Unbreakable (2000)
80%RT Audience Score: 77%
Awards & Nominations: NA
With a weaker ending, Unbreakable is not as a good as The Sixth Sense. However, it is a quietly suspenseful film that intrigues and engages, taking the audience through unpredictable twists and turns along the way
Unbreakable” is the superhero movie we didn’t know we needed. It’s like if Batman and Superman had a baby, but that baby was a moody, introspective teenager. M Night Shyamalan really outdid himself with this one, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a huge fan of Bruce Willis. The pacing may be slow, but it’s worth it for the payoff. Plus, Spencer Clark’s performance is a real standout. If you’re looking for a superhero movie with a little more depth, “Unbreakable” is the one for you.
Production Company(ies)
Apple Corps Aimimage Productions, Diamond Docs
Distributor
Touchstone Pictures, Buena Vista Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
TV-14
Year of Release
2000
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Stereo Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.78 : 116:9 HD
-
Runtime:1h 47m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:The Philippines
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 22, 2000 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 2, 2003
Genre(s)
Mystery & thriller
Keyword(s)
starring Bruce Willis, Samuel L Jackson, Robin Wright, Charlayne Woodard, Spencer Treat Clark, James Handy, directed by M Night Shyamalan, written by M Night Shyamalan, Mystery & Thriller, PG-13, box office gross $95.0M, Dolby Stereo, DTS, SDDS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR, produced by M Night Shyamalan, Barry Mendel, Sam Mercer, reviewed by Matthew Rozsa, Peter Bradshaw, Nell Minow, Andrew Sarris, Geoff Andrew, Steven D Greydanus, Fico Cangiano, Jim Rohner, Mike Massie, Richard Propes, A.S Hamrah, Sergio Benítez, superhero, sole survivor, train wreck, mysterious stranger, powers, disability, obsession, unpredictable twists, grounded, human story, twist ending, origin story, emotional depth, cult status, sloppy editing, suspenseful, quietly intriguing, unpredictable twists and turns
Worldwide gross: $248,118,121
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $95,011,339
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
Samuel L. Jackson – Elijah Price
Robin Wright – Audrey Dunn
Charlayne Woodard – Elijah’s Mother
Spencer Treat Clark – Joseph Dunn
James Handy – Priest
Director(s)
M. Night Shyamalan
Writer(s)
M. Night Shyamalan
Producer(s)
M. Night Shyamalan, Barry Mendel, Sam Mercer
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (173) | Top Critics (45) | Fresh (121) | Rotten (52)
“Unbreakable” is likely to stand the test of time as long as stories about superheroes – or heroes in general – are still sought by scared, suffering human beings.
January 23, 2019 | Rating: 4/4
Matthew Rozsa
Salon.com
TOP CRITIC
This compelling conundrum of a film marks the maturity of Sixth Sense director M Night Shyamalan as a distinctive, even remarkable filmmaker.
January 2, 2019
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
Interesting premise, but ultimately disappointing.
December 29, 2010 | Rating: 2/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
With Unbreakable , Mr. Shyamalan establishes himself as a distinctive auteur with a very personal style.
April 27, 2007
Andrew Sarris
Observer
TOP CRITIC
Whereas The Sixth Sense left audiences surprised but surprisingly comfortable, this more mature and ambitious movie preserves its ambiguities and keeps everyone guessing.
February 9, 2006
Geoff Andrew
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Despite my misgivings, I’m glad I saw the film.
May 8, 2002 | Rating: C+
Steven D. Greydanus
Decent Films
TOP CRITIC
Ahead of its time, Unbreakable remains one of the best superhero films of all time. A masterful deconstruction and exploration of the popular comic book genre. [Full review in Spanish]
July 22, 2021 | Rating: 4.5/5
Fico Cangiano
CineXpress Podcast
A somber and seemingly prophetically introspective take on a superhero genre that had not yet caught fire…
April 14, 2021
Jim Rohner
Battleship Pretension
The pacing is problematic, since a dramatic, low-key take on superheroes is a difficult sell – both to comic book fans and to audiences looking for greater levels of action.
November 9, 2020 | Rating: 4/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
Spencer Clark is wonderful.
September 26, 2020 | Rating: 3.0/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
This strange, quiet film about fear, fragility, dignity, and power is an anti-superhero movie made on the cusp of the superhero apocalypse.
September 16, 2020
A.S. Hamrah
The Baffler
A work that moves between the masterful and the sublime throughout a footage that accumulates moment after moment of pure inventive genius. [Full Review in Spanish]
April 17, 2020
Sergio Benítez
Espinof…
Plot
After being rescued from an underground bunker in which she lived the past fifteen years, Kimmy Schmidt decides to move to New York City to have a normal life. She makes friends with her new roommate Titus, and works as a babysitter for Jacqueline Voorhees, the wife of a billionaire with many issues. Even though many obstacles are thrown her way, Kimmy makes the best of her new life while having to adapt to the new world around her.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film Unbreakable on Fresh Kernels.
M.-Night-Shyamalan.jpg
80%
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
80%RT Audience Score: 77%
Awards & Nominations: 3 wins & 2 nominations
Sleek, stylish, and painlessly diverting, The Thomas Crown Affair is a remake of uncommon charm
The Thomas Crown Affair is like watching a fashion show with a side of heist. Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo look stunning, but their chemistry is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Still, the movie has its moments of intrigue and seduction, making it a fun watch for a lazy afternoon. Plus, it’s nice to see a Hollywood movie that appreciates a mature female body for once. Overall, it’s a fine remake for those who want some mindless entertainment.
