson – Johnson
Director(s)
Joel Schumacher
Writer(s)
Ross Klavan, Michael McGruther
Producer(s)
Arnon Milchan, Beau Flynn, Steven Haft
Film Festivals
Sundance
Awards & Nominations
2 wins & 5 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (47) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (36) | Rotten (11)
This take on Vietnam War doesn’t break new thematic ground but it’s Schumacher’s best film since the 1993 Falling Down, and it showcases the talents of newcomer Colin Farrell, who has everything that it takes to become a major Hollywood star
January 4, 2007 | Rating: B+
Emanuel Levy
Variety
TOP CRITIC
Stylistically this is more interesting and more affected than Schumacher’s Flawless. Either way, it’s a big improvement on his past tendentious nonsense.
June 24, 2006
Geoff Andrew
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Even when the script overtaxes the allegory about how Vietnam divided a nation at home, Schumacher and the actors prevail by fixing their sights on what happens to men on that last stop before the game of war becomes a grim reality.
June 4, 2001 | Rating: 3.5/5
Peter Travers
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
A beautifully crafted, brilliantly acted and gently moving film that only occasionally lapses into sentimentality.
May 18, 2001 | Rating: 4/5
Adam Smith
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Despite his usual ability to spend more time on set design than he does on actors, Schumacher handles the more intimate setting with great skill.
May 7, 2001 | Rating: 4/5
Ben Falk
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
For those who don’t mind being challenged, however, and are curious to see why Farrell is being touted as the next big thing, Tigerland has its rewards.
February 26, 2001 | Rating: 3/4
Edward Guthmann
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
It’s nothing like the first half of Full Metal Jacket, but an intriguing companion watch.
July 8, 2020
Tom Meek
Cambridge Day
I wouldn’t put Tigerland in the top ranks of war movies, but it’s a solid second-tier entry that makes you think about the characters.
May 4, 2012 | Rating: 7/10
James Plath
Movie Metropolis
Farrell is the best thing about the film, which veers into oversentimentality quite a bit for a film that’s shot with such a gritty aesthetic.
June 27, 2011 | Rating: 2/4
Eric Melin
Scene-Stealers.com
A talented newcomer with genuine presence, Farrell is able to suggest some complexity in a character that is written without any.
January 12, 2004 | Rating: 2.5/5
Michael Dequina
Film Threat
…never quite catches fire or becomes the searing expose that director Schumacher intended.
August 1, 2003 | Rating: 2.5/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
June 19, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Walter Chaw
Film Freak Central…
Plot
In September 1971, a platoon of recruits arrives in Ft. Polk, LA, for infantry training before leaving for war. The final week takes place in Tigerland, a swamp similar to Vietnam. Jim Paxton has enlisted; he wants to experience everything and write books later. He befriends Roland Bozz, a cool Texan with a gift for getting into trouble and for helping misfits get discharges. At least one sociopath in the platoon hates Bozz, even as the sergeants grudgingly recognize his leadership abilities. As the platoon heads into its week in Tigerland, Paxton’s body gives out, Bozz makes plans to go AWOL, and the sociopath gets hold of live ammo. Is the Louisiana swamp more dangerous than the DMZ?
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels praises Colin Farrell’s performance in Tigerland, calling him a “talented newcomer with genuine presence.”
Joel-Schumacher.jpg
79%
The Tao of Steve (2000)
79%RT Audience Score: 69%
Awards & Nominations: 2 nominations
The Tao of Steve is a film that is both a romantic comedy and a character study, which is a rare combination. The film is a sweet and funny romantic comedy that is perfect for mature audiences. The film is about a man named Steve who is a master of seduction and has a philosophy that he calls “The Tao of Steve.” The film is a great example of how a romantic comedy can be both funny and intelligent. The film is well-written, well-acted, and well-directed. The film is a must-see for anyone who loves romantic comedies or character studies. The film is a great example of how a romantic comedy can be both funny and intelligent.
The Tao of Steve is a sweet and funny romantic comedy that’s perfect for mature audiences. It’s a movie that teaches you how to be cool and get the girl, but in a way that’s not too preachy or boring. The main character, Dex, is a lovable slacker who has a lot of wisdom to share about life and love. The movie is full of great one-liners and memorable scenes that will make you laugh out loud. It’s definitely worth watching if you’re in the mood for a feel-good movie that’s not too cheesy.
