Reel Reviews -- S

The Saint (+) -- It came and went with hardly a notice, but this flick deserved better. Val Kilmer brings a nice touch to the role of Simon Templar, and though the story ultimately gets a bit absurd--cold fusion, eh?--it still manages to entertain.

A Scanner Darkly (~) -- I'm two days removed from watching this movie, and I'm still not sure what to make of it. Is the paranoia trip focused on the government? Corporations? Every one of us? It's tough to tell. The performances work, I can say that. And the rotoscoped animation is OK; it serves its purpose in a few places, allowing touches of visual flair that would have just seemed weird in total live action. But...something's missing. You're pretty much on your own here; watch if you must. Posted 2/14/11.

Scary Movie (~) -- It has its moments; I'll give it that. Some of them are laugh out loud moments. On the other hand, some of the gross out stuff goes a little too far; there's almost a "no limits" aspect here, and it often backfires. You can make a good joke without going overboard, if you're willing to make a little effort. Proceed with caution. Posted 4/16/03.

The School Of Rock (+) -- I actually wanted, for a brief time, to give this a negative review. After all, it doles out cliche after cliche, even as it mocks cliche after cliche. But I can't do it. The movie is too infectious--mostly due to Jack Black's performance--and you just can't help but admire its energy. No one's playing hall monitor today; this one gets a pass. Posted 3/8/05.

The Score (+) -- A qualified approval: it's well done, but it doesn't quite have that spark. It's nice seeing some classy actors do their thing (DeNiro, Brando, Norton), but with a movie like this you expect the dialogue to crackle a little bit more. Posted 10/17/02.

The Scorpion King (~) -- A real howler. By all rights a horrible movie, but if you watch it with the right expectations, you can get a lot of laughs out of this supertanker full of 'teh stupid.' Think "Conan Jr." and you've got the right idea. Just don't take it seriously. At all. Really. Posted 5/21/09.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (+) -- After five minutes, I really wanted to hate this movie. It seemed determined to prove that video games really do make you stupid. Plus it seems to declare, in giant flaming letters, the end of the "Michael Cera era"--you get the worn out feeling of watching the same guy playing the same character in the same kind of movie...And yet, somehow, the movie finds away, through all of its visual hokum, its all-too-clever hipster/millenial street cred, and all of the reworked Matrix and Kill Bill moves, to rise above and deliver enough wit, good cheer and fun times to make for a movie that's impossible not to enjoy. A neat trick, and worthy of our appreciation. Posted 8/15/12.

Seabiscuit (+) -- You're going to hate me for saying this, but yes, the book is better. Not that this flick is bad. The filmmakers did a wonderful job of recreating the era, down to the smallest details. And the performances by Tobey Maguire, Chris Cooper and Jeff Bridges are first rate, capturing their subjects with impeccable accuracy. But the written story is so rich that you miss too much if you only see this movie. Posted 9/12/04.

The Searchers (~) -- John Wayne was once the biggest star in Hollywood--quite a feat if all of his characters were as big a dick as the man hunting for his lost niece in this flick. Wayne is here at his iconic--if dickish--best; he's not the problem. This is almost a really good Western movie, taking in Wayne, the spectacular scenery, some heavy duty cowboys vs. Indians shit...Yet, in the end, there are problems. Both Wayne's character, and his niece, make 180º reversals at the climax which seem all out of step with what has gone before. These inconsistencies seem only to serve the purpose of a (somewhat) happy ending. That weakness pulls down the rest of the movie. Posted 2/7/11.

The Secret Garden (+) -- Engrossing right from the start. This is a children's story done right: a well-told tale presented with imagination and charm, a terrific performance by young Kate Maberly in the lead role as the orphaned girl who brings life back to her uncle's house, and a delightful belief in discovery and redemption. A beautiful work, one you simply can't miss. Posted 9/18/07.

The Secret Lives Of Dentists (~) -- A married couple is having problems. Why do we care? Well, mostly, we don't. There's little about the focal family that's particularly engaging. The film only perks up--and earns the "so-so" grade--when Denis Leary is on the screen, playing the voice in the jealous husband's head. Without him, it drags. Posted 2/25/05.