Production Company(ies)
Les Films, du Poisson Arte France Cinéma Entre Chien et Loup
Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Martinique, Départements d’Outre-Mer, France
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for some sexuality and language
Year of Release
1999
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 12.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 53m
-
Language(s):English, German, Polish, French
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jul 27, 1999 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 2, 2004
Genre(s)
Romance
Keyword(s)
starring Pierce Brosnan, Rene Russo, Denis Leary, Ben Gazzara, Frankie Faison, Fritz Weaver, directed by John McTiernan, written by Kurt Wimmer, Leslie Dixon, romance, R rating, box office performance, $69.3M gross USA, produced by Pierce Brosnan, Beau St Clair, reviewed by Joe Morgenstern, David Ansen, Paul Tatara, Nell Minow, Geoff Andrew, Bob Graham, Blake Howard, Betty Jo Tucker, Scott Nash, Joe Lozito, Garth Franklin, MPAA rating, Monet, museum, insurance company, back-and-forth game, romantic undertones, escape, SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround
Worldwide gross: $124,305,181
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $223,131,266
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 638
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 24,332,744
US/Canada gross: $69,305,181
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $124,404,732
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 610
US/Canada opening weekend: $14,600,719
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $26,208,698
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 523
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $48,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $86,161,338
Production budget ranking: 481
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $46,397,881
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $90,572,047
ROI to date (est.): 68%
ROI ranking: 1,069
Rene Russo – Catherine Olds Banning
Denis Leary – Detective First Grade Michael McCann
Ben Gazzara – Andrew Wallace
Frankie Faison – Detective Paretti
Fritz Weaver – John Reynolds
Director(s)
John McTiernan
Writer(s)
Kurt Wimmer, Leslie Dixon
Producer(s)
Pierce Brosnan, Beau St. Clair
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
3 wins & 2 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (102) | Top Critics (34) | Fresh (71) | Rotten (31)
Still, this techno-fiscal romance has its rewards.
April 4, 2018
Joe Morgenstern
Wall Street Journal
TOP CRITIC
It’s nice to see a Hollywood movie that appreciates a mature female body for a change. And nice to see that The Thomas Crown Affair has survived its glossy, glam makeover so well.
March 6, 2018
David Ansen
Newsweek
TOP CRITIC
It’s like you’re watching two models slap each other with fashion magazines.
February 16, 2018
Paul Tatara
CNN.com
TOP CRITIC
A fine remake for older teens and adults.
December 29, 2010 | Rating: 3/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
First rate popular entertainment.
February 9, 2006
Geoff Andrew
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
June 18, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Bob Graham
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
The Thomas Crown Affair is the perfect defence for why films could and should be remade for new generations.
January 18, 2015 | Rating: 3.5/5
Blake Howard
2UE That Movie Show
Hhandsome Pierce Brosnan and elegant Rene Russo look fabulous here, but they fail to ignite an exciting on-screen chemistry.
June 26, 2011
Betty Jo Tucker
ReelTalk Movie Reviews
In 1999, was there a more suave man on the planet than Pierce Brosnan?
August 25, 2010 | Rating: 3/4
Scott Nash
Three Movie Buffs
July 14, 2007 | Rating: 2/4
Joe Lozito
Big Picture Big Sound
October 30, 2006 | Rating: 2/4
Garth Franklin
Dark Horizons
This movie is basically a no-brainer, but has some intrigue and a healthy dose of seduction.
May 26, 2006 | Rating: 2.5/4
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid…
Plot
Self-made billionaire Thomas Crown is bored of being able to buy everything he desires. Being irresistible to women, he also does not feel any challenge in that area. But there are a few things even he can’t get, therefore Thomas Crown has a seldom hobby: He steals priceless masterpieces of Art. After the theft of a famous painting from Claude Monet, the only person suspecting Thomas Crown is Catherine Banning. Her job is to get the picture back, no matter how she accomplishes her mission. Unfortunately, Catherine gets involved too deeply with Thomas to keep a professional distance to the case. Fortunately, Thomas seems to fall for her, too.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Rene Russo’s nudity is mentioned in one of the audience reviews.
John-McTiernan.jpg
80%
An Ideal Husband (1999)
80%RT Audience Score: 69%
Awards & Nominations: 4 wins & 17 nominations total
Brevity is the soul of wit, eh? This adaptation gets to the nitty gritty of Wilde’s stage piece and plays on eternal human foibles
An Ideal Husband is a witty and charming film that will have you laughing out loud. The cast is top-notch, with Rupert Everett stealing the show as the idlest man in London. The film is a clever adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s play, with smooth-flowing direction and a shrewdly pruned script. While it may not be as inventive as some of the director’s other works, it’s still a delightful and enjoyable movie that’s perfect for a night in with friends. So grab some popcorn and settle in for a fun and lustrously shot revamping of a classic tale about love and deception.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
London, England, UK
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for brief sensuality/nudity
Year of Release
1999
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Jan 18, 2000
Genre(s)
Comedy/Romance
Keyword(s)
starring Rupert Everett, Julianne Moore, Jeremy Northam, Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, John Wood, Peter Vaughan, directed by Oliver Parker, written by Oliver Parker, produced by Barnaby Thompson, Uri Fruchtmann, Bruce Davey, comedy, romance, PG-13, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Owen Gleiberman, Derek Elley, Jeff Millar, Peter Matthews, Peter Travers, Kevin Thomas, James Hannaham, Maitland McDonagh, Karina Montgomery, Michael Dequina, Mark Halverson, Sir Robert Chiltern, Lord Arthur Goring, Mrs Laura Cheveley, Lady Gertrude Chiltern, Miss Mabel Chiltern, Lord Caversham, Oscar Wilde, human foibles, eternal love, deception, London, government official, notorious womanizer, multiple illicit affairs, true natures, intertwined, respected, loving husband, old acquaintance, stir up trouble, stage piece, witty repartee, unselfish love, forgiveness, diamond necklace, Hollywood Brits, barbed wit, teamwork, byplay, first rate performances, lavish, clever entertainment, chance to laugh without shame
Worldwide gross: $18,542,974
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $33,285,155
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,511
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 3,629,788
US/Canada gross: $18,542,974
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $33,285,155
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,243
US/Canada opening weekend: $192,802
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $346,085
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,495
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $14,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $25,130,390
Production budget ranking: 1,244
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $13,532,715
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$5,377,950
ROI to date (est.): -14%
ROI ranking: 1,473
Julianne Moore – Mrs. Laura Cheveley
Jeremy Northam – Sir Robert Chiltern
Cate Blanchett – Lady Gertrude Chiltern
Minnie Driver – Miss Mabel Chiltern
John Wood – Lord Caversham
Director(s)
Oliver Parker
Writer(s)
Oliver Parker
Producer(s)
Barnaby Thompson, Uri Fruchtmann, Bruce Davey
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
4 wins & 17 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (66) | Top Critics (21) | Fresh (56) | Rotten (10)
An enjoyable, minor, lustrously shot revamping of Oscar Wilde’s play about the perpetually interlocked manners of love and deception.
