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Best of 2002 About a Boy Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner) Bowling for Columbine My Big Fat Greek Wedding Y Tu Mama Tambien
Worst of 2002 Blue Crush Chunyang Die Another Day Eight Crazy Nights Scooby-Doo
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Movie Reviews Archive: C to FA | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | ZLinks are to the Rotten Tomatoes Web site, where you can read what other critics and moviegoers thought of each film. Ratings are from * (stinker) to **** (absolutely wonderful). Theatrical release date is in parentheses, followed by whether we saw the movie in theatre or as a home rental. C**½ Caché
(Hidden) (December 2005) - Theatre She says: This is the kind of movie
that sends you to the Internet afterward to figure out what it actually
meant. So definitely thought-provoking, but also a little frustrating
in trying to make sense of what happens. *** Capitalism, a Love Story (March 2010) – Rental Michael Moore documentary looks at the recent financial collapse and questions the economic system that made it possible. She says: This is Moore’s most
radical film to date. Where previous had fairly uncontroversial (to Canadians)
arguments that guns are bad, George Bush wasn’t a great President,
and America’s health system needs fixing, this one questions the
capitalist economic system itself. I couldn’t as easily get onboard.
And yet, I couldn’t poke that many holes into his arguments, either.
Why couldn’t more companies be run as cooperatives? Why do we allow
such enormous wage disparities between executives and workers? It definitely
made me think, and that’s a good thing. ***½
Capturing
the Friedmans
(May 2003) - Rental She says: An amazing movie that allows both the
prosecution and the family to make their case, leaving the audience to
make their own assessment. Despite the father's admitted pedophilia, I
came to the conclusion that the “computer class” allegations
were false. This opinion becomes even stronger after viewing the additional
information on disk 2 of the DVD. Given the information they uncovered,
the filmmakers have been criticized for not having produced a stronger
case for Jesse (the son)'s innocence, in particular. Just another level
of debate in a movie that really makes you think. ***
Cast
Away
(December 2000) - Rental She says: The bulk of the movie takes place
on the island, and it is compelling to see his efforts to survive there. ***½
Catch
Me if You Can (December 2002) - Theatre She says: A perfectly enjoyable movie that is
very well paced. The story is so bizarre, it had to be true, or you wouldn't
believe it. Doesn't give rise to too many afterthoughts, but that's OK. ***½ Catfish
(September 2010) - Rental She says: I got very caught up in the
twists and turns of this real-life story. The additional interview on
the DVD is also well worth watching for those lingering questions. ***
Central
Station
(November 1998) - Rental She says: It's a moving story of how this fairly
unpleasant older woman is transformed by her relationship with the boy
who is left with no one after his mother dies. Great acting, nice cinematography,
and enough twists of fortune to keep your attention. (And not really a
depressing movie, though you might expect that.) ** Charlie's
Angels (November 2000) - Theatre She says: Oh sure, entertaining enough while
you watch it, but there's nothing to it, is there? Just an empty, forgettable
movie. ***½ Charlie
and the Chocolate Factory (July 2005) - Theatre She says: Very enjoyable. Creates a
weird world that totally works within itself. Looks fantastic. And Johnny
Depp is hilarious. ***½ Charlie
Wilson's War (December 2007) - Rental She says: Very smart, snappy movie,
and a really interesting look at a period of American history that isn't
very well known. **
Chicago
(December 2002) - Theatre She says: Given all the reviews and awards —
not to mention the fact that I often like musicals — I expected to
like this a lot more than I did. Some of the numbers really are great
(the pupeteer sequence, the tap dance, the opening number), and the performers
do acquit themselves well. But I found the "bit of story between
songs" pacing tiresome, and I was kind of uncomfortable with murder,
prison, and the death penalty made the stuff of fluffy entertainment. **** Children
of Men (December 2006) - Theatre She says: Not exactly cheery, but smart
and exciting. Good acting, great sets, great editing. Alfonso
Cuaron has yet to make a bad movie. ** Chloe
(March 2010) - Theatre She says: It's a beautiful looking
movie, the cast is good, and it's an interesting premise. But the story
doesn't really hold up in the end, and that's a problem. ***½
Chocolat
(January 2001) - Theatre She says: Not enough Johnny Depp, but certainly
a pleasant film-going experience; how could it fail to be? It's trying
so hard! All characters are presented sympathetically, even the "villains." **
Chunhyang
(October 2001) - Theatre She says: This movie is carried forward by a
Korean folk tale sung in the traditional pansori style that takes some
getting used to. I found the music occasionally very effective, but often
an annoying distraction from the lovers' story (which is very good). *** Closer