Production Company(ies)
Miramax, Be Gentlemen Limited Partnership, Lawrence Bender Productions,
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Parlor – 1841 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language and some drug use
Year of Release
2000
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 28m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 26, 2000 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 20, 2001
Genre(s)
Comedy/Romance
Keyword(s)
starring Donal Logue, Greer Goodman, James “Kimo” Wills, Ayelet Kaznelson, David Aaron Baker, Nina Jaroslaw, directed by Jenniphr Goodman, written by Greer Goodman, Jenniphr Goodman, Duncan North, comedy, romance, R rating, box office gross $4.3M, budget unknown, reviewed by Lisa Schwarzbaum, Nell Minow, Peter Travers, Neil Smith, Susan Stark, Robert Denerstein, Michael Dequina, Jim Lane, Joe Lozito, Frank Swietek, Robin Clifford, Jeanne Aufmuth, 10 years after graduation, college reunion, overweight kindergarten teacher, former big man on campus, questioning belief in all things Steve, Sony Pictures Classics, Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Surround, Flat (1.85:1) aspect ratio
Worldwide gross: $4,406,030
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $7,641,888
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,048
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 833,357
US/Canada gross: $4,342,203
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $7,531,185
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,693
US/Canada opening weekend: $91,791
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $159,204
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,758
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
Greer Goodman – Syd
James “Kimo” Wills – Dave
Ayelet Kaznelson – Beth
David Aaron Baker – Rick
Nina Jaroslaw – Maggie
Director(s)
Jenniphr Goodman
Writer(s)
Greer Goodman, Jenniphr Goodman, Duncan North
Producer(s)
Anthony Bregman
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
2 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (49) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (39) | Rotten (10)
September 7, 2011 | Rating: A-
Lisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
Sweet, funny romantic comedy for mature audiences.
December 29, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
May 10, 2001 | Rating: 5/5
Peter Travers
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
April 17, 2001 | Rating: 3/5
Neil Smith
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3/4
Susan Stark
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
January 1, 2000 | Rating: B
Robert Denerstein
Denver Rocky Mountain News
TOP CRITIC
Turns from interesting character study to wan romantic comedy.
January 8, 2010 | Rating: 2.5/4
Michael Dequina
TheMovieReport.com
August 7, 2008 | Rating: 4/5
Jim Lane
Sacramento News & Review
July 14, 2007 | Rating: 2.5/4
Joe Lozito
Big Picture Big Sound
Though employing an utterly conventional romantic design, it tweaks the formula sufficiently…to come across as charmingly distinctive rather than tiredly imitative.
December 6, 2005 | Rating: B+
Frank Swietek
One Guy’s Opinion
April 9, 2005 | Rating: C+
Robin Clifford
Reeling Reviews
May 14, 2003 | Rating: 3/4
Jeanne Aufmuth
Palo Alto Weekly…
Plot
In his early 30s, the beer-bellied Dex has things figured out. He’s widely read in philosophy, he’s studied Steve McQueen the prototypical cool American hero, and he’s distilled Buddhism and Taoism into three laws that make him a hit with women: don’t express desire, do something heroic in front of her, then retreat. A part-time job with young children, beer, guys, Frisbee golf, pool, poker, his dog Astro, and sex: what could be missing? Then, at his ten-year college reunion, Dex meets Syd, and the “Tao of Steve” may not be enough to get him what he wants. Plus, Syd remembers something important that Dex has forgotten. Can a cool smart guy, 50 pounds overweight, find his bliss?
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Donal Logue delivers a likable central performance in The Tao of Steve.
Jenniphr-Goodman.jpg
79%
The Patriot (2000)
79%RT Audience Score: 81%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 3 Oscars
9 wins & 20 nominations total
The Patriot can be entertaining to watch, but it relies too much on formula and melodrama
The Patriot” is a movie that’s as American as apple pie, but with more explosions and less sugar. It’s got everything you could want in a historical epic: Mel Gibson, British villains, and lots of muskets. Sure, it might not be the most accurate portrayal of the Revolutionary War, but who cares when you’ve got Mel Gibson swinging an axe like a madman? If you’re looking for a movie that’ll make you feel proud to be an American, or just want to see some cool battle scenes, “The Patriot” is the movie for you.
Production Company(ies)
Shinchosha Company, Studio Ghibli,
Distributor
Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia TriStar Home Video, Columbia Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for strong war violence
Year of Release
2000
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS Dolby Atmos
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 38m
-
Language(s):English, French
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jun 28, 2000 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 3, 2002
Genre(s)
War/Action
Keyword(s)
starring Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson, Jason Isaacs, Chris Cooper, Tchéky Karyo, directed by Roland Emmerich, written by Robert Rodat, War, Action, $113.3M box office, R MPAA rating, reviewed by Nell Minow, Philip Strick, Mick LaSalle, Steven D Greydanus, Liam Lacey, Andrew O’Hehir, Tony Black, Mark Jackson, Joe Leydon, Antonia Quirke, American Revolution, Benjamin Martin, Redcoats, battle scenes, revenge thriller, historical inaccuracies, propaganda, family man, slaves, Indians, heroism, patriotism, costumes, set designs, battle sequences, authentic feel, drama, moving, chemistry, epic
Worldwide gross: $215,294,342
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $373,409,903
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 406
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 40,720,818
US/Canada gross: $113,330,342
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $196,561,933
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 359
US/Canada opening weekend: $22,413,710
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $38,874,692
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 328
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $110,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $190,785,735
Production budget ranking: 134
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $102,738,118
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $79,886,049
ROI to date (est.): 27%
ROI ranking: 1,255
Heath Ledger – Gabriel Edward Martin
Joely Richardson – Charlotte Selton
Jason Isaacs – Colonel William Tavington
Chris Cooper – Colonel Harry Burwell
Tchéky Karyo – Jean Villeneuve
Director(s)
Roland Emmerich
Writer(s)
Robert Rodat
Producer(s)
Dean Devlin, Gary Levinsohn, Mark Gordon
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 3 Oscars
9 wins & 20 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (137) | Top Critics (39) | Fresh (85) | Rotten (52)
Many graphic battle scenes, not for all teens.
