You Are Here: sneezypb > reviews

Sunday, March 09, 2003

Tears of the Sun - movie, 4 stars

Lots of bullets fly. The violence is very graphic. Maybe, if there was a scene of Ms. Bellucci in a pool naked, then I would really have enjoyed it. Otherwise, it just had no good acting or astounding plot artifacts.

For an action flick, it was pretty good.

Saturday, June 08, 2002

2002 World Cup -- England vs. Argentina - weblink, 5 stars

This titanic struggle between 2 of the best soccer teams in the world unfortunately had to result in a win, loss, or tie for one of these two teams. A loss for either would threaten the chance they would not advance to the next round. As powerhouse teams in the world of soccer both are used to advancing to the second round of World Cup play. This year England drew a group of Sweden, Argentina, and Nigeria. Leading up to this game Sweden forced England to a 1-1 tie and Argentina dominated Nigeria.

England had to beat Argentina to stay alive. They entered the game in a show of smart sets, tenuos defense, and showcase close calls. I could visualize everyone I met in England on the edge of their seats (yesterday was declared a bank holiday and most every business except bars were closed). Owen's beautiful shot off the back goal post and subsequent near misses were devastating.

Eventually Argentina made the mistake. A defender, obviously beaten by Owen kicked his legs out from under him inside the 18 yard penalty box. That set up the penalty shot on the goal by Beckham that gave England the lead in the 44th minute.

A reinvigorated Argentinan team assaulted the England defense which amazing shed their shoddy play for the rest of the game. Mills, whose error in the game against Sweden set up the Swedish score, became an amazing defensive marval by shutting down every play on his right side of the field. He headed away long balls and force tackled every offensive run down his side of the field.

I have never seen a team play such a relentless offense like Argentina. The only teams I've seen come close are Italy and Brazil while down a point like this. Argentina proved to me why they are always lumped in the top 5 teams of the world. England's shutting down the assault play after play, giving up corners and heading away the lobs, forcing Argentinian attackers to try a long-ball offense they obviously were not used to playing and English Premiereship leaguers are experts at stopping.

Probably should not have gone back to work after the game. I was on such an emotional high. The only better game for me was the U.S. vs. Brazil in the 1994 World Cup. It was my first World Cup and the exciting new U.S. team made it past the first round. A team no one thought could make it past the first round took the team that ultimately won the Cup to a 1 point score in overtime.

This is a game everyone should have watched. People who are wondering what soccer is about should watch this game as an example of what is a great soccer game.

Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Attack of the Clones - movie, 5 stars

Was going to save this for after I'd seen it 3 times. Will have to settle for my memory from seeing it in the wee hours of the opening morning.

The second installment of the Star Wars prequels sets the basis of the original movies. While Phantom Menace accomplished much in setting up the story, Attack of the Clones goes much further in setting details in visual images. We get to see Anakin and Amidala fall in love. Anakin becomes more and more engrossed into his abilities. We get to see the clones and that Bobba Fett's father provided the DNA. We get to see Chancellor Palpatine get supreme political power. We see how insidious the Sith are.

As a long-time Star Wars fan and an avid reader, much of the history and ideas are shaped by the novels. Hundreds of novels were published starting in the early 90s. Many of them with interesting gleanings into the lore. They revealed kernels of knowledge we never knew... for example: Bobba Fett survived being swallowed by the Sarlaac.

I still think this movie continues the legacy of Lucas for producing special effects blockbusters. He created the standard and keeps raising the bar. (Note to Raimi and Marvel Comics: Hire Industrial Light and Magic when you do the Spiderman sequel. You will have awesome scenes of Spiderman swinging instead of pretty good.)

Critics should hate this movie. It has and will continue to rack in millions fo sub-par acting and plot. Yet, those who think along those lines are just a bit too serious. This is supposed to be a fun series of movies with hints to mythological parallels to our own. Taken too seriously or without the supension of disbelief the movies in a word... suck. The only redeeming qualities are the sepcial effects and music.

If there is one thing to watch for... Yoda. You must see Yoda show just WHY he is a Jedi Master.

Thankfully, I think most people go to movies to have a fun time. In that case you really should see this movie. While dark and foreboding the action is fun, the banter sometimes engaging, and the special effects astounding. It is a great movie to watch. After seeing the first time I wanted to see it again. I still do. Will see it at least twice more before it leaves the theatres.

Saturday, April 20, 2002

The Scorpion King - movie, 2 stars

Saw the Scorpion King last night. Ugh. Still sick. Hot female who was the goal. Attrocious handling of the plot. I thought this movie was related to the Mummy II, but no flashback were made. Maybe there was an allusion that went over my head? Explosions were good. Swordfighting was good. The humor was obviously written by someone who works for these wrestling shows. Sad.

It was obvious that this movie was targetted to the kiddies. No nudity from a sorcoress that wore string-bikini style dresses. Guess there was so much violence they could not risk the nudity and end up with an R rated movie. That rating would have destroyed this one.

If you are into the Rock, then go see this movie. If you are into the Mummy, then stay far away.

Wednesday, April 17, 2002

Ice Age - movie, 4 stars

Enjoyed it. Funny squirrel with an acorn kept coming back. It was a cute distraction to the humor of the movie.

Next 5 >>