(December 2004) - Rental She says: This movie's structure is
odd: You see only the moments of initial attraction between the various
couples, and the moments where the relationships break down. So you don't
get to know any character all that well, and you see them all at their
worst. Does not make for a warm and cuddly movie experience, but you aren't
bored, either. *** Cold
Mountain (December 2003) - Theatre She says: Kind of grim, but a well-acted,
compelling story. **½ Conan
O'Brien Can't Stop (June 2011) - Theatre She says: I'm not a huge fan (I almost never
watch his show), but I did get interested in the drama surrounding O'Brien's
removal from The Tonight Show, and did enjoy seeing the preparations and
behind-the-scenes look at his tour. ** Control
(October 2007) - Rental She says: Beautifully filmed, and a
tragic tale well-acted, but I definitely felt I was missing in not knowing
much at all about Joy Division. (Like, why was he still so broke despite
the band apparently being quite successful?) It's also a bit of a slow
starter. ***
Control Room (May 2004) - Theatre She says: This look at Al Jazeera's
work is a real eye opener. Much of it is simply seeing familiar events
in a new light. But most shocking to me was an event that I did not remember:
the apparently deliberate bombing of the Al Jazeera and UAE media offices,
which killed two journalists, all caught on camera. ***½ Crash
(June 2005) - Theatre She says: A movie that makes you think
shouldn't be a rarity, but it is. Initially tough going, as it features
scene after scene of racism in various forms, we gradually see more of
the many characters. Characters aren't redeemed, exactly, but they do
become more understandable. ***½ C.R.A.Z.Y
(November 2005) - Theatre She says: Although quite an enjoyable
movie, I must say I'm surprised by its great success, what with its not-always-sympathetic
protagonist, subtle climax, and focus on character over drama and action.
Definitely worth seeing, if only to ponder those same questions. **½
crazy/beautiful
(June 2001) - Theatre She says: Much attention displayed to character
development — these aren't just stereotypes. And another excellent
performance by Kirsten Dunst. (***) ***½
Crouching
Tiger, Hidden Dragon (December 2000) - Theatre She says: An absolutely beautiful movie, well
worth seeing on the big screen. And enough plot and character development
to keep it going. Not necessarily the best of the year, but certainly
good. D*** The
Dark Knight (July 2008) - Theatre She says: Very complex for a comic
book movie; a lot of moral issues to ponder here. A little too long, a
few too many car chases for my taste, but overall a very smart action
movie, which is a rare thing indeed. *** Dark Side of
Oz (release date unknown) - Theatre She says: Though probably much better
when you're stoned, and despite significant stretches where the synchronicity
is not that notable, still some pretty cool match-ups -- the scarecrow
introduced by the song "Brainless", the heart beat pounding
for the tin man, Glenda introduced with "goody-good" while the
wicked witch is introduced by "black - which", and the song
"Home Again" always ends on a significant scene, the last time
when Dorothy is home, home again. **½ Dear
Frankie (May 2005) - Theatre She says: A pleasant but not sappy
story about a feisty mother, her sensitive son, her lively new girlfriend,
and a mysterious but kind stranger. **½ December Boys (October 2007) – Rental Synopsis: Daniel Radcliffe, Christian Byers. Four Australian orphan boys get an opportunity to spend a month away in a seaside town, where they compete to be adopted. She says: The religious overtones of
this movie really didn’t sit well with me. And without spoiling
what it is, I didn’t think the ending especially worked. I don’t
think the choice was a good one. ***½ Despicable Me (July 2010) – Theatre Synopsis: Steve Carell, Jason Segal. 3D animated movie about a villain who uses three orphan girls in his diabolical plan to steal the moon. She says: A lot of fun, with plenty
of jokes specially for the adults in the crowd. And must say this one
is worth seeing in 3D; they do a nice job of playing with the extra dimension. ***½ The Descendants (November 2010) - Theatre Directed by Alexander Payne, starring George Cloone. With his wife in a coma following a boating accident, Matt King is forced into reconsidering his relationship with her, his daughters, and his extended family. She says: This movie is all aftermath. All the drama—the building of small family empire, the betrayal, the accident—happened before it begins, and we don't even get flashbacks to it. It's all learning about and dealing with what has happened. The script is tight, with bits of humour amidst a mostly tragic story, and the twists are unexpected. George Clooney is excellent, saying so much with those beautiful eyes. He says: I liked that they didn't go Hollywood with this. Where you'd expect a big fist fight, you got a tense argument. It made the whole story seem plausible, realistic. And I thought the actress who played the oldest daughter [Shailene Woodley] was very good. *** The
Devil Wears Prada (July 2006) - Theatre She says: Moves along very nicely,
supported by a great performance by Ms Streep as the devilish editor.