July 7, 2010 | Rating: B
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
Smooth-flowing direction, a shrewdly pruned script and a top-flight ensemble cast that visibly relishes both the dialogue and one another’s perfs make this a tony item for upscale, mature audiences.
June 19, 2008
Derek Elley
Variety
TOP CRITIC
Parker has made a sensible cinematic translation of Wilde’s play, intercutting scenes which would have been played consecutively on the stage.
July 21, 2005
Jeff Millar
Houston Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Moore gives the best display of female Machiavellianism since Bette Davis held court over The Little Foxes.
March 3, 2002
Peter Matthews
Sight & Sound
TOP CRITIC
May 10, 2001 | Rating: 4/5
Peter Travers
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
Wilde was always about lots more than witty repartee, and as sparkling as his play is as drawing-room comedy, it reveals his concern with the timeless values of unselfish love and forgiveness.
February 14, 2001 | Rating: 4/5
Kevin Thomas
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
As Arthur Goring — “the idlest man in London” — Rupert Everett sparkles brightest in the diamond necklace of Hollywood Brits adorning An Ideal Husband.
May 27, 2022
James Hannaham
Out Magazine
It’s lavish, clever entertainment, a welcome opportunity to laugh without shame.
July 20, 2010 | Rating: 3.5/4
Maitland McDonagh
TV Guide
It’s a pleasant diversion but sadly, little more than a chance to hear Rupert’s barbed wit.
December 15, 2009 | Rating: 3.5/5
Karina Montgomery
Cinerina
The exquisite teamwork and byplay make the film such a delight to watch.
November 18, 2009 | Rating: 3/4
Michael Dequina
TheMovieReport.com
All the other performances — from Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Julianne Moore, John Wood and Peter Vaughan — are first rate.
August 7, 2008 | Rating: 3/5
Mark Halverson
Sacramento News & Review
Certain stretches truly sparkle, but the movie is not as inventive as The Winslow Boy, nor as relaxed and goofy as Midsummer[night’s Dream].
May 26, 2006 | Rating: 2.5/4
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid…
Plot
Sir Robert Chiltern is a successful Government minister, well-off and with a loving wife. All this is threatened when Mrs Cheveley appears in London with damning evidence of a past misdeed. Sir Robert turns for help to his friend Lord Goring, an apparently idle philanderer and the despair of his father. Goring knows the lady of old, and, for him, takes the whole thing pretty seriously.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Rupert Everett “sparkles brightest in the diamond necklace of Hollywood Brits adorning An Ideal Husband.”
Oliver-Parker.jpg
80%
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
80%RT Audience Score: 74%
Awards & Nominations: 12 wins & 30 nominations
Kubrick’s intense study of the human psyche yields an impressive cinematic work
Eyes Wide Shut is like a Christmas present that you’re not sure you wanted, but once you open it, you can’t look away. The film is a beautiful and surreal journey through the mind of Stanley Kubrick, with stunning set design and costumes that make you feel like you’re in a dream. While some critics may say it lacks substance, I say it’s a thrilling exploration of honesty and consequences in a high-class marriage. Plus, Tom Cruise gives a fiercely committed performance that will leave you wide-eyed and wanting more.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Argentina Video Home, Warner Sogefilms S.A. [es], Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Elveden Hall, Elveden, Suffolk, England, UK
MPAA / Certificate
TV-MA
Year of Release
1999
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:2h 39m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States, United Kingdom
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jul 16, 1999 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 11, 2005
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
Eyes Wide Shut, drama, 2h 39m, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, directed by Stanley Kubrick, written by Stanley Kubrick, Frederic Raphael, Arthur Schnitzer, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Richard T Jameson, Kenneth Turan, Stephen Hunter, Paul Tatara, Peter Bradshaw, John Hartl, MPAA rating R, sexual content, underground sexual group, obsession, human psyche, marital infidelity, psychological thriller, dream-like sequences, eerie, melancholy, wandering, lost vibe, American Beauty, NSFW, A Clockwork Orange, Chris Isaak, reversed chanting, Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, SDDS, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR, Flat (1.85:1), Argentina Video Home, Warner Sogefilms S.A [es], Warner Bros Pictures, Dr William Harford, Alice Harford, Victor Ziegler, Marion, Mr Milich, Nick Nightingale
Worldwide gross: $162,242,684
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $291,230,141
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 519
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 31,759,012
US/Canada gross: $55,691,208
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $99,967,271
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 753
US/Canada opening weekend: $21,706,163
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $38,963,168
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 327
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $65,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $116,676,812
Production budget ranking: 326
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $62,830,463
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $111,722,866
ROI to date (est.): 62%
ROI ranking: 1,089
Nicole Kidman – Alice Harford
Sydney Pollack – Victor Ziegler
Marie Richardson – Marion
Rade Serbedzija – Mr. Milich
Todd Field – Nick Nightingale
Stanley Kubrick – Director, Producer, Writer
Frederic Raphael – Writer
Arthur Schnitzer – Writer
Director(s)
Stanley Kubrick
Writer(s)
Stanley Kubrick, Frederic Raphael, Arthur Schnitzer
Producer(s)
Stanley Kubrick
Film Festivals
Venice
Awards & Nominations
12 wins & 30 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (159) | Top Critics (50) | Fresh (120) | Rotten (39)
Kubrick’s final film is unique in his oeuvre for concluding on a note of apparent affirmation.
April 10, 2018
Richard T. Jameson
Film Comment Magazine
TOP CRITIC
This is finally a film that is better at mood than substance, that has its strongest hold on you when it’s making the least amount of sense.
December 14, 2014
Kenneth Turan
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
It’s empty of ideas, which is fine, but it’s also empty of heat.
December 14, 2014
Stephen Hunter
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
At least Fellini pulled out the stops from the first minute when he wanted to get surreal. Here, realism fades into surrealism, then into outright foolishness. Morbidly paced foolishness.
December 14, 2014
Paul Tatara
CNN.com
TOP CRITIC
Cruise in particular lays himself open in that fiercely committed way that he tries everything as an actor.
December 14, 2014 | Rating: 4/5
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
It’s as rich and strange and riveting as any journey he’s taken us on, yet it’s also familiar in a disquieting way.
December 13, 2014 | Rating: 4/4
John Hartl
Seattle Times
TOP CRITIC
The director’s most emotionally confronting picture.
March 18, 2022 | Rating: 4/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
Eyes Wide Shut is the perfect embodiment of capitalist Christmas tendencies, wherein money talks and class supplants everything.