Secret Window (+) -- Even the presence of Johnny Depp seems not to be enough to save this film during its uneventful first two thirds. But then things get interesting, as Depp gets nutty, and the ending is something to...uh...savor. Give it time to do its thing, and you'll be rewarded. Posted 2/25/05.

Secretariat (~) -- This is standard issue, boilerplate Disney movie--little more than you would have seen on the "Wonderful World of Disney" TV program 40 years ago (right when Secretariat was about to go on his historic run). It veers wildly between charming and cartoonish, presents plenty of well-worn schmaltz and platitudes, and--one suspects--fudges not a little bit on the truth. That's not to say that there are no entertaining moments here; a very appealing cast elevates the proceedings by their presence, and insomuch as the film reminds you of the true glory of Big Red, it serves as a worthwhile memorial. But one suspects this could have been a great deal more than it is. Posted 10/28/11.

Serenity (+) -- Flawed but entertaining, much like its television predecessor Firefly. The biggest flaw: sometimes the main plot feels less interesting than the secondary shenanigans--the action, the wit, the developed character interactions--but the overall story works, and is never so subordinate as to ground the whole flight. And when this ship soars, it soars. I'd be on board for more movies with this crew. Posted 4/21/07.

A Serious Man (~) -- I watched this movie on DVD, though I'm guessing if the Coen brothers could have distributed it on bagels they would have. Let's just say, if Ahmadinejad is ever convicted of anything at The Hague, his punishment will probably involve watching this movie on a continuous loop. This film won't be everyone's cup of Manischewitz, and it's not an especially great movie in general terms, but it's not a waste of time by any means. There are good moments, occasional funny moments (if not barrel rolls of laughter), and enough effective storytelling that, by the end, you do care about what happens to the protagonist. Worth a look on a rainy day. Posted 3/24/11.

Seven (+) -- Brad Pitt is edgy, Morgan Freeman is tired, Gwyneth Paltrow is the lamb, and Kevin Spacey is a world class creep. And they all do it very well. Not for the squeamish, but the rest of us shouldn't miss this one.

Seven Psychopaths (~) -- So here’s a film about filmmaking. Makes sense; that’s been going around a lot lately (see “last two Best Picture winners”). Actually, if you want to get technical, this is more of a film about script writing, but let’s not quibble. And it wants to satirize all of the the cliches of violent, shoot ‘em up movies...mostly by wallowing in those cliches. And it really really really thinks of itself as clever. Unfortunately, that’s not what the audience thinks, and it’s the audience that counts. There are good moments and some quite likeable actors here--if not likeable characters--that keep the thing moving and hold the viewer’s attention through most of the running time. But this film just isn’t what it cracks itself up to be. Posted 10/20/13.

Seven Samurai (+) -- A positive review, but a tenuous positive. I didn't like this quite as much as I thought I would, and goodness gracious is it loooonnnnggg. But there is enough good here that make it worth the effort, if you've got a couple of days to kill. The bulk of the praise should go to Takashi Shimura for his amazing performance as the leader of the samurai. The rest of the movie is uneven, but provides enough laughs and adventure to satisfy a true movie fan. Posted 9/7/04.

Seven Years In Tibet (+) -- Most people didn't like this one, but I disagree. Brad Pitt makes an effective Heinrich Harrer, and even if the German mountaineer's relationship with the young Dalai Lama wasn't really what is depicted here, the story we do get is still pretty effective. Watch it and judge for yourself (but set aside some time--this is a long one).

Sex, Lies and Videotape (--) -- The lead off of Steven Soderbergh's hit and miss career, a turgid study of the lives of four boring people. Characters aren't enough, folks; we need reasons to care about these people. Those reasons don't show up here. Skip it. Posted 9/10/06.

Sexy Beast (+) -- This one earns its wings mostly on the performance of Ben Kingsley; he's a riot. It's also fairly stylish, with the kind of flair that keeps you smiling most of the way through. Interesting sidebar: it's a movie about criminals, but there's barely any hint of finger-wagging at the characters' misdeeds. You're never led to think, "When are the cops going to bag these guys?" Is our society so inured against concepts of right and wrong? Something to ponder as you laugh at Kingsley's lunatic. Posted 5/4/03.

