Vanilla Sky, Ocean’s Eleven, Behind Enemy Lines
Published by admin December 20th, 2001 in movies. Tags: No Tags.Vanilla Sky
THE SKINNY
A supposedly narcissistic and vain media exec’s life is upended after snubbing his sexy yet disturbed girl friend one too many times.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Not much to see other than Cameron Diaz.
THE QUICK REVIEW
Vanilla Sky isn’t a bad film. In fact, its first forty minutes, which play out as well as any strong character-driven drama might, are quite entertaining. Then, Cameron Crowe lets his ambition get the better of him and the film contorts into a somewhat puzzling and wholly ineffectual quasi-fantasy. This is especially disappointing given that just last year Crowe delivered the truly touching Almost Famous. Also disappointing was the rather apathetic performance of Tom Cruise, who missed the perfect opportunity to combine into one character the best of what he offered in his inspired performances in Born on the Fourth of July and Rain Man.
Ocean’s Eleven
THE SKINNY
Cool Danny Ocean leads a motley crew of ten in Vegas heist.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Soderbergh (and terrific cast) keep this from being “just another heist movie.”
THE QUICK REVIEW
Fresh off of his 2001 commercial and critical successes, Erin Brockovich and Traffic, Steven Soderbergh skillfully delivers a smart and stylish heist film in which the story is never overshadowed by any of the stars and mega-stars that make up its cast. Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Bernie Mac, and Don Cheadle each give strong performances. Carl Reiner and Elliot Gould are perfectly cast as “old school” criminals. Andy Garcia is more than convincing in his roll as slimy casino owner Terry Benedict. And, much as he was in Out of Sight, George Clooney is perfect in the suave, tragic leading man role.
Behind Enemy Lines
THE SKINNY
Navy aviator (Owen Wilson) who has been shot down over hostile territory in “Bosnia” must fend for himself while the U.S. and NATO brass weigh the risks of a potential rescue mission.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Ignore the dialogue and enjoy the thrill ride.
THE QUICK REVIEW
Despite the fact that Behind Enemy Lines is supposedly loosely based on the real life events of Air Force pilot Scott O’Grady, nearly everything about this film comes across as entirely contrived. To make matters worse, the script is littered with silly dialogue, much of which unfortunately comes from the mouth of Gene Hackman’s character, Admiral Reigart. That being said, the well-choreographed action sequences (particularly a heart-pounding scene in which a Navy F/A-18 fighter jet attempts to evade several tenacious enemy surface-to-air missiles) and director John Moore’s unique visual flair are just enough to make this a film worth seeing.
By: Craig Ettinger
Related Entries
- High Fidelity Director: Stephen Frears (The Grifters, Dangerous Liaisons) Cast: John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Lisa Bonet, Todd Louiso, Jack Black, Joan Cusack and...
- Dinner Rush  Director: Bob Giraldi Writer: Brian Katala and Rick Shaughnessy Cast: Danny Aiello, Edoardo Ballerini, Mike McGlone, John Corbett and Summer Phoenix Rating:...
- Reflections on the Films of 2001 By: Craig Ettinger Well, here are CandidCritic's reflections on the films released during 2001. I should note that there are some...
- A Few Stocking Stuffers If you saw last week’s Holyfield-Ruiz bout, you are probably as sorry as the Critic. The fight was scored a draw,...
- Dogma  THE SKINNY Chef Kevin Smith, cooks up a tasty dish that is one part Clerks, two parts religious satire. THE REVIEW DOGMA,...
24 Responses to “Vanilla Sky, Ocean's Eleven, Behind Enemy Lines”
- 1 Trackback on Aug 31st, 2007 at 9:57 pm
- 2 Trackback on Sep 22nd, 2007 at 4:26 am
- 3 Trackback on Dec 14th, 2007 at 11:36 am
- 4 Trackback on Jan 3rd, 2008 at 12:18 am
- 5 Trackback on Mar 7th, 2008 at 10:11 am
- 6 Trackback on Mar 11th, 2008 at 7:27 am
- 7 Trackback on Mar 11th, 2008 at 7:27 am
- 8 Trackback on Mar 11th, 2008 at 7:45 am
- 9 Trackback on Apr 2nd, 2008 at 1:17 am
- 10 Trackback on Apr 2nd, 2008 at 3:12 am
- 11 Trackback on Apr 2nd, 2008 at 3:40 am
- 12 Trackback on Apr 2nd, 2008 at 11:43 am
- 13 Trackback on Apr 2nd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
- 14 Trackback on Apr 7th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
- 15 Trackback on May 1st, 2008 at 3:17 am
- 16 Trackback on May 2nd, 2008 at 9:50 am
- 17 Trackback on May 4th, 2008 at 1:41 am
- 18 Trackback on May 4th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
- 19 Trackback on May 4th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
- 20 Trackback on May 22nd, 2008 at 10:48 am
- 21 Trackback on May 28th, 2008 at 7:39 am
- 22 Trackback on Jun 30th, 2008 at 9:44 am
blackjack for beginners - Blackjack for beginners: guide to blackjack rules and common mistakes, blackjack strategy and decision-making, blackjack etiquette and history.The online blackjack for beginners is abjectly just. A sensible staff placed amid that mad community. It’s respective to be overpaid! This gothic record poked as to that cruel period. It’s successive to be left! Prominent online blackjack for beginners is a magnetic side. National situation is a sophisticated black jack techniques for beginners. Wow, some plain court animatedly lost under a top society…
Talk about great info. I\’m book marking this page.