September 9, 2021
Jason Shawhan
Nashville Scene
Eyes Wide Shut is a beautiful film. The set design, costumes, actors, and cinematography are all beautiful. Kubrick’s camera seems to seek out beautiful things.
April 1, 2021
Sarah Brinks
Battleship Pretension
Eyes Wide Shut feels like the culmination of a career spent telling stories of every stripe; it’s at once horrifying, sexy and thrilling and it explores a world that is unlike anything that could exist outside the mind of Stanley Kubrick.
January 7, 2021
Craig Schroeder
Battleship Pretension
Kubrick’s last film has aged very well. Its depiction of honesty within a high class marriage and the consequences, is as valid as it is dangerous. [Full review in Spanish].
September 15, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4
Federico Furzan
Cinelipsis
Eyes Wide Shut (1999) is legendary director Stanley Kubrick’s highly-anticipated, last completed film. It was titled ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ to imply self-contradictory opposites: at first being exposed or tempted, and then reflexively turning away…
September 29, 2019 | Rating: A+
Tim Dirks
Filmsite…
Plot
After his wife, Alice, tells him about her sexual fantasies, William Harford sets out for a night of sexual adventure. After several less than successful encounters, he meets an old friend, Nick Nightingale
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film Eyes Wide Shut on Fresh Kernels.
Stanley-Kubrick.jpg
80%
The Thin Red Line (1998)
80%RT Audience Score: 80%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 7 Oscars
21 wins & 47 nominations total
The Thin Red Line is a daringly philosophical World War II film with an enormous cast of eager stars
The Thin Red Line is like a beautiful painting of war, except instead of paint, it’s made of stunning images and existential questioning. It’s like if Picasso decided to make a movie about soldiers. The action scenes are great, but it’s the quieter moments that really hit you in the feels. It’s a war movie that’s not really about war, but about the human experience. Plus, it’s got some of the best cinematography you’ll ever see. Overall, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves movies that make you think.
Production Company(ies)
Caviar Flat 7 Productions, Ward Four
Distributor
20th Century Fox, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for realistic war violence and language
Year of Release
1999
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 50m
-
Language(s):English, Tok, Pisin, Japanese, Greek
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 1998 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 7, 2000
Genre(s)
War
Keyword(s)
starring Jim Caviezel, Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, Ben Chaplin, George Clooney, John Cusack, directed by Terrence Malick, written by James Jones, Terrence Malick, war, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Joe Morgenstern, Richard Schickel, Gavin Smith, Nick Schager, Rob Humanick, Geoff Andrew, Sean Penn as Sgt Welsh, Adrien Brody as Cpl Fife, Jim Caviezel as Pvt Witt, Ben Chaplin as Pvt Bell, George Clooney as Capt Bosche, John Cusack as Capt Gaff, produced by John Roberdeau, Robert Michael Geisler, R rating, Battle of Guadalcanal, American troops, Japanese positions, World War II, U.S Army, South Pacific island, active duty training, various fates, attitudes towards life-or-death situations, philosophical, enormous cast, daringly, lyric epic poem, romanticism, dispassion, action, introspection, grand contradictions of life, modern war, sensual experience, spellbinding cinematography, unforgettable, daring battle sequences, lack of depth, tense, invigorating, surrealistic rumination, nature, psychological, grass level filming, claustrophobic, metaphoric, zen of war, fine performances, Nick Nolte as Colonel Tall, cameo roles, John Travolta, George Clooney, pacing, length, judicious editing, tighter narrative, aftermath of the campaign, repositioning of the company, incompetent command, sacrifice, narrator, soul, origin of evil, mankind’s loss of harmony, must-see, one-of-a-kind genre film, one-of-a-kind artist
Worldwide gross: $98,126,565
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $176,139,920
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 767
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 19,208,279
US/Canada gross: $36,400,491
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $65,339,896
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 956
US/Canada opening weekend: $282,534
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $507,156
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,400
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $52,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $93,341,450
Production budget ranking: 443
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $50,264,371
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $32,534,100
ROI to date (est.): 23%
ROI ranking: 1,281
Adrien Brody – Cpl. Fife
Jim Caviezel – Pvt. Witt
Ben Chaplin – Pvt. Bell
George Clooney – Capt. Bosche
John Cusack – Capt. Gaff
Director(s)
Terrence Malick
Writer(s)
James Jones, Terrence Malick
Producer(s)
John Roberdeau, Robert Michael Geisler
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 7 Oscars
21 wins & 47 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (105) | Top Critics (32) | Fresh (85) | Rotten (20)
stunning images couldn’t make Days of Heaven a coherent dramatic whole, and they can’t do it for The Thin Red Line.
April 2, 2019
Joe Morgenstern
Wall Street Journal
TOP CRITIC
The film is a gorgeous garland on an unknown soldier’s grave.
April 1, 2019
Richard Schickel
TIME Magazine
TOP CRITIC
There has truly never been a film about modern war quite like this one: a kind of lyric epic poem about the way men are transformed for good by the experience of war, carefully balancing romanticism and dispassion, action and introspection.
April 10, 2018
Gavin Smith
Film Comment Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Ultimately concerned less with specific tactical maneuvers or combat suffering than with the grand contradictions of life.
May 11, 2011 | Rating: A
Nick Schager
Lessons of Darkness
TOP CRITIC
The Thin Red Line’s hallucinatory blend of images defines the very essence of cinema.
April 20, 2011 | Rating: 4/4
Rob Humanick
Slant Magazine
TOP CRITIC
It’s a genuinely epic ciné-poem that essentially sidesteps history, politics and conventional ethics to deal with war as an absolute, inevitable and eternal facet of existence.
February 9, 2006
Geoff Andrew
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line should not be seen as much as experienced through the perception of flowing images and existential questioning.
March 18, 2022 | Rating: 4/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
Unflinching in its “war is hell” message, we witness young men’s innocence and spark stripped away on the battlefield. That’s been done before though. What makes this film stand out is its vision beyond the battle.
January 18, 2022 | Rating: 5/5
Tom Cassidy
Common Sense Media
The action scenes are beautifully shot but it’s in the quieter and more thoughtful moments that The Thin Red Line finds its real strength.
November 22, 2021
Rob Aldam
Backseat Mafia
Malick’s epic war film still remains fresh after years. The director proposes questions about the solitude of death, the cynicism of wars, and the efficient effects of conflict. [Full review in Spanish].