Shackleton (+) -- Not a "movie" per se; an "A & E" production in two parts, more like a mini-miniseries. Despite that lack of pedigree, it's not bad. It moves slowly in parts, some of the story seems contrived, and you get the distinct impression that you're watching British TV (which, in a sense, you are). But the scenery is spectacular, and Branagh brings his chops to bear; that makes it watchable. Posted 4/8/03.

Shadowlands (+) -- A good one, mostly on the strength of two powerful, emotionally vibrant performances by Debra Winger and Anthony Hopkins. It's a strong story, a strong love story, and a meditation on life and what it all means. You could do worse for yourself than to spend these two hours. Posted 3/15/05.

Shadow Of The Vampire (+) -- Willem Dafoe sucks…and there's your story. A stylishly done bit of horror-satire, with Dafoe as the Nosferatu who literally chews the scenery of John Malkovich's movie-within-a-movie. Don't worry--it's not really scary...just entertaining.

Shaft (~) -- The remake, with Samuel L. Jackson in the title role. Not awful, but it didn't need to be made, either.

Shallow Grave (+) -- My new bumper sticker: "Friends don't let friends bury a dead body in order to keep a suitcase full of cash." You see, this is what happens when people aren't as clever as they think they are. The story is predictable, but the movie stays engaging nonetheless. The tension between the mismatched-but-bound-by-a-secret flatmates (including a very young Ewan McGregor) helps keep the film worthy of your attention. It's not to die for, but it's still entertaining. Posted 2/26/06

Shallow Hal (+) -- Not quite the laugh riot that most Farrelly Brothers movies are, but in this case I think it's intentional. This movie has surprising depth; some jokes and scenes are funny, but many are played straight up, and at some points it's actually moving. And don't get scared off by the subject--even if you're fat and touchy about it, you'll like this movie. Posted 2/14/03.

Shanghai Noon (+) -- Nothing earthshaking; just standard adventure-movie fun. Jackie Chan lightens up and plays this one for broader laughs, and Owen Wilson provides his typical dose of goofy charm.

Shaolin Soccer (~) -- "Weird" barely begins to go into it. Even for a comedy, this movie has a strangely skewed outlook, one that can only be partly explained by its Chinese origin. There are a lot of cross-cultural references here, elements that seem to have been tossed into the script without any real understanding of the original meaning or sentiment. But there are some cool kung fu routines, as well as a nice undercurrent to the story--about believing in one's self--that assures the viewer that the movie's heart is in the right place. I wouldn't pay to see it, but I don't regret watching it, either. Posted 5/30/05.

Shark Tale (~) -- Here's a prime example of how familiar voices are distracting in animation. The story would have played much better with less famous actors supplying the sounds. And, of course, a little more "snap" in the story would have helped. There are good moments, but too often the story...flounders. (I know, I know...) On the other hand, there's nothing egregiously wrong here, and some fun can be had, if you don't expect too much. It's probably not worth the price of admission, but let's call it a decent rental. Posted 4/2/06.

Shattered Glass (+) -- So here you have it: another object lesson in why popular people suck. The movie certainly makes the case that journalist Stephen Glass was popular with his coworkers--until they found out he was lying about just about everything. The film presents a well-constructed story that starts plainly, then patiently peels away the layers to reveal how far back Glass's deceptions went. It leaves some wiggle room about why Glass did what he did, but while motivation remains obscure, the reality of the damage makes for more than enough compelling viewing. Good craft and fine performances total up to a compelling, at times riveting, film. Definitely one to see. Posted 6/23/07.

The Shawshank Redemption (+) -- An elegantly made prison movie. How often do you see that? It's quietly good, a solid story that holds the interest over the course of it's stretched out length. And, even in a prison, there are guys you can root for, as the principles ably demonstrate. Worth a look. Posted 7/18/05.

Shine (+) -- Not your typical Saturday night fare. A movie that makes some demands on you, but the payoff is worth it if you make the effort. Great work by Geoffrey Rush as the mental case pianist.