And the clothes! One can almost see why you'd put up with such a job for
those. *½
Die
Another Day (November 2002) - Theatre She says: I liked the pretty people, and the
pretty cinematography in the Arctic scenes. But there were just so many
ludicrous vehicle chases, explosions, and fight scenes that it was, at
first, overwhelming, and finally, simply boring.
He says: Well that was a bit of a downer. *** Dogma
(June 2001) - Rental She says: Kind of over the top, but definitely
entertaining. *** The
Door in the Floor (July 2004) - Theatre She says: I'm not sure what this would
be like for people who haven't read the novel, but I enjoyed this adaptation.
The film's present-day setting was a little distracting, as it seemed
more “right” to have this story set in the 50s, as in the
novel. But that's a quibble on this well-acted, well-told story. E*** Eastern
Promises (September 2010) - Rental She says: I had to turn away from the
violence a number of times, but was definitely caught up in the story.
The ending was rather abrupt, though. *** Easy
A (September 2009) - Rental She says: A very likable movie, primarily
due to the charismatic performance of lead Emma Stone, and the writers
who gave her bright and funny dialog to work with. *** Easy
Virtue (September 2009) - Theatre She says: It didn't get the greatest
reviews, but I found this a fun movie, with some good performances, especially
among the Brits. *** An Education (October 2009) – Rental Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard. A 16-year-old girl takes up with an older man, and starts to reconsider her plans to attend Oxford. She says: A simple enough story, but a great, funny script by Nick Hornby along with strong acting by all made it very engaging. You do kind of want to tell this young girl to run screaming from this older (though charming) guy who is tempting her away from university, but the character is very intelligent, and her arguments about how much an education will benefit her at time (early 1960s) when career prospects for women are very few can’t that easily be dismissed. He says: This movie just made me way too uncomfortable. The whole premise was wrong. I could barely watch it. *** The
Eleventh Hour (August 2007) - Theatre She says: That movie made me wish I
was older. [Post script: We haven't given up on healthy diet and exercise yet, but have installed a few more fluorescent lightbulbs and bought more cloth bags.] ***
The
Endurance (January 2002) - Theatre She says: Compelling movie on an interesting
subject. It contained a lot more archival footage than I would have expected. ***
Enemy
at the Gates (March 2001) - Theatre She says: A different view of the war from one
we usually see. Not sure I buy Joseph Fiennes as the guy who has trouble
getting the girl, but... ***
Eternal
Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (March 2004) - Theatre She says: Another interesting exploration
of the psyche by Charlie Kaufman, with an unusally understated performance
by Jim Carey. ** Eve
and the Fire Horse (February 2006) - Theatre She says: Along the tragic events of
a miscarriage and Grandmother's death, the film has many funny and fantastical
scenes. It's a charming and thought-provoking look at how we make sense
of the world through various religious and cultural prisms. (***) ****
Eyes
Wide Shut (1999) - Rental She says: I know some people hated this and left
in the middle, but I found it utterly compelling from beginning to end,
and I'm not even sure why. I just couldn't miss a second. Quite an impressive
achievement. F***½
Fahrenheit 9/11 (July 2004) - Theatre She says: Though it has less pure entertainment
value than Bowling
for Columbine, and drags just a tad in outlining the various business
connections of the Bushes and the Saudis, the movie builds up a truly
compelling and devastating case. Its greatest strength is in the raw footage
that just hasn't been seen anywhere else: uncensored clips of Bush, the