December 28, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
The main irony, of course, lies in the film’s title, which suggests that the absurdly flag-waving activist should be taken at face value despite the ample evidence that defending his country is the last thing on his mind.
December 2, 2002
Philip Strick
Sight & Sound
TOP CRITIC
Emmerich’s battle scenes may look authentic to anyone who has ever stared hard at a history book, but in every other way the film is long, empty and bogus.
June 18, 2002 | Rating: 2/4
Mick LaSalle
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Its convictions may be half-baked, but it has the courage of them.
May 8, 2002 | Rating: B-
Steven D. Greydanus
Decent Films
TOP CRITIC
Make no mistake about it: The Patriot is a cartoon, even if it does have real people playing the parts.
March 22, 2002 | Rating: 2/4
Liam Lacey
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
A grand yarn with a sense of the weight of history and an awareness that the winners are often those who have lost the most.
August 9, 2001
Andrew O’Hehir
Salon.com
TOP CRITIC
The Patriot is heavily concerned in re-writing and re-conceptualising America’s bloody, revolutionary history.
February 14, 2021 | Rating: 3/5
Tony Black
Cultural Conversation
Have a peep at “The Patriot” and ponder people’s present-day pittance of honor and propriety.
November 11, 2020 | Rating: 4/5
Mark Jackson
Epoch Times
To use the language of the movie’s time, “The Patriot “deserves a whole-hearted, full-throated roar of “Huzzah!”
July 11, 2020
Joe Leydon
The Moving Picture Show
No fond chuckles, please — it’s abominable. And to take any pleasure in it would be to resemble those followers of pro-wrestling who know it’s all fake but still cough-up top-dollar to get ring-side and holler.
November 27, 2017
Antonia Quirke
Independent on Sunday
has its moments
January 26, 2013 | Rating: C-
John A. Nesbit
Old School Reviews
December 27, 2007 | Rating: 3/4
Joe Lozito
Big Picture Big Sound…
Plot
It is 1776 in colonial South Carolina. Benjamin Martin, a French-Indian war hero who is haunted by his past, now wants nothing more than to live peacefully on his small plantation, and wants no part of a war with the most powerful nation in the world, Great Britain. Meanwhile, his two eldest sons, Gabriel and Thomas, can’t wait to enlist in the newly formed “Continental Army.” When South Carolina decides to join the rebellion against England, Gabriel immediately signs up to fight…without his father’s permission. But when Colonel William Tavington, British dragoon, infamous for his brutal tactics, comes and burns the Martin Plantation to the ground, tragedy strikes. Benjamin quickly finds himself torn between protecting his family, and seeking revenge along with being a part of the birth of a new, young, and ambitious nation.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The cast of The Patriot includes Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson, Jason Isaacs, and Chris Cooper.
Roland-Emmerich.jpg
79%
Boiler Room (2000)
79%RT Audience Score: 78%
Awards & Nominations: 1 win & 9 nominations
Its ending is disappointingly tidy, but Boiler Room boasts just enough sharp writing and brisk pacing to make getting there worthwhile
Boiler Room is like a rollercoaster ride, but instead of twists and turns, it’s filled with shady stockbrokers and questionable business practices. While some critics found the movie derivative and flawed, I found it to be a fun and thrilling watch. Giovanni Ribisi shines as the lead, and the raucous office scenes are a highlight. Sure, the father storyline didn’t pay off and the ending was a bit of a letdown, but overall, I’d recommend giving this movie a chance. Just don’t let your kids watch it.