The Shipping News (~) -- When people think about a good time at the movies, the word "somber" rarely comes to mind. You get plenty of that here. The story's thesis--that there's a place where everyone belongs--is not so bad, and it is gratifying when Kevin Spacey's hapless schlub finds some measure of redemption in the end. But that's not enough to lift this movie high enough for most viewers. Posted 3/10/06.

Short Cuts (--) -- You can't really call someone's creative work 'pointless,' can you? Well...of course you can, and here's a fine example. Slice of life vignettes about uninteresting people yield uninteresting results. I only got about an hour into this one, so maybe it got better as it went along. I'll never know--I can't envision going back for more. Posted 10/9/05.

Shrek 2 (~) -- The promise here--appropriately, given the ogre theme--is like land in Florida: a lot of it turns out to be swamp. The film has its moments, but given the wit and fun of the original, we should get hours, not moments. The Puss in Boots character is a hoot, but he disappears for long stretches of the story. And the use of music, so fresh and hip in the original, sounds decidedly stale here. (It does not help that they picked some of the worst songs ever recorded.) I'm glad I saw (and paid for) a matinee--at $9, this would have been a rip-off. Posted 6/4/04.

Sideways (+) -- A beautifully done movie, with a half-hilarious, half-touching story. Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church create a wonderful symbiosis as mismatched friends: one who would barely be alive but for being pulled forward, the other who would probably be dead if he wasn't being held back. Together they're amazing. You need to see this movie. Posted 11/14/04.

Signs (+) -- Yep, more evidence that I do love Shyamalan's directorial style. And the story's not so bad either; I liked the subtle misdirection of the plot (you're expecting it to be the universal story, but no, it's really about a personal struggle.) Posted 6/6/03.

Silver Linings Playbook (+) -- You’re not likely to like this one right away. The dysfunction is very up front and in your face, right from the start, and it’s tough to find much that’s likeable in the main characters. But, much as with the lead characters themselves, the audience will find a slow thaw creeping over them, until the climax comes and you find yourself rooting for these misfit toys much more than you thought you would. And, if you’re from Philadelphia, you’ll know that they got a lot of that Eagles fan stuff spot on. It worked for me, at least. Posted 10/20/13.

A Simple Plan (+) -- Excellent cautionary tale about the dangers of getting too involved with dumbass rednecks.

The Sixth Sense (+) -- I see a very lively film career for writer/director M. Night Shyamalan. Not just clever, moody and emotionally true, but it stands out like a sore thumb for its deliberate, assured pace compared with the rest of today's frenetic films.

Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow (--) -- Dumb with a capital D-U-M. It's visually interesting throughout, to be sure, but this film also contains some of the stupidest hokum ever to be put on screen (like serious confusion about time and place, for one example). Watch it if you must, but don't pay a dime to see it. Posted 4/17/09.

Skyfall (+) -- An entertaining bit of very self-aware mayhem. This film completes the franchise reboot, and does so with a lot of wit, plenty of style, and some really audacious action sequences. I guess from here on out the series will really be like a new version of the good old days, at least until Daniel Craig is too old for that shit (in about 5 months, probably). So the future is promising, or in doubt, or who knows? Whatever happens, at least we have one more Bond flick that’s truly worth a look. Posted 12/23/13.

Slacker (--) -- Quite the disappointment. This one got a lot of buzz when it came out, but watching it showed a movie which seemed mostly pointless. And if these folks are typical of Austin, that town's rep for coolness is grossly undeserved.

Sleepwalk With Me (~) -- A dork has relationship problems. Does that sound like an entertaining movie to you? If yes, then I guess you’ve found your film. Otherwise, you’ll probably find this flick dull, flat, and frequently off-putting, with only the occasional laugh breaking in on a disappointing and dreary narrative. And what's with Birbiglia playing a fictionalized version of himself? How is that supposed to work when the story is so personal and peculiar that anyone who has any familiarity with the film's star couldn't possibly be expected to view him as playing anything other than his actual self? That odd choice probably doomed the thing right from the start. Posted 10/20/13.

Sliding Doors (+) -- Even if Gwyneth Paltrow hadn't given an excellent dual performance as the parallel universe versions of one young Englishwoman, this flick would still get bonus points for "best gratuitous use of a Monty Python quote."