Pentagon on fire, and the many horrors of Iraq. ***½ Fair Game (November 2010) - Theatre Naomi Watts, Sean Penn. The story of Valerie Plame, who status as an undercover CIA operative was leaked by Bush administration officials after her husband publicly questioned their intelligence on Iraq. She says: Seeing all the Bush-ites at work again, building their phony case against Iraq, is infuriating. The story of Valerie Plame's work before the leak and the effect it has afterward, on those she worked with, and on her marriage, is riveting. It makes me curious to read her book, though I guess it's heavily censored. (Speaking of which, look at the credits at the end...) He says: Well, that was frightening. Hard to believe that actually happened. ***½ Fantastic Mr Fox (November 2009) - Rental Animated. Directed by Wes Anderson, voice by George Clooney and Meryl Streep. A fox who had abandoned his thieving ways after the birth of his son plans one last heist. She says: A thoroughly entertaining mix of the old-fashioned stop-motion animation and a kind of sly, modern humor. The extras make you realize that animators of this type have almost super-human patience. He says: A good recommendation. I liked the style of this movie. *½
Fear
and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) - Rental She says: Johnny, Terry, you know I love you
guys. But the fun of watching grown men take every manner of drug, see
weird things, and behave badly wears off after about 15 minutes. And unfortunately,
this movie has another 1 hour and 45 minutes of that. *** Finding
Nemo (May 2003) - Theatre She says: It is an amazing feat of animation
— at times I forgot it was computer generated, and just admired the
gorgeous views. It also avoided the over-sentimentality that often plagues
Disney films. Degeneres' Dory and the sea turtles were comic gold. ***½ Finding
Neverland (November 2004) - Theatre She says: Fantastic dramatization of
the creative process—the scenes transitioning between the everyday
and the imagination are gorgeous. Great performances, and blessedly avoids
becoming over-sentimental. ***½ The
Fog of War (December 2003) - Theatre She says: Very interesting, especially
considering that it's mostly based on an interview with one man. Discusses
the past, but makes you think about today. Probably of more interest to
those who follow American history and politics. ***½ (500) Days of Summer (July 2009) – Rental Synopsis: Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. A look back at a failed relationship, and its aftermath. She says: Funny and true and tightly
edited, with good performances by both leads. Definitely a good rental. ***
Freaky
Friday (August 2003) - Rental She says: Definitely recommended if you're in
the mood for a light comedy. Good acting and sharp writing make this fine
way to spend a couple of hours. ***½ Freedom
Writers (April 2008) - Rental She says: The students' dark stories are ver compelling, and the teacher's development from cluelessness to engagement with them really is moving. Strong acting from everyone. An under-rated film, I'd say. ***
Frida
(October 2002) - Theatre She says: A beautiful-looking movie that really
gives insight into Kahlo's art. A bit too much focus on her relationship
with Diego, perhaps, but definitely worth seeing in a theatre setting.
(***) *** Friends
with Benefits (July 2010) - Theatre She says: I find both Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake
very appealing as actors, so was willing to go root for them as they went
through the romantic comedy plotline, even as they openly mock the romantic
comedy. No must-see, but doesn't insult your intelligence, and not bad
characters to spend time with. ***½ Forgetting
Sarah Marshall (April 2008) - Theatre She says: Much better than I was expecting,
because the characters—even minor ones—seem like people, not
just punchlines. Which doesn't mean the punchlines aren't good... This
is a funny movie. But it's one I'd actually like to see again, and see
more of. *** From
Hell (October 2001) - Theatre She says: Kind of depressing, but well-acted,
stylish, and compelling throughout. And a lot less explicit than I'd feared.
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and Catherine McNair
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Webmaster: Catherine McNair
Movies C–F
***½