Production Company(ies)
M K2 Productions, France 3 Cinéma C AB Productions,
Distributor
New Line Cinema
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Garden City, Long Island, New York, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for strong language and some drug content
Year of Release
2000
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 0m
-
Language(s):English, Russian
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Feb 18, 2000 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 11, 2000
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Nia Long, Nicky Katt, Scott Caan, Ron Rifkin, directed by Ben Younger, written by Ben Younger, drama, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Nell Minow, Liam Lacey, John Wrathall, Jay Carr, Ernest Hardy, R MPAA rating, Jennifer Todd, Suzanne Todd produced, New Line Cinema distributed, SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround sound mix, Flat (1.85:1) aspect ratio, stockbrokers, Long Island, hyper-aggressive, fly-by-night brokerage firm, Gen Xers, mansions, Ferraris, luxury toys, law, illegal, corrupt, Glengarry Glen Ross, Wall Street, rise-and-fall, flashy, sharp writing, brisk pacing
Worldwide gross: $28,780,255
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $49,916,928
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,325
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 5,443,504
US/Canada gross: $16,970,581
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $29,434,043
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,281
US/Canada opening weekend: $5,742,129
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $9,959,239
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 959
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $12,140,910
Production budget ranking: 1,588
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $6,537,880
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $31,238,138
ROI to date (est.): 167%
ROI ranking: 717
Vin Diesel – Chris
Nia Long – Abby
Nicky Katt – Greg
Scott Caan – Richie
Ron Rifkin – Marty Davis
Ben Younger – Director/Writer
Jennifer Todd – Producer
Suzanne Todd – Producer
Director(s)
Ben Younger
Writer(s)
Ben Younger
Producer(s)
Jennifer Todd, Suzanne Todd
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
1 win & 9 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (102) | Top Critics (27) | Fresh (67) | Rotten (35)
Good but mature movie. Not for kids.
December 22, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
To put the movie in sales terms, after a good opening pitch, Younger fails to close the deal. The audience can’t buy in.
March 19, 2002 | Rating: 2.5/4
Liam Lacey
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
Ribisi, such a promising supporting actor in Saving Private Ryan as a medic and Friends as Phoebe’s dopey brother, doesn’t seem a big enough presence for a starring role yet.
March 3, 2002
John Wrathall
Sight & Sound
TOP CRITIC
Boiler Room is derivative and flawed. But it does throw off a few sparks.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 2.5/4
Jay Carr
Boston Globe
TOP CRITIC
This movie has one of the best scripts in many months.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Movie Mom
TOP CRITIC
Younger has a firmer grasp on the convoluted workings of pop and business (sub) cultures than many of his contemporaries.
January 1, 2000
Ernest Hardy
Film.com
TOP CRITIC
There were random racial slurs, the father storyline didn’t pay off and the performances were really uneven.
July 1, 2021 | Rating: 2/5
Justin Brown
Medium Popcorn
I really enjoyed this movie despite the father storyline. If this is on TV, I’m watching it.
July 1, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Brandon Collins
Medium Popcorn
First-time filmmaker Ben Younger does a nice job of initially establishing the central character and the raucous office in which much of the story transpires…
December 19, 2018 | Rating: 2/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
It’s Ribisi who makes the film.
November 27, 2017
Antonia Quirke
Independent on Sunday
Stars a host of actors that have offered so much better in past and future films…
February 26, 2014
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Cinema Crazed
Almost liked this one about greedy, young stockbrokers working for an illegal firm, but hated the ending so much it derailed the movie.
August 7, 2008 | Rating: 2/5
Bob Grimm
Sacramento News & Review…
Plot
Seth Davis is a college dropout running an illegal casino from his rented apartment. Driven by his domineering father’s disapproval at his illegitimate existence and his desire for serious wealth, Seth suddenly finds himself seduced by the opportunity to interview as a trainee stock broker from recent acquaintance Greg (Nicky Katt). Walking into the offices of JT Marlin, a small time brokerage firm on the outskirts of New York – Seth gets an aggressive cameo performance from Jim (Ben Affleck) that sets the tone for a firm clearly placing money above all else. Seth’s fractured relationship with his father and flirtatious glances from love interest Abbie (Nia Long) are enough to keep Seth motivated in his newfound career. As he begins to excel and develop a love for the hard sale and high commission, a few chance encounters lead Seth to question the legitimacy of the firm’s operations – placing him once again at odds with his father and what remains of his morality. With homages to Wall Street, and Glengarry Glen Ross, it’s a decent debut feature for Ben Younger whose script exposes a truly sinister side of an already immoral business.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels notes that Giovanni Ribisi’s performance is what makes the film worth watching.
Ben-Younger.jpg
79%
American Psycho (2000)
79%RT Audience Score: 85%
Awards & Nominations: 8 wins & 13 nominations
If it falls short of the deadly satire of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, American Psycho still finds its own blend of horror and humor, thanks in part to a fittingly creepy performance by Christian Bale
American Psycho is a wild ride that will have you questioning your own sanity. Christian Bale’s performance as Patrick Bateman is both terrifying and hilarious, making you wonder if you should be laughing or running for your life. The film’s commentary on materialism and capitalism is still relevant today, and the satire is so sharp you might cut yourself. Just be prepared for some stomach-turning violence and a chainsaw or two.
