Gods of Egypt

If you’re expecting top-notch scholarship in Egyptology, you’re probably going to be disappointed in this flick. But if you approach this with the right frame of mind--namely, it’s a popular story using the familiar characters of the Egyptian mythos, in much the same way that Greek and Roman myths have been mined for movie materials for decades (think of all the iterations of Hercules in film)--then you may have a chance of seeing this film as a fun bit of entertainment. Nothing wildly great, and certainly with its flaws, but not much better or worse than the kinds of stories people have been telling each other for thousands of years...or at least since movies were created. It’s splashy and entertaining, and that’s really all one should ask from this kind of movie. It works.

Munich

Moral ambiguity and bad fashion collide in 1970s Europe. Spielberg tells us old news--revenge is an ugly and dehumanizing business--but does so with all the skill you'd expect from an acknowledged master of the medium. Tremendous attention to detail, an inherently fascinating story (the aftermath of murders at the '72 Olympics), and strong performances stand as the film's strongest selling points. There are a couple of minor problems (the washed-out cinematography is distracting, and the film runs just a little too long), but nothing to pull down the overall rating. Oh, and pay close attention to the final shot--if you don't, the maker's message might totally go to waste. Posted .

Finding Nemo

Hate to say it, but this isn't as good as you think it is. The film is technically brilliant, of course; Pixar has that template down pat now. And the vocal performances are well done. But there are a lot of elements here which seem stale and recycled (the goofy sidekick, the motley collection of friends, even the Disney staple of the dead parent). If you've been paying attention, you have to feel like you're being suckered. If you're as uncritical as a child, then sure, go ahead. But adults might have a harder time swallowing these fish sticks.

The Tailor of Panama

Bond, depraved Bond. It's impossible to watch this movie without making the 007 comparison, what with Pierce Brosnan playing the flip side of his franchise role. The difference is quite instructive; instead of screwing around with razzle-dazzle horseshit, this one sets the special effects aside and plays up the intelligence--and a touch of sleaze--giving you a nittier, grittier look at the world of spying. Geoffrey Rush, always the pro, provides more than capable backup.

Lantana

Maybe it's just me. Despite the shitload of critical praise this movie received, I found it to be not very interesting. I'm not much of a mystery person, so maybe that was the problem. Then again, the characters all seemed like jerks--it's tough to care when you don't really like anyone in the film. Posted .

Elizabeth

One of those cool costume period pieces. Good work by Cate Blanchett as the titular monarch; exceptionally good work by Geoffrey Rush as her cagey counselor.

Children Of The Revolution

Weird, occasionally funny and interesting. The goofy plot (centering on the Australian love child of Josef Stalin--no, really) keeps it lively. Check it out if it shows up on your favorite niche cable channel.

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.