Tag: 2002

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Movie Review

John Q (2002) Movie Review

John Q – Movie Review

"John Q is an intense thriller about a father holding a hospital hostage to secure a heart transplant for his son."

First Reaction – John Q is a brilliant intense thriller.

Watch John Q Here.

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ABC Film Challenge – Thriller – Q

Director: Nick Cassavetes

Writer: James Kearns (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: John Quincy Archibald takes a hospital emergency room hostage when his insurance won’t cover his son’s heart transplant.

Runtime: 1 Hour 56 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: John Q starts when John Quincy’s (Washington) son Mike has a heart attack. He believes his insurance will cover a heart transplant, but they refuse. The hospital director, Rebecca Payne (Heche) refuses to allow Mike to be placed on the donor list.

John tries everything to raise the money, but it left with no other option. He decides he has no choice but to hold Dr Turner (Woods) and the emergency room hostage until he gets what he needs. Frank Grimes (Duvall) tries to talk John down, but he refuses to budge when it comes to saving his son.

Verdict on John Q

Recap

The movie follows a desperate father who runs out of options when it comes to saving his son. He holds an emergency room hostage, demanding the hospital put his son on the transplant list.

Best Parts

The movie shines in watching how much John will do to save his son. It gives us a hostage situation where we support the person in control and want to see him get what they need. Denzel Washington is fantastic, and the supporting cast brings the cold-hearted characters to life. This keeps you on edge, and you want to see where things will go.

Worst Parts

Watching a movie that shows how corrupt the insurance and American health care system is. The cheerful delight people in places of power show about their jobs while others suffer is horrifying.

Final Thoughts –John Q is a great, tense thriller.

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Movie Review

Far From Heaven (2002) Movie Review

Far From Heaven – Movie Review

Discover the powerful drama of Far From Heaven. Follow Cathy Whitaker as she faces a marital crisis and racial tensions in 1950s Connecticut.

First Reaction – Far From Heaven is a brilliant drama with a big message.

Watch Far From Heaven Here

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ABC Film Challenge – Oscar Nominated – F

Director: Todd Haynes

Writer: Todd Haynes (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: In 1950s Connecticut, a flustered housewife faces a marital crisis and mounting racial tensions in the outside world.

Runtime: 1 Hour 47 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Far From Heaven starts when Cathy Whitaker (Moore) learns her perfect Connecticut life isn’t what she thought. She is welcoming and shows kindness to Raymond Deagan (Haysbert), her gardener’s son. However, society frowns upon her friendship with him, and her husband Frank (Quaid) has a secret that she wants fixed.

When Cathy starts spending time with Raymond, her societal place gets questioned. She must battle to keep her life together, as the world around her chances, while battling her urges to move away from the societal divide.

Verdict on Far From Heaven

Recap

The movie follows a high-society woman who finds her place in society questioned. On one side others look down on her for a friendship with a black man and in secret her husband has been having an affair with a man. She must decide what she wants in her life if she is going to make it out of the situation.

Best Parts

The best parts of the movie come from showing how society can turn on people for the wrong reasons. It shows how Cathy does the right thing in life but everyone else judges her for her actions. This can add frustration in how the world was, but it proves how much needed to change. The performances are fantastic from the whole cast who get their time to shine throughout the movie, with Julianne Moore topping the cast. This is a brilliant drama which proves people should be prepared to make decisions for themselves and see the world in a better way.

Final Thoughts –Far From Heaven is a powerful and important drama.

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Movie Review

Resident Evil (2002) Movie Review

Resident Evil – Movie Review

Revisit the world of Resident Evil with this thrilling movie review. Explore the action-packed plot and cast of iconic characters.

ABC Film Challenge – Video Game Movies – Q (Red Queen)

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson (Event Horizon)

Writer: Paul W.S. Anderson (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident.

Runtime: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Resident Evil starts when a special research facility is locked down suddenly. A military team led by One (Salmon) leads an operation to reopen the Hive and figure out what happened. However, they meet Alice (Jovovich) living in the mansion above.

The team heads into the facility, where they deal with an A.I. controlling the facility. It leads to the team unwittingly unleashing the contained infected and they face a race to the surface.

Verdict on Resident Evil

Resident Evil is an action horror following a group of marines who head into a specialist research facility. They are joined by a couple of strangers as they investigate what happened, only to find themselves fighting off the dead.

This movie uses popular video games to bring us a non-stop action movie. It keeps everything contained within the Umbrella facility as a small crew must figure out how to escape. They face hordes of the undead and other creatures, while we learn the bigger plot points as things start to unfold. This is chaotic and it works for the introduction to the franchise. A special mention for the laser corridor scene is standard for any review of this movie. It truly is exceptional for proving anyone could be disposed off in the movie.

Where to Watch

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Final Thoughts – Resident Evil is a big chaotic wild first entry to the franchise.

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Movie Review

Unfaithful (2002) Movie Review

Unfaithful – Movie Review

Read a detailed review of the movie Unfaithful: A gripping story of a suburban couple's marriage that takes a dangerous turn.