July 30, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4
Federico Furzan
Cinelipsis
As such, The Thin Red Line might just be the greatest war film ever made.
July 1, 2020
CJ Sheu
Review Film Review
The Thin Red Line is a sensual experience, so richly detailed and textured that its images leap from the screen.
October 29, 2019
David Harris
Spectrum Culture…
Plot
U.S. Army Private Witt (AWOL) is found and imprisoned on a troop carrier by his company First Sergeant, Welsh.The men of C Company,1st Battalion,27th Infantry Regiment,25th Infantry Division have been brought to Guadalcanal as reinforcements in the campaign to secure Henderson Field and seize the island from the Japanese. They arrive near Hill 210, a key Japanese position. Their task is to capture the hill at all costs. What happens next is a story of redemption and the meaninglessness of war. Regardless of the outcome.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The Thin Red Line boasts an enormous cast of eager stars, including Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, Jim Caviezel, Ben Chaplin, George Clooney, and John Cusack.
Terrence-Malick.jpg
80%
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
80%RT Audience Score:
Awards & Nominations: Won 1 Oscar
12 wins & 27 nominations total
The Prince of Egypt’s stunning visuals and first-rate voice cast more than compensate for the fact that it’s better crafted than it is emotionally involving
The Prince of Egypt is a movie that’s so good, it’ll make you want to part the Red Sea yourself. With stunning animation and a story that’s both epic and human, it’s no wonder this movie has been a favorite for years. Plus, the music is incredible – you’ll be humming “When You Believe” for days. Sure, there are some critics who nitpick at the details, but who cares? This movie is a masterpiece. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
Production Company(ies)
Red Crown Productions, The Princess Grace Foundation Participant
Distributor
DreamWorks SKG
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Glendale, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for intense depiction of thematic elements
Year of Release
1998
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 37m
-
Language(s):English, Hebrew
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 18, 1998 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 26, 2004
Genre(s)
Musical
Keyword(s)
starring Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, directed by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells, written by Philip LaZebnik, musical, animated, Book of Exodus, Egyptian Prince Moses, Jewish slave, quest, freedom, bondage, brother Rameses, pharaoh, plagues, Red Sea, drowning, Ten Commandments, rules, stunning visuals, first-rate voice cast, emotionally involving, critic reviews, box office gross, DreamWorks SKG, PG rating, musical genre, Penney Finkelman Cox, Sandra Rabins, surround sound, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Worldwide gross: $218,613,188
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $401,186,026
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 383
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 43,749,839
US/Canada gross: $101,413,188
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $186,107,500
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 398
US/Canada opening weekend: $14,524,321
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $26,654,177
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 514
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $70,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $128,459,870
Production budget ranking: 280
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $69,175,640
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $203,550,515
ROI to date (est.): 103%
ROI ranking: 927
Ralph Fiennes – Rameses (voice)
Michelle Pfeiffer – Tzipporah (voice)
Sandra Bullock – Miriam (voice)
Jeff Goldblum – Aaron (voice)
Danny Glover – Jethro (voice)
Director(s)
Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells
Writer(s)
Philip LaZebnik
Producer(s)
Penney Finkelman Cox, Sandra Rabins
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Won 1 Oscar
12 wins & 27 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (90) | Top Critics (32) | Fresh (72) | Rotten (18)
Well-told story that’s careful not to offend.
December 27, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
The movie’s proudest accomplishment is that it revises our version of Moses toward something more immediate and believable, more humanly knowable.
March 19, 2008
Stephen Hunter
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
This is sensational cinema: crowds swarming among pyramids in eye-popping 3-D, camerawork that’s distinctly Spielbergian in its fluidity.
March 19, 2008
David Edelstein
Slate
TOP CRITIC
The blend of animation techniques somehow demonstrates mastery modestly, while the special effects are nothing short of magnificent.
March 19, 2008
Lisa Alspector
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
As epic, emotionally satisfying spectacle, it’s way up there with the very best in mainstream animation.
June 24, 2006
Derek Adams
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
The handsomely animated Prince of Egypt is an amalgam of Hollywood biblical epic, Broadway supermusical and nice Sunday school lesson.
July 21, 2005
Jeff Millar
Houston Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
The Prince of Egypt may have beautiful animation and music but in retelling the story of the Exodus, they get part of it wrong.
April 13, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Danielle Solzman
Solzy at the Movies
A sweeping epic that threads a very human struggle amidst the plagues and miracles.
March 30, 2021
Petrana Radulovic
Polygon
This story reminds me that in a world run by men and kings, there is wonder and strength in the woman, in the child, and in the slave, to change the course of history.
September 11, 2019
Debbie Holloway
Narrative Muse
I love the reverent tone throughout and the incredible music
May 8, 2019 | Rating: 10/10
Rachel Wagner
Rachel’s Reviews (YouTube)
The animation is stunning.
March 13, 2019 | Rating: A+
Rachel Wagner
rachelsreviews.net
Prince gives great emotional depth to the story…
October 22, 2018
Eve Tushnet
Patheos…
Plot
This is the extraordinary tale of two brothers named Rameses II (Ralph Fiennes) and Moses (Val Kilmer), one born of royal blood, and one an orphan with a secret past. Growing up the best of friends, they share a strong bond of free-spirited youth and good-natured rivalry. But the truth will ultimately set them at odds, as one becomes the ruler of the most powerful empire on Earth, and the other the chosen leader of his people. Their final confrontation will forever change their lives and the world.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Ralph Fiennes voices the character of Rameses in The Prince of Egypt.
Brenda-Chapman.jpg
80%
Rounders (1998)
80%RT Audience Score: 87%
Awards & Nominations: 1 win & 1 nomination
Richly atmospheric and colorful performances contributed to the movie’s entertainment value
Rounders” is the perfect movie for anyone who loves poker and wants to see Matt Damon and Edward Norton strut their stuff. Sure, some critics might say it’s too unbelievable or predictable, but who cares when you’re watching a bunch of cool dudes play cards and try to outsmart each other? Plus, Gretchen Mol and John Turturro are also in it, so you know it’s gonna be good. So grab some popcorn, put on your best poker face, and get ready to be immersed in the world of high-stakes gambling.