Slums Of Beverly Hills (+) -- If you like quirky, this is just your flavor. It's funny without being obvious, "coming of age" without being trite, a "family" movie without being schmaltzy, and a period movie without being showy about its details. Oh, yeah, did I mention funny? Mostly low key funny, but at least a few laugh out loud moments, too. Find it and enjoy. Posted 5/11/05.

Small Soldiers (~) -- I saw this one a while back, and I don't remember much about it. I recall thinking it was OK, that the effects were kind of neat, the story wasn't bad…but it's all pretty vague. Can't really recommend, but can't really pan it either. You're on your own here.

Smilla's Sense Of Snow (--) -- A few redeeming moments, but a bit on the bleak side. And the plot point involving a meteorite is patently preposterous. If you're big on mysteries, maybe; otherwise, you can skip it. Posted 5/18/02.

Smoke Signals (+) -- A thoughtful, entertaining and occasionally touching look at life on and off the reservation. Very sophisticated and ultimately heartfelt story of family hurting and healing. One of those "little-movie-that-could" types; definitely look if you're into that sort of thing. Posted 9/16/02.

Snakes On A Plane (+) -- Silly, strange, but surprisingly fun. A much better movie than you'd expect, especially when viewed with the pre-release hype as nothing but a distant memory. It didn't change film forever, but you can do worse with two of your hours. Posted 4/16/09.

Snow White and the Huntsman (+) -- I dug it, more than I thought I would. The filmmakers hit all of the right fairy tale marks, and do it with just enough of their own stamp and style to make a very archetypal story seem fairly original. The cast is good in their roles, even the eternally dumped upon Kristen Stewart, who maybe deserves a bit more respect than she’s getting. All in all, a good trip to fantasyland. Posted 8/21/13.

The Social Network (+) -- I have no use for Facebook, yet a movie about Facebook's (possibly larcenous) founding works for me. It just goes to show that, in the right filmmaker's hands, any story can be worth your time. Especially notable is the use of Justin Timberlake--seemingly a case of stunt casting--who almost steals the show as a thinly veiled version of Napster's Shaun Fanning. As for the accusations of wrong-doing by Mr. Zuckerberg...well, "not proven" as they say in Scotland, but the kid sure doesn't come across very well here. You may judge for yourself, by seeing this film. Posted 8/19/11.

Solaris (+) -- We're talking Soderbergh's remake here, not Tarkovsky's Russian original. Having never seen the original, I can't say if Soderbergh is copying the original or channeling Kubrick. Something is clearly being referenced, especially in the early scenes, where the spare style almost exactly echoes 2001 (some shots are dead-on callbacks to Kubrick's masterpiece). Parallels even exist between the stories, though the vision here is not quite so epic. Eerily quiet, moody and atmospheric, this film won't be to everyone's taste, but fans of non-shoot 'em up sci-fi should give it a look. Posted 2/14/06

Something's Gotta Give (+) -- The positive review comes largely on the strength of Diane Keaton's energetic performance. She injects such life into her character that it becomes difficult not to be interested in this otherwise slight and predictable story. The biggest quibble: when the happy ending finally comes, you can't help feeling that she wound up with the wrong man. It's a credit to Keaton that you actually care about that. Posted 3/7/05.

Space Cowboys (~) -- I guess it's OK if the geezers get to go for a ride once in a while. It's all very predictable, but Eastwood, Jones, Garner, and Sutherland deliver performances you expect from seasoned professionals. If you've got nothing else to do, you could sit down and watch this one and not feel like the time's been wasted.

The Spanish Main (+) -- One of those good, old-fashioned, Saturday-morning matinee pirate adventure movies, if you know what I mean. Mad props to Paul Henreid, who is a hoot as the cocky bastard in charge of the ship. Tune in to TCM the next time this one shows up on the schedule; your buckles will definitely be swashed. Posted 7/18/05.

The Spanish Prisoner (~) -- I watched this movie last night. I'm still waiting for it to make its point. Well, that's a little harsh, and it is a David Mamet film, so you know it has its moments, but it takes too long to get going, and it never really clicks. Besides, the clever machinations come across as a little too clever; the plot twists, given a sober view, would require something like prescience to play out. It crosses too far over the belief border. Posted 3/1/05.