ABC Film Challenge – Romance – U

Director: Adrian Lyne (Fatal Attraction)

Writer: Alvin Sargent, William Broyles Jr (Screenplay)

Writer: Claude Chabrol (Original Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A New York suburban couple’s marriage goes dangerously awry when the wife indulges in an adulterous fling.

Runtime: 2 Hours 4 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Unfaithful starts when a suburban New York family Edward (Gere), Connie (Lane) and son Charlie (Sullivan) show their normal life. However, when Connie heads into the big city she runs into a handsome stranger Paul Martel (Martinez).

Connie gets drawn into an affair, which gives her an extra spark in life. However, she starts to question if it is the right thing to do. As Edward starts investigating what his wife is getting up to while he is working.

Verdict on Unfaithful

Unfaithful is a romantic thriller following a married couple whose relationship is put to the test. It follows the wife getting into a steamy affair with a younger man, which leads her down a dangerous path. While her husband is left with the uncertainty of their future together.

This movie plays into the secret affairs members of a married couple could have. It shows how they can get out of control leading to dangerous consequences. This shows us how normal life can get to people and thinking about what is outside the box could bring somebody to life. It is also a movie that would struggle to have the same impact in a more modern society of things going on.

Where to Watch

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Final Thoughts – Unfaithful is a steamy romantic mystery.

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Movie Review

Crossroads (2002) Movie Review

Crossroads – Movie Review

Read a review of the movie Crossroads, a heartwarming story about three childhood friends who reunite for a life-changing cross-country trip.

ABC Film Challenge – Romance – C

Director: Tamra Davis (Billy Madison)

Writer: Shonda Rhimes (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Three childhood friends embark on a cross-country adventure to pursue dreams they once put aside, taking risks that are sure to change their lives forever.

Runtime: 1 Hour 31 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Crossroads starts when three childhood friends Lucy (Spears), Kit (Saldana) and Mimi (Manning) have gone their separate direction through high school. However, they reluctantly come together to dig up a time capsule.

While they have different lives, they come together for a road trip across America before heading off to college. It sees them learning that they are dealing with the same problems and just want to make the most of their lives.

Verdict on Crossroads

Crossroads is a romantic comedy following three high school friends who put their differences aside to find themselves on a road trip. They grow up close but go their separate ways as they get older, but this journey brings them closer together again.

This is a nice vehicle for Britney Spears, as people tried to connect the pop megastar to the rest of the world. It keeps the story simple and focuses on growing up faster than people are prepared for. We get a few laughs along the way and a story of friendship that comes through despite the differences people have. The supporting cast works well, as they show the different types of people who come from growing up.

Where to Watch

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Final Thoughts –Crossroads fits the make a popstar a movie star idea really well.

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Movie Review

One Hour Photo (2002) Movie Review

One Hour Photo Film Review: Creepy & Unsettling Storyline

ABC Film Challenge – Favourites – O

One Hour Photo Film Review: Creepy & Unsettling Storyline

Director: Mark Romanek (Never Let Me Go)

Writer: Mark Romanek (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A mentally unstable photo developer targets an upper middle-class family after his obsession with them becomes more sick and disturbing than any of them could imagine.

Runtime: 1 Hour 36 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: One Hour Photo starts when a lonely photo developer Seymour Parrish (Williams) starts putting himself into the lives of the Yorkin family. Nina (Nielsen), Will (Vartan) and Jakob (Smith) have a happy life and Seymour sees himself as part of the family. However, his fantasy life with the family starts taking over his life.

When his obsession starts taking over, he looks to fix a problem he discovers about Will. All leading him to take a dramatically disturbing turn to make sure he knows how lucky he is.

Verdict on One Hour Photo

One Hour Photo is a drama thriller following a lonely photo developer who has put himself into a family’s life. He has been developing their photos for years and feels like he is an extended family. However, when he gets pushed to the limit, he takes drastic steps to make a point to anyone who he believes has wronged him.

This is one of the more disturbing thrillers, without stepping over the line. It shows how easily somebody can believe they are part of somebody else’s life. All while keeping a pleasant pleasing persona. The lonely persona created shows how people suffer from different problems in life. All while giving us a thriller that does everything to pile the pressure on Seymour. Away from Seymour, we see the distant world created, covered in secrets, reflected through the world of photos getting developed.

Performances

Robin Williams gives us one of his greatest underappreciated performances in this movie. The way he removes every ounce of comedy from his performances shows us just how incredible this role becomes. Many times, we talk about horror thrillers getting more acknowledgement during award season, and this is one of those performances that deserved the awards it never achieved. The supporting cast is strong but is completely overshadowed by Robin Williams’ stunning performance.

Where to Watch

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Final Thoughts – One Hour Photo is one of the most disturbing effective and shocking movies you will ever see.