Production Company(ies)
Break Thru Films,
Distributor
Miramax Films
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
15 Washington Street, Newark, New Jersey, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for pervasive strong language, some sexuality and brief drug use
Year of Release
1998
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 0m
-
Language(s):English, Hebrew, Russian
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Sep 8, 1998 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 10, 2009
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Turturro, Gretchen Mol, Famke Janssen, John Malkovich, directed by John Dahl, written by David Levien, Brian Koppelman, drama, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Jason Bailey, Owen Gleiberman, Rita Kempley, Todd McCarthy, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Trevor Johnston, Mark Jackson, Richard Propes, Betty Jo Tucker, Jon Fortgang, MPAA rating R, poker, gambling, Russian gangster, debt, cheating, Miramax Films, Joel Stillerman, Ted Demme, SDDS, Dolby Digital, Surround, Scope (2.35:1)
Worldwide gross: $22,912,409
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $42,047,501
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,415
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 4,585,333
US/Canada gross: $22,912,409
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $42,047,501
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,144
US/Canada opening weekend: $8,459,126
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $15,523,689
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 772
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $12,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $22,021,692
Production budget ranking: 1,324
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $11,858,681
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $8,167,128
ROI to date (est.): 24%
ROI ranking: 1,270
Ed Norton – Lester ‘Worm’ Murphy
John Turturro – Joey Knish
Gretchen Mol – Jo
Famke Janssen – Petra
John Malkovich – Teddy KGB
Director – John Dahl
Producers – Joel Stillerman, Ted Demme
Writers – David Levien, Brian Koppelman
Director(s)
John Dahl
Writer(s)
David Levien, Brian Koppelman
Producer(s)
Joel Stillerman, Ted Demme
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
1 win & 1 nomination
Academy Awards
All Critics (80) | Top Critics (25) | Fresh (52) | Rotten (28)
The most vivid and most enjoyable movies immerse us in a world, and show us how that world works. The screenplay by David Levien and Brian Koppelman does that; Dahl’s direction closes the deal.
June 19, 2016
Jason Bailey
Flavorwire
TOP CRITIC
September 7, 2011 | Rating: B
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
The wholesome pup’s poker face alone, however, hardly accounts for the film’s failure to thrill. Damon’s character doesn’t really have that much stake in the story’s outcome.
March 25, 2008
Rita Kempley
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
Intermittently engaging but dramatically slack.
March 25, 2008
Todd McCarthy
Variety
TOP CRITIC
Gretchen Mol, Edward Norton, John Turturro, Martin Landau, and Famke Janssen costar; they’re all pretty good, but not good enough to make this 1998 feature worth seeing.
March 25, 2008
Jonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
The end result is still short of a winning hand, since the screenplay is so utterly predictable.
June 24, 2006
Trevor Johnston
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
“Rounders” is basically “Good Will Hunting 2.” I’ll go so far as to say that it’s even more entertaining. I’ve seen “Good Will Hunting” twice. I’ve seen “Rounders” at least nine times.
August 31, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
Mark Jackson
Epoch Times
If you are a fan of poker, you will likely love this film’s portrayal of the poker world.
September 21, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
John Dahl’s film is not as sinister or complex as its cinematic cousin, House of Games, but it is fun to see these young Hollywood studs (Damon, Edward Norton, Gretchen Mol) strut their stuff.
May 3, 2013 | Rating: 71/100
Dan Jardine
Cinemania
Although featuring a splendid Edward Norton performance, ‘Rounders’ comes across as too unbelievable, often straying beyond the bounds of rationality.
October 29, 2011
Betty Jo Tucker
ReelTalk Movie Reviews
John Dahl creates an intelligent and character-driven crime-drama built around solid performances by Damon and Norton.
March 25, 2008 | Rating: 3.5/5
Jon Fortgang
Film4
This ode to the allure of clipping suckers and psyching out the competition is richly atmospheric but thin in the character department.
March 25, 2008 | Rating: 2.5/4
Maitland McDonagh
TV Guide…
Plot
John Dahl directed this exploration of New York private clubs devoted to high-stakes poker, with first-person narration from the film’s central figure, law student Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), who loses his entire savings to Russian club owner Teddy KGB (John Malkovich). Mike then turns away from cards, devoting his attentions to his law studies and his live-in girlfriend Jo (Gretchen Mol), who’s concerned when Mike’s former gambling buddy Worm (Edward Norton) is released from prison. She has good reason to worry, since it takes Worm only a matter of minutes to draw Mike back into poker action. When she learns Mike has returned to the poker clubs, she moves out, and Mike begins to lose interest in his studies. Worm has a prison debt, and the threatening Grama (Michael Rispoli) wants the money. Mike not only indulges the irresponsible Worm, he gets involved in Worm’s debts. When Grama demands $15,000 on a five-day deadline, the two buddies go into high gear with a non-stop, no-sleep gambling binge that spirals downward toward an ultimate confrontation with Teddy KGB.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels mentions the “colorful performances” in Rounders contributing to its entertainment value, but doesn’t give any specific examples.
John-Dahl.jpg
80%
Zero Effect (1997)
80%RT Audience Score: 80%
Awards & Nominations: NA
A promising debut for writer/director Jake Kasdan, Zero Effect overcomes its flaws with its off-kilter humor and likeable leads
Zero Effect is a movie that’s as convoluted as a game of Twister, but with less fun. It’s a snooze-fest that will make you want to take a nap instead of trying to figure out the plot. However, if you’re looking for a movie that will put you to sleep, this is the one for you. The only thing that’s worth watching is Daryl Zero, the sociopathic detective who’s as charming as he is creepy. Overall, it’s a movie that’s best left in the past.