Spawn (+) -- There's been a lot of press about The West Wing lately, but this is how I like to see Martin Sheen play a politician: sleazy, and in serious need of an ass-kicking. Michael Jai White, as the titular super(anti)hero, ultimately provides the required foot. Plus John Leguizamo gets off a few good lines, and the effects are awesome.

Spellbound (~) -- Alfred Hitchcock's supposed classic. I say supposed because, though the film has much to recommend it, it never really clicked for me. Maybe Gregory Peck didn't convince me, or the laughable idea of Ingrid Bergman--roughly 21 years old at the time of filming--as a psychiatrist pushed my suspension of disbelief too far, or...actually, I can't really put my finger on it. You can watch it, and you'll probably like it, but you can also forget it, too. Pick your poison. Posted 3/15/05.

Spellbound (+) -- A documentary about the national spelling bee, not Hitchcock's film (see above). Multiple compelling individual stories come together to form an engrossing narrative, told without frills but nevertheless with plenty of drama and suspense. Viewers can't help but root for each child, regardless of the background and influences that bring them to the competition--an unexpected result, given the dangers inherent in stories of parents who push their kids. An insightful film. Posted 7/18/06.

Spider-man (+) -- Great fun--spectacular yet emotionally true summer movie. The effects never overwhelm the story; some movie people could learn a few things from that fact. Posted 6/8/02.

Spider-man 2 (+) -- Yes, I think it is better than the first. A world of credit goes to the cast for an entire collection of wonderful performances, all deep and emotionally resonant. And it helps that the script is more interested in questions about personal identity and responsibility than in blowing things up. I'd go along with a third in the series, if they're willing to keep up the quality. Posted 7/10/04.

Spring Breakers (~) -- An unusual premise for a movie: make your story about some very unlikeable characters, then make them even more unlikeable, then put them in perhaps the most hateful setting our society has to offer--Florida during THAT time of year--and then make them even worse still. I'm not sure I get it. On the other hand, I must admit that this is a highly skilled presentation; there's art going on here, almost to a fault (director Korine's flair for visuals and oddly syncopated storytelling sometimes gets in the viewer's way), and that fact does redeem, to some extent, what would otherwise be an ugly and pointless exercise. Ultimately, I'm not sure what end this movie serves, or if I really get it, or if there's even something to get. You're on your own here, I guess. Posted 5/23/14.

Spy Kids (+) -- This one surprised me. I expected it not to live up to its hype, and then it went ahead and lived up to it. Very enjoyable. We'll see about that sequel…

Spy Kids 2 (~) -- A movie that is often clever and funny. A movie that is often flat and not engaging. Not a great combination. There's way too much emphasis on gimmickry; the "heart" stuff feels tacked on in comparison. But the actors are likable and compelling, in their own way. Don't pay for it, but if you've got time to kill...posted 9/27/04.

Stagecoach (~) -- It's good. Classic good? Maybe. Most of the movie is entertaining, though it suffers through some dead spots. Still, plenty of by the book Western flair, some good characterizations, and the amazing views of Monument Valley make it worth at least a look, if not deep love. Posted 1/30/11.

Standing in the Shadows of Motown (+) -- Beyond the jaw-droppingly deep roster of classic songs featured here, you also get an insightful documentary about the Funk Brothers, the band behind the stars in Motown's hit parade. The film makers made a clever decision, featuring concert performances of the old songs, performed by artists other than the original--making a powerful case that it was the music, not the headline performers, that made the hits into the hits. More power to them; these musicians changed our musical landscape forever. Posted 2/25/05.

Star Trek (+) -- (The J.J. Abrams remake) Better than I expected. Lots of nods to the stories so well known to everyone who watched the original series (mostly in reruns) all those years ago, and that vouches for the filmmakers’ sincerity in rebooting this franchise. And the cleverness of the plot, in the service of bringing new ideas to this and future efforts, promises something more than just another set of rehashes when the inevitable line of sequels comes knocking on our cineplex doors. All in all, a promising (re)start. Posted 10/20/13.

