my very brief thoughts on.... 'Sleeping With The Enemy' (1991)

I loved the 90's. It was some of the best times for me growing up. Sadly, it wasn't the best time for movies. There were quite a few of those pesky sexy, revenge thrillers being made and this was one of them. It starred an up and coming starlet named Julia Roberts and a cast of other people. It was based on a book and just plain wasn't very good. I started watching it while at work on my lunch break and felt compelled to finish it. Luckily it was OnDemand from Netflix. I took it upon myself to finish it once I got home and I kind of wish I would have watched 'Everybody Loves Raymond' instead.... and I don't even know if I like that show as I've never actually watched it. This movie had a couple of redeeming qualities, but overall it was kind of a big bust. It felt like I was staring at a glass house, there was all of these things inside but I saw them all early on and there weren't any surprises. This movie was so predictible that I kind of wonder if the book was even worth reading. It must have had something going for it since Hollywood felt it needed to be brought to the big screen. Maybe it was just a reason to keep Julia Roberts in the limelight? Who knows....

The really easy to figure out plot goes like this, according to http://www.imdb.com: "Laura and Martin have been married for four years. They seem to be the perfect, happiest and most successful couple. The reality of their house- hold, however, is very different. Martin is an abusive and brutally obsessed husband. Laura is living her life in constant fear and waits for a chance to escape. She finally stages her own death, and flees to a new town and new identity. But when Martin finds out that his wife is not dead he will stop at nothing to find and kill her." Can you guess how it ends? I bet you can if you think really hard.

I'm not going to go as far as to say that I wish I had the time back that I used watching this. It wasn't as terrible as all of that. It's just that it felt like a carbon copy of every other movie of this kind that was made in the 90's. Also, can we get an ending that the audience doesn't see coming from 1000 miles away? The good stuff in this movie are Julia Roberts, the pacing of the movie and the cinematography. The bad stuff is the acting, the script and everything else. Does anyone see a 'Sleeping With The Enemy 2: Weekend At Martin Burney's' being made sometime later this year? I'm guessing that Lindsay Lohan might be available to take over the Julia Roberts role.

Because of the good things, I gave it 2 out of 5 stars. It's kind of interesting to see the rise of a superstar. It did hold my interest until the end and I'm guessing that there are a lot of folks out there that love this movie. It may have been predictable, but it was still better than the Jennifer Lopez versions of these kinds of movies that came out later. Ugh. SPOILER: you don't actually see any sleeping during the movie by Julia Roberts.... with or without the enemy.

my brief thoughts on.... 'The Perfect Witness'

over the years, i've grown to enjoy Wes Bentley more and more.... so that's kind of what attracted me to this movie.... granted, i thought the plot sounded interesting.... not entirely new, but interesting.... and with him thrown in the mix i thought it was a no brainer to watch this.... at it's core, this is a pretty dark little movie.... there's not too much redeeming about any of the characters in the movie.... and no one is really innocent.... you'd like to think that our hero is just that.... a hero.... but in reality, he's just as twisted and dark as the villan.... this a fairly smart script and one that falls in the category or a character study.... a movie based around in depth characters with a lot of backstory.... you can almost feel their baggage when they're on the screen.... and it takes good actors to pull off a movie like this.... one that relies so much on being believable as someone realistic, but the truth be told is only someone's imagination....

the story involves Wes's character shooting the murder of a woman at the hands of a notable serial killer.... he uses the tape to bribe the killer into being in a documenary about the killer himself.... one that Wes plans on marketing after the killer is caught or killed only.... meanwhile, he's trying to hide his identity to protect his family and to also stay clean and sober.... as he's a recovering addict.... things slowly spin out of control as the killer begins to get the upper hand in the situation and eventually all bets are off.... Wes is just as much involved in the murders and the killer as the killer himself.... and the more we learn about each character, the further down the rabbit hole we go....
i was really intrigued by this movie overall.... it had its flaws.... some more glaring than others.... but it was well put together and moved at a rapid pace, so as not to lose the audience.... i honestly wasn't sure where it was going and was suprised at some of the turns it took along the way.... it raises a lot of moral questions and puts them point blank in your face.... it's unsettling at times and it rarely lets up on the intensity meter.... i gave it 3 out of 5 stars for effort and execution.... it could have been more than it was, but it was just enough to be worthwhile.... something to see if you've never seen anything quite like this.... plus it gives Wes Bentley a chance to shine again.... now i want to watch 'P2' again....

if you like this, watch: 'Man Bites Dog', 'How To Be A Serial Killer' and just for Wes Bentley as a crazy man 'P2'

my thoughts on.... 'Hard Candy'

definition of "Hard Candy" : 'An underage girl - often aged 12 to 16 - who is particularly attractive and/or gullible. In other words, a pedophile's dream.'