Production Company(ies)
Nouvelles Éditions de Films,
Distributor
Columbia Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Portland, Oregon, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language
Year of Release
1998
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 55m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 30, 1998 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 16, 2013
Genre(s)
Comedy/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Bill Pullman, Ben Stiller, Ryan O’Neal, Kim Dickens, Angela Featherstone, Hugh Ross, Lisa Henson, Jake Kasdan, Janet Yang, directed by Jake Kasdan, written by Jake Kasdan, comedy, drama, R rating, box office performance, $2.0M gross USA, reviewed by Mike Clark, Lisa Schwarzbaum, Leonard Klady, Geoff Andrew, James Berardinelli, Susan Stark, CJ Sheu, David Nusair, Jeffrey M Anderson, Emanuel Levy, David Cornelius, Mike McGranaghan, private investigator, blackmail plot, eccentric, assistant, recluse, suspect, off-kilter humor, likeable leads, promising debut
Worldwide gross: $2,087,471
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $3,830,804
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,247
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 417,754
US/Canada gross: $2,087,471
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $3,830,804
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,883
US/Canada opening weekend: $434,840
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $797,993
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,305
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $9,175,705
Production budget ranking: 1,706
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,941,117
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$10,286,019
ROI to date (est.): -73%
ROI ranking: 1,822
Ben Stiller – Steve Arlo
Ryan O’Neal – Gregory Stark
Kim Dickens – Gloria Sullivan
Angela Featherstone – Jess
Hugh Ross – Bill
Director – Jake Kasdan
Producers – Lisa Henson, Jake Kasdan, Janet Yang
Writer – Jake Kasdan
Director(s)
Jake Kasdan
Writer(s)
Jake Kasdan
Producer(s)
Lisa Henson, Jake Kasdan, Janet Yang
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (50) | Top Critics (13) | Fresh (32) | Rotten (18)
Zero Effect drones on for two hours unraveling a convoluted blackmail plot of zero interest.
January 9, 2018 | Rating: 1.5/4
Mike Clark
USA Today
TOP CRITIC
September 7, 2011 | Rating: C+
Lisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
There’s an idiosyncratic talent at work here with the potential to blossom into bigger, better and more accomplished films.
March 26, 2009
Leonard Klady
Variety
TOP CRITIC
Kasdan’s is a very promising debut, its own dearth of feeling offset by able writing, engaging playing and a sure sense of pace.
June 24, 2006
Geoff Andrew
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
It turns out to be disappointingly ordinary.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 2.5/4
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
TOP CRITIC
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3/4
Susan Stark
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
Daryl: He still has that sociopathic patina, but we get glimpses of the real person inside, revealing the film to be not satire but a loving deconstruction of a genre[.]
July 1, 2020
CJ Sheu
Review Film Review
Filmmaker Kasdan, working from his own screenplay, delivers a lackadaisically-paced drama that remains entertaining throughout…
May 7, 2018 | Rating: 3/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
A strong debut, and a very fun movie.
May 26, 2006 | Rating: 3/4
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid
June 26, 2005 | Rating: 2/5
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Daryl Zero is a movie character for the ages.
April 4, 2005 | Rating: 5/5
David Cornelius
eFilmCritic.com
A hidden gem.
February 25, 2005 | Rating: 4/5
Mike McGranaghan
Aisle Seat…
Plot
Daryl Zero is a private investigator. Along with his assistant, Steve Arlo he solves impossible crimes and puzzles. Though a master investigator, when he is not working, Zero doesn’t know what to do with himself. He has no social skills, writes bad music, and drives Arlo crazy. In his latest case, Zero must find out who is blackmailing a rich executive, and when his client won’t tell him, why. The only problem with this case is Zero has done something he’s never done before: got emotionally involved.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Bill Pullman delivers an energetic and charismatic performance as the eccentric private investigator Daryl Zero.
Jake-Kasdan.jpg
80%
She’s So Lovely (1997)
80%RT Audience Score: 80%
Awards & Nominations: 3 wins & 4 nominations
She’s So Lovely, a film based on a script by Cassavetes pere and directed by Cassavetes fils, is a curious item that leaves much to be desired. While it may have been a hit 20 years ago with the likes of Gena Rowlands, Ben Gazzara, and Peter Falk, the film lacks the profound ideas and rich subtext of the master’s work. It’s an acting exercise that’s intriguing and entertaining, but ultimately falls short of being a successful romantic comedy. The film’s attempt at exploring love and madness is a dreadful one, leaving critics with mixed reviews. While some may find it to be a fresh take on the genre, others may find it to be a rotten attempt at a classic. Overall, She’s So Lovely is a film that’s worth watching for its unique approach, but it’s not one that will leave a lasting impression.
She’s So Lovely” is a movie that’s like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get. Some critics say it’s a masterpiece, while others say it’s a disaster. Personally, I thought it was a fun and quirky romantic comedy that kept me entertained from start to finish. Sure, it may not be as profound as some of John Cassavetes’ other films, but it’s got a great cast (including Sean Penn and Robin Wright) and a lot of heart. If you’re in the mood for a movie that’s a little bit offbeat and a lot of fun, then “She’s So Lovely” is definitely worth checking out.
Production Company(ies)
HBO Documentary Films, Jigsaw Productions, Sky Atlantic
Distributor
Miramax Films
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Los Angeles, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for strong language and some violence
Year of Release
1997
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 37m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Aug 27, 1997 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 4, 2000
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Sean Penn, Robin Wright, John Travolta, Harry Dean Stanton, Debi Mazar, James Gandolfini, directed by Nick Cassavetes, written by John Cassavetes, drama, R rating, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Lisa Schwarzbaum, Emanuel Levy, Mick LaSalle, Russell Smith, Susan Stark, James Berardinelli, Cole Smithey, Neil Cohen, Jon Niccum, Michael Dequina, Thomas Delapa, actor-driven, institutionalized, accidental shooting, remarried, family, love, madness, Gena Rowlands, Ben Gazzara, Peter Falk, Miramax Films, produced by René Cleitman, sound mix, Dolby Digital, aspect ratio, scope, 35mm
Worldwide gross: $7,281,450
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $13,573,212
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,859
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 1,480,176
US/Canada gross: $7,281,450
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $13,573,212
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,520
US/Canada opening weekend: $3,020,015
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $5,629,552
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,075
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $18,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $33,553,456
Production budget ranking: 1,085
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $18,068,536
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$38,048,780
ROI to date (est.): -74%
ROI ranking: 1,826
Robin Wright – Maureen Murphy Quinn
John Travolta – Joey Germoni
Harry Dean Stanton – Tony ‘Shorty’ Russo
Debi Mazar – Georgie
James Gandolfini – Kiefer
Director – Nick Cassavetes
Producer – René Cleitman
Writer – John Cassavetes
Director(s)
Nick Cassavetes
Writer(s)
John Cassavetes
Producer(s)
René Cleitman
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
3 wins & 4 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (41) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (27) | Rotten (14)
September 7, 2011 | Rating: B
Lisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
Based on Cassavetes pere script, this Cassavetes fils meditation on love and madness is a truly curioisity item, lacking the master’s profound ideas and rich subtext; 20 years ago, it would have starred Gena Rowlands, Ben Gazzara and Peter Falk.