Production Company(ies)
Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment,
Distributor
Lionsgate Films
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Shark City Bar and Grill – 117 Eglinton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for strong violence, sexuality, drug use and language
Year of Release
2000
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital Dolby Atmos
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 43m
-
Language(s):English, Spanish, Cantonese
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Apr 14, 2000 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 21, 2005
Genre(s)
Horror
Keyword(s)
starring Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Reese Witherspoon, Samantha Mathis, Chloë Sevigny, directed by Mary Harron, written by Bret Easton Ellis, Mary Harron, Guinevere Turner, horror, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Lisa Alspector, Desson Thomson, David Edelstein, Richard Corliss, Dennis Harvey, David Ansen, Trace Thurman, A.S Hamrah, PJ Nabarro, Kristy Strouse, Felicia Feaster, Zoe Rose Smith, produced by Christian Halsey Solomon, Chris Hanley, Edward R Pressman, R MPAA rating, materialism, narcissism, misogyny, classism, satire, serial killer, New York City, 1987, urban professional, detective, fiance, mistress, coworker, secretary, biting, wry comedy, elements, man, monster, Dolby SR, Dolby A, Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Lionsgate Films, Scope (2.35:1)
Worldwide gross: $34,266,564
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $59,432,469
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,259
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 6,481,185
US/Canada gross: $15,070,285
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $26,138,140
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,320
US/Canada opening weekend: $4,961,015
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $8,604,463
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 994
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $12,140,910
Production budget ranking: 1,588
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $6,537,880
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $40,753,678
ROI to date (est.): 218%
ROI ranking: 597
Willem Dafoe – Donald Kimball
Jared Leto – Paul Allen
Reese Witherspoon – Evelyn Williams
Samantha Mathis – Courtney Rawlinson
Chloë Sevigny – Jean
Director(s)
Mary Harron
Writer(s)
Bret Easton Ellis, Mary Harron, Guinevere Turner
Producer(s)
Christian Halsey Solomon, Chris Hanley, Edward R. Pressman
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
8 wins & 13 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (150) | Top Critics (43) | Fresh (104) | Rotten (46)
The slick satire cleverly equates materialism, narcissism, misogyny, and classism with homicide, but you may laugh so loud at the protagonist that you won’t be able to hear yourself laughing with him.
March 28, 2011
Lisa Alspector
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
It’s hard to summon up enthusiasm for a performance so rooted in bloody banality. I mean, as Patrick, Bale’s most emotionally pressing dilemma is: Chainsaw or butcher knife?
March 28, 2011
Desson Thomson
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
American Psycho is nearly perfect for what it is, but before we go on, we should ask what that actually amounts to. Can something with so rigid a thesis be a real work of art?
March 28, 2011
David Edelstein
Slate
TOP CRITIC
It needs to be seen and appreciated, like a serpent in a glass cage.
March 28, 2011
Richard Corliss
TIME Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Harron’s Psycho reps an impressive reclaiming of dubious material.
May 30, 2008
Dennis Harvey
Variety
TOP CRITIC
Conceptually, this savage cartoon ends up as trapped in surfaces as its shallow antihero: it’s all dressed up with nowhere to go.
March 31, 2008
David Ansen
Newsweek
TOP CRITIC
Expertly made and does what it’s trying to do very well, but I just can’t fully connect with this one.
December 30, 2020 | Rating: 3/5
Trace Thurman
Horror Queers Podcast
American Psycho directly addresses the horror of capitalism, in which other people are just props for the fantasies of men who get wealthier by the second.
September 16, 2020
A.S. Hamrah
The Baffler
The idea that this is all a fantasy inside Bateman’s head is brilliantly realised in his growing realisation that he’s been able to get away with all of this in plain sight.
June 24, 2020 | Rating: 3/5
PJ Nabarro
Patrick Nabarro
There are times where this film is satire at its best. It’s also horrific, violent and stomach-turning. Christian Bale is incredible in this movie and he commits to making Bateman completely deplorable.
June 9, 2020
Kristy Strouse
In Their Own League
Graced with a smart, pathos-laden meditation on male competition and the blood-drawing ferocity of a money-centered culture, along with screenwriter Guinevere Turner, Harron does a transformative voodoo on an often repugnant source.
February 4, 2020
Felicia Feaster
Creative Loafing
American Psycho is one of the greatest horror films of all time; with its disturbingly dark comedy, psychotic breakdowns of society and an unnerving look at the obsessive thoughts of a serial killer.
October 27, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Zoe Rose Smith
Zobo With A Shotgun…
Plot
It’s the late 1980s. Twenty-seven year old Wall Streeter Patrick Bateman travels among a closed network of the proverbial beautiful people, that closed network in only they able to allow others like themselves in in a feeling of superiority. Patrick has a routinized morning regimen to maintain his appearance of attractiveness and fitness. He, like those in his network, are vain, narcissistic, egomaniacal and competitive, always having to one up everyone else in that presentation of oneself, but he, unlike the others, realizes that, for himself, all of these are masks to hide what is truly underneath, someone/something inhuman in nature. In other words, he is comprised of a shell resembling a human that contains only greed and disgust, greed in wanting what others may have, and disgust for those who do not meet his expectations and for himself in not being the first or the best. That disgust ends up manifesting itself in wanting to rid the world of those people, he not seeing them as people but only of those characteristics he wants to rid.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels praises Christian Bale’s “fittingly creepy performance” in American Psycho.