i've started this review several times in my head and here on the screen, but it's hard to begin a review about a movie inolving a man intent on having his way with an underage girl.... it's not like i can say i love this movie.... it just wouldn't seem right with the subject matter.... but it's so well done that i can't come up with any other ways to put my basic thoughts into words.... this film is several films in one.... it's a modern day 'Extremities'.... it's an 'After School Special'.... it's a revenge thriller.... it's a film about torture.... i can't really put my finger on one way to look at it.... and the more times i see it, the more impressed i am with the acting and the fact that two actors can carry almost the entire movie with dialouge and some intense action.... in many ways it's like a play.... and these are the type of films that tend to leave the biggest impression on me.... because it takes skills to hold the audiences attention when very little is actually going on.... but Ellen Page and Patrick Wilson seem to do it with ease.... almost if their not even acting at all.... as if you're a voyeur looking in on this sick little game as it unfolds....

now this is a movie i've owned for a few years now.... and everytime i watch it, it still packs a punch.... the fact that the predator becomes the prey.... but not only the prey.... the prey of a 14 year old girl.... this was the last thing i expected to see the first time i watched it.... and despite the fact that Ellen Page was actually 18 at the time the movie was made, she embodied the persona of an overly intelligent 14 year old with bad intentions.... however, because the character that Patrick Wilson is playing is so downright scummy, you can't help but root for our youthful heroine.... now one thing that i've come to wonder over several viewings is, what if Ellen's character isn't really 14 and just pretended to get this man's attention.... obviously she know's what he's done and is out for her own kind of revenge.... but what kind of a differnt spin does it put on the film with her being older....? granted, i don't think she is supposed to be anything but the 14 year old she portrays.... it's just something that crossed my mind and if you've already seen the film, you can ponder the theory....

obviously, the plot involves a man in his 30's meeting up with an overly flirty 14 year old girl.... they meet at a neutral location where after some coaxing from her and a little mind games from him.... they go back to his place.... where upon getting there things seem to be headed in all the wrong directions.... he seems to have the upper hand being at his own home and it's obvious what's on his mind.... they make no bones about the reality of what the situation is.... and she does her fair share of playfully leading him on.... so we, the audience, is lulled into a sense that this is the start of some kind of fling or something.... however, when you least expect it, the tables are turned.... she drugs him, ties him up and begins to question him.... well more like grills him about everything in his life.... slowly digging away at the inner demons that haunt him.... and that have made him the predator that he is.... soon talk isn't enough and she begins to torture him in ways to push him to his limits.... this is where my version stops and the rest you have to see for yourself.... it's a nailbiter to say the least....

this movie really is a close cousin of the film/play 'Extremities'.... as a matter of fact i directed this play in college and it had a profound effect on the audience and actually brought one woman to leave the theater as she had her own past experience that mirrored some of what was happening on the stage and it caused her to relive it.... (not my intention, but a strange compliment to the actors).... if you're not familiar with the storyline in 'Extremities'.... it involves a woman at home alone who is suddenly visited by a man.... he comes into her home with the intention of doing things to her against her will.... but she gains the upper hand and turns the tables on him.... suddenly he's the victim and she does what every person in that situation dreams of.... the only differnce between the two stories are the ages involved and the fact that in 'Extremities', the role reversal wasn't pre-planned.... it's another film that i would recommend as a bookend to this film and it's available OnDemand on Netflix right now.... it stars Farah Fawcett in an unlikely role for her.... but she does a wonderful job....

if you haven't seen this film, i hope that i've at least peaked your interest.... it shows that a young Ellen Page has some serious acting chops and could be an Oscar contender at some point in her career.... whether you love her or hate her, it's going to happen.... granted she's been a bit oversaturated in the movie marketplace thanks to the travesty that was 'Juno'.... but after you see this you can forgive her for that.... i think this film is required viewing for those who want to see something different and something that will make them think.... it's a bit of a morality tale.... something where regardless of how bad the man is made out to be in the movie.... does it truly justify the actions of our teen....? does she have the right to be judge, jury and possible executioner....? you also find yourself wondering the whole time why she's willing to take such a huge risk to her own safety.... as you see in the movie, not everything always goes according to plan.... in the end, however, it all makes sense and you find yourself wanting to re-watch it right away with the new understanding of the motives behind the madness....

i proudly give this 5 out of 5 stars.... it deserves every one of them.... and a lot of credit goes not only to the actors, but to the director.... this was his first feature film and all he had in his credits beforehand were music videos.... so hats off to him.... hopefully he continues to make engaging films like this one.... this movie may not be everyone's cup of tea as the subject matter is touchy and something not usually brought to the screen.... it's tiptoed and whispered about, but not shown.... and i think it's important to get the message out there that predators are everywhere and with the dawn of the internet it's so much easier for them to gain access to your children.... they have a gateway right into your home on your child's desktop.... is some ways it's empowering to a young woman to see what unfolds.... but it should be tempered with a dose of reality.... that Ellen's character was playing with fire and was always close to getting burned.... so with all of that being said.... go watch it.... it's available everywhere and should not only be seen, but absorbed.