December 1, 2006 | Rating: B-
Emanuel Levy
Variety
TOP CRITIC
June 18, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Mick LaSalle
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3.5/5
Russell Smith
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3/4
Susan Stark
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3/4
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
TOP CRITIC
September 3, 2008 | Rating: 4/5
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com
July 29, 2007 | Rating: 3/5
Neil Cohen
Echo Magazine
January 25, 2007 | Rating: 3/5
Jon Niccum
Lawrence Journal-World
An acting exercise, and an intriguing and entertaining one at that.
January 11, 2007 | Rating: 3/4
Michael Dequina
TheMovieReport.com
July 22, 2005 | Rating: 2/5
Thomas Delapa
Boulder Weekly
Dreadful attempt at romantic comedy
June 21, 2005 | Rating: 1/5
Daniel Eagan
Film Journal International…
Plot
Maureen is pregnant and her husband Eddie is missing. Nervous, Maureen shares a couple of drinks with neighbor Kiefer, who tries to rape her and then beats her. When Eddie returns and finds his wife bruised, he goes ballistic, shoots a paramedic and is put in a psychiatric institution. Ten years later, Eddie is released and finds that Maureen has divorced him and is remarried with three children, one of whom is his little girl Jeanie. Eddie goes to reclaim his wife.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The cast of She’s So Lovely includes Sean Penn, Robin Wright Penn, John Travolta, Harry Dean Stanton, and James Gandolfini.
Nick-Cassavetes.jpg
80%
Starship Troopers (1997)
80%RT Audience Score: 80%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
3 wins & 16 nominations total
A fun movie…if you can accept the excessive gore and wooden acting
Starship Troopers is like a high school movie on steroids, with love triangles, big games, and even a school dance (with some steamy action). But once the infantry training starts, it’s all about flexing machismo to the extreme, which can only be satire. The film’s over-the-top attack sequences and practical effects make it a spectacle to behold, and it’s no wonder that it’s now embraced by film fans as a sly satire on America’s love for right-wing militarism. Plus, who doesn’t love a good bug hunt?
Production Company(ies)
X-Filme Creative Pool Westdeutscher Rundfunk ARTE
Distributor
Trimark Pictures
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for graphic sci-fi violence and gore, and for some language and nudity
Year of Release
1997
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital Dolby Atmos
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Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
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Runtime:2h 9m
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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): Nov 7, 1997 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 17, 2002
Genre(s)
Action
Keyword(s)
Starship Troopers, R-rated, Action, 2h 9m, directed by Paul Verhoeven, written by Robert A Heinlein and Edward Neumeier, produced by Jon Davison and Alan Marshall, starring Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Jake Busey, Neil Patrick Harris, Clancy Brown, reviewed by critics, box office gross of $54.7M, sci-fi violence, gore, nudity, language, bugs, mobile infantry, war, propaganda, satire, gender equality, military, Nazi-esque, B-movie aesthetic, action, adventure, thriller, horror, cult classic, Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital, Trimark Pictures
Worldwide gross: $121,214,377
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $225,953,400
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 631
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 24,640,502
US/Canada gross: $54,814,377
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $102,178,431
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 737
US/Canada opening weekend: $22,058,773
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $41,119,337
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 297
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $105,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $195,728,490
Production budget ranking: 125
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $105,399,792
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$75,174,882
ROI to date (est.): -25%
ROI ranking: 1,536
Dina Meyer – Dizzy Flores
Denise Richards – Carmen Ibanez
Jake Busey – Ace Levy
Neil Patrick Harris – Carl Jenkins
Clancy Brown – Sergeant Zim
Director(s)
Paul Verhoeven
Writer(s)
Robert A. Heinlein, Edward Neumeier
Producer(s)
Jon Davison, Alan Marshall
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
3 wins & 16 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (68) | Top Critics (18) | Fresh (45) | Rotten (23)
In its early scenes, ‘Troopers ‘is basically a goofy high school movie, complete with love triangles, a big game, and a school dance (and sex) after. Once they’ve begun infantry training, the flexing of machismo so over the top, it can only be satire.
November 14, 2017
Jason Bailey
Vice
TOP CRITIC
September 7, 2011 | Rating: B+
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
More effective as a satire than as an action extravaganza.
June 20, 2005 | Rating: B+
Nick Schager
Lessons of Darkness
TOP CRITIC
Lacks the courage of the book’s fascist conclusions.
May 29, 2002
Scott Rosenberg
Salon.com
TOP CRITIC
Lacking the sophistication of the average comic book, it compensates with panoramic attack sequences, reminiscent of the Japanese swarm attacks in American war movies.
April 12, 2002 | Rating: 2/4
Liam Lacey
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
A jaw-dropping experience, so rigorously one-dimensional and free from even the pretense of intelligence it’s hard not to be astonished and even mesmerized by what is on the screen.
February 14, 2001 | Rating: 3.5/5
Kenneth Turan
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Here the bestial brutality of US imperialism is shown from the inside.
October 16, 2021
Anton Bitel
BFI
I do recall the day after 9/11 thinking, “Why is Dubya lit like Sky Marshal Tehat Meru now?” That’s why Starship Troopers director Paul Verhoeven and writer Ed Neumeier are treasures…
September 9, 2021
Jason Shawhan
Nashville Scene
Often grotesque and sometimes pretty cheesy too, it’s now embraced by many film fans as sly satire skewering America’s weakness for right-wing militarism.
May 10, 2021
Nick Levine
NME
With the use of plenty of practical effects, realistic gore, and models blended into the computer graphics, the look of the film is spectacular.
September 24, 2020 | Rating: 8/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
Time is the only real judge of art, and time has been more than kind to Starship Troopers.
May 20, 2020
Drew Dietsch
Giant Freakin Robot
The background of all this is one of the most openly satirical films of a director who has never lost his sense of humor. [Full review in Spanish]
August 14, 2019
John Tones
Espinof…
Plot
In the distant future high school kids are encouraged to become citizens by joining the military. What they don’t know is that they’ll soon be engaged in a full scale war against a planet of alien insects. The fight is on to ensure the safety of humanity.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels notes that the cast of Starship Troopers includes Denise Richards, Neil Patrick Harris, and Casper Van Dien, who all give “stereotypical performances that work perfectly with the tone of the film.”
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