Mary-Harron.jpg
79%
Me You Them (2001)
79%RT Audience Score: 72%
Awards & Nominations: 27 wins & 12 nominations
Me You Them tells a warmly comical and touching story, and features a charismatically earthy performance by Casé
Me You Them” is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and question your own love life. The performances are so good that you’ll feel like you’re part of the love quadrangle. Darlene’s dazzling smile and physical grace will make you want to be her best friend. The movie is so earthy and commanding that you’ll feel like you’re in Italy with Anna Magnani. The director trusts the material to unfold at the pace it requires, and it’s a real charmer that’s easy to inhabit. Overall, “Me You Them” is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good love story with a twist.
Production Company(ies)
American Zoetrope Zoetrope Studios,
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for sexuality and thematic content
Year of Release
2000
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 44m
-
Language(s):Portuguese
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 2, 2001 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Genre(s)
Comedy/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Regina Casé, Lima Duarte, Stênio Garcia, Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos, Nilda Spencer, Diogo Lopes, directed by Andrucha Waddington, written by Elena Soarez, comedy, drama, PG-13, box office gross $323.4K, Sony Pictures Classics, reviewed by Marrit Ingman, David Parkinson, Jason Korsner, Kirk Honeycutt, A.O Scott, Susan Stark, Emanuel Levy, Vadim Rizov, Pablo Villaça, Ted Murphy, Ryan Cracknell, Joe Baltake, warm, colorful, charming, Brazilian, love quadrangle, unusual family, small town, marriage, children, support, cranky, charismatically earthy performance, touching story, deft direction, excellent performances, natural, primal force, intelligent, love, beautiful photography, sobering soundtrack, MTV-style editing, top horror movies, MCU movies, Netflix series, TV premiere dates, worst horror movies, Fandango
Worldwide gross: $560,943
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $972,908
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,604
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 106,097
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.): $1,900,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $3,295,390
Production budget ranking: 1,967
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $1,774,567
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$4,097,049
ROI to date (est.): -81%
ROI ranking: 1,889
Lima Duarte – Osias
Stênio Garcia – Zezinho
Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos – Ciro
Nilda Spencer – Raquel
Diogo Lopes – Vaqueiro Negro, Black Herdsman
Director(s)
Andrucha Waddington
Writer(s)
Elena Soarez
Producer(s)
Leonardo Monteiro de Barros, Pedro Buarque de Hollanda, Flávio R. Tambellini, Andrucha Waddington
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
27 wins & 12 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (56) | Top Critics (22) | Fresh (42) | Rotten (14)
March 10, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Marrit Ingman
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Excellent performances, combined with deft direction make this one to watch.
August 10, 2001 | Rating: 3/5
David Parkinson
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
The performances are charming and natural enough to draw you into this peculiar love quadrangle.
August 6, 2001 | Rating: 3/5
Jason Korsner
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
[Case’s] dazzling smile and surprising physical grace make Darlene into a primal force in the lives of these three men.
May 12, 2001
Kirk Honeycutt
Hollywood Reporter
TOP CRITIC
It has been made and acted with intelligence and evident love, which deserves to be requited.
April 16, 2001
A.O. Scott
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
The big screen hasn’t shown us a more earthy, commanding woman since Italy’s iconic Anna Magnani made her stand.
April 9, 2001 | Rating: 3/4
Susan Stark
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
August 14, 2005 | Rating: 2/5
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
June 19, 2003 | Rating: 6/10
Vadim Rizov
Movie-Vault.com
Além da bela fotografia de Breno Silveira e da soberba trilha sonora de Gilberto Gil, ‘Eu, Tu, Eles’ ainda traz atuações realmente inesquecíveis de todo o elenco.
May 31, 2002 | Rating: 5/5
Pablo Villaça
Cinema em Cena
One might argue that “Me You Them” could perhaps use a small infusion of MTV-style editing but this director trusts the material to unfold at the pace it requires.
December 21, 2001 | Rating: 3.5/5
Ted Murphy
Baseline.Hollywood.com
September 17, 2001 | Rating: 78/100
Ryan Cracknell
Apollo Guide
Warm and bright and colorful, a real charmer as easy to inhabit as Casé slips into her character.
July 27, 2001
Joe Baltake
Sacramento Bee…
Plot
Darlene, earthy and unmarried, returns to the cane fields of Bahia with her young son. There, over time, she balances the pride, desire, jealousy, and tolerance of three men. Osias, an older man, proud of a house he’s built, proposes marriage; she accepts. He retires to his hammock, she works hard, and in a few years births a second son, much darker than Osias. Then, he takes in his cousin Zezinho, almost as old as he, a good cook, so Osias is happy. Darlene smiles at Zezinho. Another son arrives, light-skinned like Zezinho. Next, Darlene meets Ciro, young and handsome, and invites him to dinner. Osias insists Ciro stay. When another son arrives, what will the proud Osias do?