if you enjoyed this film, see: 'Extremities' it's the only thing even close to this that i can think of

my brief thoughts on.... 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo'

here's another example, kids, of when Netflix knows best.... and by now you'd think i'd listen when it points out a film to me.... that i'd just put it in my damn queue and get it over with instead of fighting it.... however, for 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo'.... it took finding out that Hollywood was remaking it for me to finally watch this.... i guess i assumed that it must be pretty darn good if they're bringing it to American audiences.... i mean, look at 'Let The Right One In' and it's soon to be released American counterpart 'Let Me In'.... i rest my case.... anyway, the plot held little interest.... the poster was eye catching.... i just couldn't bring myself to add it.... my point is that i'm glad i finally saw this film.... despite my earlier thoughts about it....

the plot revolves around a decades old murder that was never solved.... or perhaps it's just a missing person.... nothing was ever found out either way.... so Mr. Vanger hires a man who's 6 months from serving a jail sentence, to find out the truth.... Mr. Vanger thinks it might be someone in his family.... but has no clues to go on.... somewhere else in the city a woman is starting her own investigation into the man who's working on the case and gets wrapped up in the mystery by accident.... they soon meet and begin to work together to find the truth.... i don't want to give away too much more as once again, it's better to just watch it unfold on your own....the movie is thankfully subtitled not dubbed.... it's beautifully filmed.... the actors are well chosen and enthralling to watch.... as a matter of fact, they sold the film they were so good.... it took what could have just been another mediocre murder mystery and raised it to another level.... i couldn't take my eyes off of them.... and by the end of the movie i was so wrapped up that i didn't even see what was coming next....

an easy 4 out of 5 stars.... the thing that doesn't elevate it to something mor is the story itself is not entirely original.... not that i've seen this done before, but it didn't feel fresh in a lot of places.... it felt like something i'd seen before.... however, don't let that keep you from watching it.... 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' is pretty darn excellent.

if you like this, watch: more foreign films damn it! there's a lot of good stuff out there.

my thoughts on.... 'Law Abiding Citizen'

i think Jamie Foxx is overrated.... i didn't care for 'Ray' and i love biopics.... i'm just tired of seeing him in serious roles.... he needs to branch out a little.... however, i like Gerard Butler.... i've enjoyed everything he's done to date.... and my wife, Amy, loves him as most women seem to do as well.... so i was 50/50 on this movie.... the storyline intrigued me.... it was written by Kurt Wimmer who wrote 'Equilibrium' an amazing film that not many people have seen.... it was also directed by F. Gary Gray, who directed 'Be Cool' which i find hilarious.... so all of that overuled my hesitations about Jamie Foxx.... and to be honest i'm glad they did.... i really enjoyed this movie.... it had an original concept, the plot was carried out extremely well.... and it was a fun ride....

it starts with Gerard living the perfect life.... a happy family with a wife and a daughter when a sudden home invasion takes all of that away from him.... he's left completely alone and bitter.... when Jamie Foxx, his lawyer, plea bargins down despite Gerard's desire to take it to trial.... it creates a hatred in the criminals and the legal system that cannot be quenched.... fast forward 10 years later.... one of the criminals is put to death by lethal injection.... the other is free and has slipped back into his old ways.... soon Gerard is on the warpath.... with not only the criminals, but everyone involved in his travesty of a trial.... without providing more information than is necessary as i don't want to spoil the ending.... but it's well worth the time and energy to invest in this story....
my only real issue with this film is that by the time the explaination is given as to why Gerard is the way he is and how he accomplishes all of the things he's done.... it's kind of far fetched and you really have to suspend your disbelief to continue to enjoy what's going on in film.... and i wanted it to be something more than it was.... and perhaps that's my personal hang up.... however, i guess it all comes down to each individual viewer.... and for me it lost a bit of steam.... never the less.... this movie has a lot to offer and pays off in spades....

i gave it 4 out of 5 stars, despite my hang ups.... and i would watch it again, just to relive everything this movie has to offer.... it still doesn't change my opinion of Jamie Foxx.... and nothing probably ever will.... but it continues the winning streak for Gerard Butler, who seems to have just stormed the Hollywood scene not that long ago and just keeps getting better.... and in reality it's probably been more than a decade.... but a slow burn.... do i recommend it....? yes. as a thriller i highly recommend you check it out.... it's original and worth the effort.... just check your brain at the door....

if you like this, check out: 'The Brave One', 'Death Sentence' and 'Death Wish'