Star Trek: Nemesis (~) -- This really and truly may be "it" for the franchise, and I can't say leaving off wouldn't be a bad idea. Nothing particularly memorable hits the screen here. In fact, it plays like a standard issue Star Trek movie, and that doesn't fly anymore. And, beyond the tired formula, it suffers in comparison with other recent sci-fi: too slow, plodding, unimaginative, and technically lagging. The only real benefit: seeing old friends, perhaps for the last time (at least in this context). For die hard fans, it's enough. Others can skip it. Posted 2/21/05.

Star Trek: Into Darkness (+) -- There has to be a temptation to downgrade this effort, both for some obvious fanboy bait and a certain lack of originality. This second movie is not a shot for shot remake of that second movie; more like a mirror image of the first; or perhaps it’s a photographic negative where the picture is the same but the tones are reversed. However you want to put it, what remains for the viewer is much of what we got with the previous movie in this reboot sequence: an appealing cast crafting their own versions of these well-known characters, and just enough respectful recognition of what went before to make a remake/reboot seem not quite so obnoxious. Indeed, any who’ve never seen the originals of this series might even be getting a better experience; without the clouding effects of fandom obscuring the weaknesses of the original, new audiences may be able to judge this film for what it is: more than good enough. Posted 1/8/14.

Star Wars: Episode I--The Phantom Menace (~) -- Better when you saw it in the movie theater, surrounded by fans of the series, and without much critical perception. In retrospect, the story's weak, the dialogue is clunky, and it's not particularly original. Compared to its sequel (see below), however, it's Citizen Fucking Kane.

Star Wars: Episode II--Attack of the Clones (--) -- Wretched. Badly acted, some really terrible dialogue (woodenly delivered), nonsensical in plot...even the editing is bad. At least it looks nice. Posted 6/16/02.

Star Wars: Episode III--Revenge Of The Sith (~) -- Strangely satisfying, despite the drek that preceded it (see above). Here you will find: actual acting (amazingly enough), a decent storyline, something to say (obvious allegories for our time, which seems to be in season lately), and at least one example of rather artful film making (the final sequence). Many flaws remain, but you don't have to be embarrassed about having watched this one. Posted 3/28/07.

State and Main (+) -- David Mamet leaves the big city for small town New England but, thankfully, he takes the rapier wit with him. Good, funny work from the ensemble cast, and the script provides just the right mix of cynicism and idealism.

The Station Agent (+) -- It's not for everyone, but if you like a film with an honest outlook and a laconic and dry style, you will feel right at home here. Interestingly, none of those involved really tries to make any of the principal characters likable; they just allow them to be what they are, and you either take it or leave it. I say take it. Posted 11/30/03.

The Straight Story (+) -- Given that David Lynch directed this thing, I kept expecting the old guy to find a severed ear somewhere. But no, it's just a simple story about an old man's journey to mend fences with his estranged and ailing brother, and for the most part Lynch--dare I say it?--plays it straight. Only Lynch's signature--his almost sensual attention to details of surroundings and environment--shows a familial resemblance to the director's other projects. Most amazing--apart from the late Richard Farnsworth's wonderful performance as Alvin Straight--is how Lynch (who can be the artiest of art house directors) shows so much respect for the simple folks in this story. The result? A straightforward yet powerful story that is shot through with real emotion. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. Posted 12/15/04.

Strange Days (~) -- So-so sci-fi thriller. Ralph Finnes is good, and his performance keeps you interested. It could have said a little more about new technology's role in creating our emerging dystopia.

Strictly Ballroom (+) -- The first of the "Red Curtain" trilogy (with Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge! rounding out the series). It can be a bit tough to get into if, like me, you are mostly baffled by dancing, but by the end it is tough to resist. The sweetness and charm win out. Posted 3/18/03.

Stuart Little 2 (~) -- I shouldn't give this one the so-so review, because in plain fact it's not really that good. Certainly not equal to its forerunner, or to its source material. But there must be some credit given for the artistry of the CGI animals. And besides, this one demonstrates that even after all these years, Geena Davis is still something to behold. Posted 9/7/04.