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels praises Regina Casé’s “charismatically earthy performance” in Me You Them.
Andrucha-Waddington.jpg
79%
Dogma (1999)
79%RT Audience Score: 85%
Awards & Nominations: 8 nominations
Dogma, Kevin Smith’s satirical blockbuster, is a noble failure that tries to break away from his provincial milieu but falls short due to its crass comic-strip ethos. While Smith’s trademark humor gets in the way, the film still manages to find the right pitch between religious referencing and sending most of that religiosity up. However, the film’s metaphysical conceits about the war between Good and Evil are puerile, and Smith’s attempt to promote his own generic “faith” while telling us what’s wrong with orthodox Catholic belief is too talky and too caught up in its own in-jokes. Despite its flaws, Dogma has the ability to serve as an intelligent debate about religion, but significant cutting might be able to transform it into a playable one.
Dogma is a movie that’s like a rollercoaster ride – it has its ups and downs. Some critics think it’s too talky, too vulgar, and too caught up in its own comic-strip ethos. But others think it’s a rare satirical blockbuster that finds the right pitch between religious referencing and sending most of that religiosity up. Personally, I think it’s a fun and creative take on religion that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Plus, it has Matt Damon and Ben Affleck playing bad actors, which is worth the price of admission alone.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Lionsgate Films
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church – Larimer Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for strong language including sex-related dialogue, violence, crude humor and some drug content
Year of Release
1999
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 15m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 12, 1999 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 17, 2002
Genre(s)
Comedy
Keyword(s)
starring Ben Affleck, Linda Fiorentino, Matt Damon, George Carlin, Salma Hayek, Jason Lee, Alan Rickman, Chris Rock, Kevin Smith, Scott Mosier, directed by Kevin Smith, written by Kevin Smith, comedy, R rating, box office performance, $30.7M gross USA, reviewed by Todd McCarthy, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Andrew Sarris, Geoff Andrew, Steven D Greydanus, Eddie Harrison, Jas Keimig, Patrick Nabarro, Jason Zingale, Steve Biodrowski, Maitland McDonagh, Bartleby, Barry, Bethany Sloane, Loki, Larry, Cardinal Ignatius, Serendipity, Azrael, religious satire, Wisconsin, New Jersey, loophole, heaven, humanity, Catholic, Good and Evil, sacrilegious, pro-faith, vulgar, irreverent, talky, in-jokes, crass, comic-strip ethos, subversive, thought-provoking, intelligent debate, product placement, recycled jokes, black comedy, Jay and Silent Bob, strip club
Worldwide gross: $31,429,330
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $56,416,524
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,277
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 6,152,293
US/Canada gross: $30,652,890
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $55,022,792
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,028
US/Canada opening weekend: $8,669,945
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $15,562,793
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 769
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $10,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $17,950,279
Production budget ranking: 1,419
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $9,666,225
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $28,800,020
ROI to date (est.): 104%
ROI ranking: 918
Linda Fiorentino – Bethany Sloane
Matt Damon – Loki, Larry
George Carlin – Cardinal Ignatius
Salma Hayek – Serendipity
Jason Lee – Azrael
Director – Kevin Smith
Producer – Scott Mosier
Writer – Kevin Smith
Director(s)
Kevin Smith
Writer(s)
Kevin Smith
Producer(s)
Scott Mosier
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
8 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (128) | Top Critics (35) | Fresh (86) | Rotten (42)
A very vulgar pro-faith comedy rather than a sacrilegious goof, Dogma is an extraordinarily uneven film that significant cutting might be able to transform into a playable one.
March 19, 2008
Todd McCarthy
Variety
TOP CRITIC
I couldn’t care less whether Smith’s metaphysical conceits about the war between Good and Evil are those of a devout believer or an atheist. The bottom line is that they’re puerile.
March 19, 2008
Jonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
Dogma is more strained than funny.
April 27, 2007
Andrew Sarris
Observer
TOP CRITIC
Too talky, too fond of in-jokes, too caught up (especially during the dismally weak climax) in its crass comic-strip ethos, and not, finally, as funny, subversive or thought-provoking as it would like to be.
January 26, 2006
Geoff Andrew
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
As an ambitious and overreaching break with Smith’s provincial milieu Dogma is a failed experiment, but a noble failure.
December 2, 2002
Kevin Maher
Sight & Sound
TOP CRITIC
Smith isn’t content merely to promote his own generic “faith”; he has to tell us, again and again, what’s wrong with orthodox Catholic belief.
May 8, 2002 | Rating: F
Steven D. Greydanus
Decent Films
TOP CRITIC
a rare satirical blockbuster
March 13, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Eddie Harrison
film-authority.com
For the record, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are bad actors.