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Movie Review

The Santa Clause 2 (2002) Movie Review

The Santa Clause 2 – Movie Review

Santa Clause 2

Director: Michael Lembeck

Writer: Don Rhymer, Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio, Ed Decter, John J Strauss (Screenplay)

Writer: Leo Benvenuti, Steve Rudnick (Characters)

Cast

  • Tim Allen (Toy Story)
  • Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost)
  • David Krumholtz (Serenity)
  • Eric Lloyd (Jesse)
  • Judge Reinhold (Beverly Hills Cop)

Plot: Scott Calvin has been a humble Santa Claus for eight years, but it might come to an end if he doesn’t find a Mrs. Claus.

Runtime: 1 Hour 44 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Santa Clause 2 starts when Scott (Allen) has been enjoying his time as Santa for 8-years now. However, he learns about a clause in the contract he was unaware of. He must get married before Christmas or he loses his powers. Meanwhile, his son Charlie (Lloyd) finds himself in trouble at school.

As Scott looks to solve his wife problem, he leaves a clone in the North Pole. However, he starts getting out of control not understanding the idea of being Santa. With the time running out, Scott must solve both problems before time runs out.

Verdict on The Santa Clause 2

The Santa Clause 2 is the sequel to the family-friendly Christmas movie. This time Scott faces two challenges, one is finishing off the contract he signed when he became Santa. The second is his own creation taking over the North Pole.

This gets to build on the original movie well, giving us a bigger concept behind becoming Santa. We get to see the human life Scott lives away from his time as Santa. While the movie never really explains why Charlie has become such a rebel. Deep down this still gets over the message about Christmas bringing people together. It still contains the laughs and unfolds in a pleasing family-friendly way.

Final Thoughts – The Santa Clause 2 is an enjoyable sequel.

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Movie Review

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) Movie Review

ABC Film Challenge – Action – O – Obi-Wan Kenobi – Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones – Movie Review

Attack of the Clones

Director: George Lucas

Writer: George Lucas, Jonathan Hales (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting)
  • Natalie Portman (Leon)
  • Hayden Christensen (Shattered Glass)
  • Christopher Lee (Lord of the Rings)
  • Samuel L Jackson (Avengers)

Plot: Ten years after initially meeting, Anakin Skywalker shares a forbidden romance with Padmé Amidala, while Obi-Wan Kenobi investigates an assassination attempt on the senator and discovers a secret clone army crafted for the Jedi.

Runtime: 2 Hours 22 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones starts 10 years after the events of Phantom Menace. Senator Padme (Portman) has become the target of assassination attempts. This forces Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker (Christensen) to investigate.

Anakin who has growing feelings for Padme is assigned to guard her. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan is set to learn about a star system which has vanished and has the answers about who is behind the assassination attempts.

Verdict on Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones is the second chapter in the prequel saga. This is a film that has a lot more weaknesses. First, is the large time jump, which takes things further along like nothing previously happened. Secondly, is the pacing, which is slow a lot slower than before, which plenty of stories that drag along.

Where the movie does get things right, is with the Anakin character, as he looks to border the line between good and evil. This is the main point of this saga, the rise of Anakin Skywalker and how he became Darth Vadar.

Another positive is revealing the bigger evil they will be facing, much like Empire Strikes Back, we see the villains in a better position at the end of the film. Back to the negatives, it is more that the movie does feel longer than it actually is because of the slower story involved.

Final Thoughts – Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones is the slowest of the Star Wars movies.

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Movie Review

Bubba Ho-Tep (2002) Movie Review

Bubba Ho Tep – ABC Film Challenge – Favourites – B – Bubba Ho Tep – Movie Review

Bubba Ho-Tep

Director: Don Coscarelli

Writer: Don Coscarelli (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead)
  • Ossie Davis (Do the Right Thing)
  • Bob Ivy
  • Ella Joyce
  • Heide Marnhout

Plot: Elvis Presley and a black “JFK” stay in a nursing home where nothing happens – until a wayward Egyptian mummy comes and sucks out the old people’s souls thru their anuses. The two decide to fight back.

Runtime: 1 Hour 32 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Bubba Ho-Tep starts when a man claiming to be Elvis Presley (Campbell) and his only friend in a nursing home Jack (Davis) start questioning the number of deaths the home has seen. The pair start to investigate and discover Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

As they get deeper into the case, they believe a Mummy is lurking in the hallways, sucking the life out of the residents of the nursing home.

Verdict on Bubba Ho-Tep

Bubba Ho-Tep is a horror comedy that brings two comedic versions of iconic American names. Elvis Presley and JFK join forces to fight back against a mummy who has been taking the lives of their friends. As they look to find out what is happening, Elvis looks back on his life with regret and what caused him to go down this road.

Bruce Campbell is amazing in this role, as is Ossie Davis who takes things to the next level, making this enjoyable movie. This is one of the best horror comedies, that gets plenty of laughs to go with the horror elements involved.

Final Thoughts – Bubba Ho-Tep is great fun and filled with laughs and scares.