Reel Reviews -- N

Napoleon Dynamite (+) -- The concept is probably better than the execution, but this film still deserves attention and applause for its oddball sensibility. The auteurs do not fully commit to the details--it feels like the mid-80s, but some contemporary details sneak in to muddle the time frame--and that just seems sloppy. They also fail to be explicit in their thesis (that it's not so bad to be a geek, if you're strong about it). Subtlety is always welcome in this sledgehammer world, but in this case it might actually undermine the movie's statement. Overall, the movie is funny and offbeat enough to make it worth while, but it still leaves questions in the air. Posted 8/10/04.

Network (+) -- I suspect that this film has suffered with the passage of time. That's typical for old movies, but the wear and tear is more impactful with this flick. I'm sure it was great when it was a biting satire; since subsequent history has turned it into prophecy, the resulting reaction has to be one of sadness. The pseudo-romantic subplot doesn't work so well, but the characterization of the dangers of corporate media make this a primer that every informed citizen should see. Posted 3/7/05.

Never Been Kissed (+) -- So fluffy that you half expect the DVD to float right out of your hand--but nevertheless, very appealing.


The New World (~) -- Rich, lush, lovely to look at--as an exercise in visual presentation this film works splendidly. But does that impressive look outweigh the languid and somewhat pretentious storytelling? Tough to say. Despite the shortcomings, the viewer's interest only fades out towards the end, after more than two hours of long sledding. And the other question is, as always with these historical dramas, how historically accurate is what we're seeing? We think we know this story--the tale of Pocahontas and Capt. John Smith--but do we really? It all makes for a muddle, and that can be difficult sell when you're choosing a movie to rent. Posted 4/21/07.

Nine Queens (+) -- A story about a couple of grifters--but you've seen that before. Nevertheless, this one's got an Argentinian twist, and perphaps that makes the difference. Other positive traits include a sharp, humorous script, a tight focus--showing more interest in letting its story play out and less in trying to be overly clever--and just enough misdirection to be interesting rather than confusing. A fine effort overall, and well worth a look. Posted 8/28/06.

Ninotchka (+) -- Great, witty comedy, heightened (oddly enough) by Garbo's deadpan delivery of some of the script's best lines. She warms up eventually; you'll be warm right from the start, especially as one detects the writing hand of Billy Wilder in the best of the humor. Plus you get a bright, classy performance by Melvyn Douglas as the pursuing ne'er-do-well, along with fine work even by the minor supporting players. Well worth a look. Posted 8/26/06.

No Country For Old Men (~) -- Not bad, but nothing even close to what its hype and awards made it out to be. In fact, there's a lot here not to like: little reason to care about the "good" characters, the villain is absurdly indestructible, some directorial shenanigans that are designed to draw the viewer to errant conclusions. And that narrative structure: if a second year film student, instead of the Coens, tried to pull that off, he'd hear a lot about losing his point of narration. Instead, if you are the Coens, you're called geniuses and lauded for convention breaking. These emperors may not be naked, but they're down to their underwear, at least. Posted 4/16/09.

No Man's Land (+) -- A brilliant little picture about one absurd and tragic day in the midst of the Bosnia war. The story is told with grim humor almost from start to end, but the laughs never dull the impact of the awfulness of the situation. This one received lots of thought for a "Best of All" induction; it's not quite that great, but it's still well worth seeing. Posted 11/8/02.

No Such Thing (+) -- This one starts with a bang, survives a bit of a lull, then brings its black and cynical humor home in solid form. Special props go to Robert John Burke for a firecracker performance as a Monster with a heart of coal and a mind like a live wire. Posted 9/23/03.

Notting Hill (+) -- Not exactly earth-shattering, but mostly harmless fun. Julia Roberts keeps herself relatively unannoying, Hugh Grant does what Hugh Grant does, and London does a fabulous job of playing itself.

Now You See Me (+) -- I think I might be a sucker for magic tricks. I usually enjoy those specials on TV where some magician gets a laugh or two from passers by with some elegantly clever trick, so it's no surprise that I found this flick to be entertaining. Much of the goings on rely on obvious movie hokum (there's no way live performers could pull off such elaborate stunts), and the ultimate resolution kind of stinks (somewhat preposterous, although perhaps sharp viewers could have seen it coming), but it's the splash and dash and elan that carries the day (not to mention a couple of very easy on the eyes ladies to brighten up the screen). The cynic wants to say no, but the pragmatist just says "to hell with it, just enjoy the show." Posted 5/23/14.

Nurse Betty (+) -- Good stuff here--probably should be a Best Of All nominee, but the selection committee is still weighing the pros and cons. Meanwhile, enjoy the almost always great Renée Zellweger; and Chris Rock and Morgan Freeman are a hoot as the father-son, yin-yang hitmen.