December 9, 2021
Jas Keimig
The Stranger (Seattle, WA)
Smith finds exactly the right pitch between the cogent religious referencing required to drive the narrative versus sending most of that religiosity up.
November 5, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
PJ Nabarro
Patrick Nabarro
It’s too bad Smith’s trademark humor got in the way, because while the film definitely has its flaws, there’s no denying that it also had the ability to serve as an intelligent debate about religion.
October 18, 2008 | Rating: 3.5/5
Jason Zingale
Bullz-Eye.com
The true target of the film is not religion but religious dogma …
July 7, 2008
Steve Biodrowski
Cinefantastique
Make no mistake, Kevin Smith’s talky, farcical comedy of cosmic errors is clever. But it’s clever in a deeply juvenile way.
March 19, 2008 | Rating: 3/4
Maitland McDonagh
TV Guide…
Plot
An abortion clinic worker with a special heritage is enlisted to prevent two angels from reentering Heaven and thus undoing the fabric of the universe. Along the way, she is aided by two prophets, Jay and Silent Bob. With the help of Rufus, the 13th Apostle, they must stop those who stand in their way and prevent the angels from entering Heaven.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The impressive cast of Dogma includes Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Alan Rickman, George Carlin, and Chris Rock.
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79%
Next Stop Wonderland (1998)
79%RT Audience Score: 74%
Awards & Nominations: 3 wins & 2 nominations
Endearing performances create characters you care about
Next Stop Wonderland is a film that will make you feel all the feels. It’s a romantic comedy that’s both soulful and thoughtful, but also has its fair share of annoying moments. However, the wonderful performance from Hope Davis and Brad Anderson’s stylish direction make up for any shortcomings. It’s a movie that doesn’t quite add up to its influences, but it’s still a fun ride that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. So hop on board and enjoy the journey to Wonderland!
Production Company(ies)
Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment,
Distributor
Miramax Films
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Chelsea, Massachusetts, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language
Year of Release
1998
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby
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Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
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Runtime:1h 51m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 17, 1998 Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 9, 2000
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Hope Davis, Alan Gelfant, Victor Argo, H Jon Benjamin, Cara Buono, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., directed by Brad Anderson, written by Brad Anderson, Lyn Vaus, drama, $3.4M box office, R rating, reviewed by Gavin Smith, Lisa Schwarzbaum, Nell Minow, Robert Philpot, Susan Stark, Sara Wildberger, Jonah Koslofsky, Emanuel Levy, Cole Smithey, Philip Martin, produced by Mitchell Robbins, Miramax Films, Boston, marine biology, romantic comedy, missed connections, train, aquarium, singles ad, debt, Dolby sound, 35mm, 16mm, Flat aspect ratio
Worldwide gross: $3,395,581
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $6,231,370
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,107
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 679,539
US/Canada gross: $3,395,581
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $6,231,370
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,746
US/Canada opening weekend: $123,055
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $225,823
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,619
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $1,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $1,835,141
Production budget ranking: 2,037
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $988,223
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $3,408,005
ROI to date (est.): 121%
ROI ranking: 852
Alan Gelfant – Alan Monteiro
Victor Argo – Frank
H. Jon Benjamin – Eric
Cara Buono – Julie
Lawrence Gilliard Jr. – Brett
Director(s)
Brad Anderson
Writer(s)
Brad Anderson, Lyn Vaus
Producer(s)
Mitchell Robbins
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
3 wins & 2 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (45) | Top Critics (13) | Fresh (33) | Rotten (12)
A beguilingly honest look at romantic longing.
April 11, 2018
Gavin Smith
Film Comment Magazine
TOP CRITIC
September 7, 2011 | Rating: B+
Lisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
December 5, 2002 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Movie Mom
TOP CRITIC
For everything that works, there’s something to get on your nerves.
January 1, 2000
Robert Philpot
Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
TOP CRITIC
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3/4
Susan Stark
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
A soulful, thoughtful comedy!
January 1, 2000
Sara Wildberger
Miami Herald
TOP CRITIC
Together, they make a film that doesn’t really add up to its influences.
February 24, 2021
Jonah Koslofsky
The Spool
Brad Anderson’s stylish and original romantic comedy features a wonderful performance from Hope Davis.
January 13, 2011 | Rating: B+
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
November 4, 2007 | Rating: 2/5
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com
July 14, 2005 | Rating: 4/5
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
May 16, 2005 | Rating: 3/5
Philip Martin
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
May 6, 2005 | Rating: 3/5
Caffeinated Clint
Film Threat…
Plot
Erin is a nurse and her longtime boyfriend has dumped her. Her mother Piper places a personal ad for her. Meanwhile the film follows the life of Alan, a volunteer at a local aquarium who dreams of becoming a marine biologist. Will their paths cross?
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film Next Stop Wonderland on Fresh Kernels.
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