Stuck On You (~) -- Those Farrelly brothers--they're quite the enigma, aren't they? They've made a couple of the funniest movies of the last decade or so (There's Something About Mary and the wildly under appreciated Kingpin), but apparently, "funny" is not really their thing. At least judging by some recent outings. Here's a case in point. It was "sold" as a comedy, and there are certainly some funny moments, good gags, humor-laden premise, etc. But then again, they seem to be more interested in making a point about people and what makes them who they are. The boys deserve credit for trying, but they didn't completely pull it off. Maybe they'll nail it with the next try. Posted 2/21/05.

Summer of Sam (~) -- Spike Lee tries to capture 44 caliber thrills, and it almost works, but it's a little long and doesn't make the expected impact.

Super 8 (+) -- The moviemaking version of a Mobius strip: Spielberg produces a movie by JJ Abrams, who channels a young Spielberg and makes a movie that combines Jaws and Close Encounters (and a dash of Cloverfield, with even the barest pinch of E.T.), which…you get the idea. I'm tempted to downgrade this one just for being an orgy of self-referentialism, but the bottom line is that this is a wildly entertaining flick, and really doesn't need to apologize for anything. So just watch it and enjoy. Posted 3/24/13.

Super Size Me (+) -- Strangely exuberant, for a muckraking documentary--but I guess that's what it takes to get the message across these days. Morgan Spurlock's enthusiasm is certainly welcome; it's probably the only thing that got him through his hellish one month fast food only experiment. Just as with the book Fast Food Nation--though perhaps not as scathingly--Super Size Me stands as an indictment of the industry, as well as us consumers who give it so much power. An absorbing and important film. Posted 6/6/04.

Superbad (+) -- This one comes out of the gate like a house afire, then glides down the back stretch and final turn with a little bit of fade. Still, you get a comedy that delivers a lot of great, laugh out loud moments and finishes near the top of the leader board. For a teen comedy, it's hard to expect more than that. Posted 5/9/09.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (+) -- Occasionally too over the top, but the film brings us nice direction from Tim Burton, beautiful cinematography, and just the right touch of insanity in a surprisingly effective story. All in all, we'll call it a fine mess. Posted 5/9/09.

Sweet and Lowdown (~) -- More chameleon-like work from Sean Penn, as a heelish jazz guitarist, and an adorable performance by Samantha Morton as the mute woman who loves him. As for the story itself...you never get bored watching it, but there's also something missing. The tale just doesn't click. On the other hand, if you dig jazz, you'll love the soundtrack, and the performance sequences are amazing (you'd swear that's Penn playing those tunes). Posted 3/20/05.

Swimming Pool (+) -- Priggish English mystery writer meets slutty, French teenage girl; it's "The Odd Couple" for the 21st Century! Seriously, this is an engrossing psychological study that deftly balances humor with intrigue. (Not to mention that it's hot, hot, hot; the appearance on the screen of Ludivine Sagnier, as the sexpot Julie, puts every man in the theater in danger of having a Paul Reubens moment.) The only problem: the "twist" at the end seems to have some inherent problems, leaving some unanswered questions that hint at inconsistency. But that's a quibble, and one minor enough not to require a downgrade of opinion (besides, maybe I just missed something). Posted 8/31/03.

Swimming With Sharks (~) -- A wildly inconsistent movie, to say the least. Moments of outright hilarity give way to deep drama in roller coaster fashion, and the swings come across as too violent. The principal actors, Kevin Spacey and Frank Whaley, playing the psychotic boss and terrorized underling respectively, give good performances. But the pitch is too steep, and the ending just doesn't ring particularly true. Probably not worth it. Posted 5/11/05.

Syriana (~) -- Everybody's guilty. Including you. So seems to be the message of this work. It would be nice if there was story to go along with that sentiment. Remember, kids: a viewpoint does not a narrative make--and you know how I feel about narrative. As it stands, the food for thought goes hand in hand with the muddle of disparate plot threads. They do all weave together eventually, but from a film-making standpoint, clear expression of a central idea is lost (or at least suffers). Overall, a tough call--I know these are issues we should all be interested in, but you need to bring some keen interest and wide-ranging knowledge to play at this table. If you think you've got the intellectual grit for it, dive in. Otherwise, just go with a light comedy. Posted 4/20/07.