Patric was great, Willis was OK
929161
Patric was great, Willis was OK, Cusack has been better...good for when you run out of stuff to watch.
374355
Ridley Scott, who directed "Gladiator", took some of the best elements in classic movies like "Ben-Hur" and "Spartacus" (the set designs, the big production values, the man-to-man combats, the huge number of extras), and combined them with modern elements inspired by movies like "Braveheart" and "Saving Private Ryan" (the digital effects, the realism of the battles, the man fighting for his country and seeking for revenge).

"Gladiator" is a modern epic with good performances and good direction work. The cast includes solid actors like Russell Crowe, who dominates his role, specially in the physical aspect where he really looks like a warrior. Richard Harris in a brief but essential role as Marcus Aurelius. Joaquin Phoenix as the infamous Commodus, he portrayed one of the most cynic villains in recent years. Oliver Reed as Proximo, he also gave a memorable performance.

Ridley Scott gave a dynamic pace to "Gladiator", even though this movie is an epic, its length is shorter than movies like "Ben-Hur". He also used CGI visual effects in a lot of open camera angles, for example, in the landscapes there are a lot of CGI elements added to the shots. The sound and the music are very good, and it reflects in a more realistic movie.

"Gladiator" is a very good movie, it's a very good way to introduce younger audiences to a classic genre. If you liked this movie, then you should see the classics, like "Ben-Hur" and "Spartacus".
4580689
Vince Russo and Ed Ferrara were two of the more polarizing figures during the mid to late 90's and into the last days of WCW. From the attitude era of WWF, to bursting onto the scene in WCW in the fall/winter of WCW in '99, these two usually were either loved or loathed by fans and those in the business alike. Since then both have worked in TNA and this DVD done back in 2005 is an inside look at the WWF from the perspectives of Ferrara and Russo, while being interviewed by Wade Keller of PWITORCH.com.

They tackle a variety of topics from how they both grew up being fans of the business, how they both broke into it (had no idea Ferrara was once an indy wrestler), the events that took place to where Russo became part of the writing team, how Ed came in later and they became friends. We hear about everything from Austin and Rock's rise to main event status, how Hogan's heel turn influenced change in WWF's product, how interviews changed and that roles of good vs. bad being thrown out the window, the Montreal Screwjob, Owen Hart's death (which was a touching portion of the feature) and more subjects.

It was refreshing to hear from both these guys as both seem honest and candid and Russo doesn't come off as egotistical as he has been portrayed by others in the past, Ed seemed like a genuine guy, who still loves wrestling to this day. It was nice to get a different view of the WWF from someone not employed by them, though this DVD isn't without its problems.

1: The cheap production value, I mean this is like college TV studio type production, which made me laugh more often than not.

2. The interview segment is quite long (just over 2 hours) which isn't bad mind you, but it's hard to watch it straight through as its just talk, (good talk but still just talk).

3: As good as it is to hear from both guys, there's no replay value in this, the interview portion is well done but the shock is gone and the stories become stale with a second viewing.

4. The extras aren't worth much, we see Ed and Vince at an indy event helping with booking, footage of Ed as a wrestler and a few other things.

So overall if you're a wrestling fan this is worth viewing once, its again nice to hear from both guys especially Vince who has received far more scorn from people (some deservedly and some undeserved in my opinion). Just a one time watching experience to me.
2648270
Wow, Robert Rodriguez does Frank Miller, very good. This is a keeper, and Bruce Willis does a great job too.
3547108
I  like how the story unfolded. Did I wa t to knock them up side the head?  Well, of course!  But it just goes to show that not all jocks are total idiots.
625547
Featuring solid work from both Jason Patric and the astonishing Ray Liotta (he should have won an Oscar),"Narc" is a dark brutal, tale of the hunt for a supposed cop killer. If the opening chase scene doesn't pull you in, then you don't have a pulse! Writer/Director Joe Carnahan stages and shoots much of this great film like a 70's cop drama, but never lets style overcome the story. Busta Rhymes is good a small put pivotal role as a drug dealer and his revelations near the end of the piece send the tale in a whole new direction. Liotta with his weathered face, bushy goatee and bloated, almost lumbering appearance is a marvel to watch as he alternates between violent, sadistic rage and moments of clear-headed reasoning and remembrance (the stakeout scene in the car when he talks about his deceased wife is one of the best sequences here and a fine bit of subtle acting by both he and Patric). While is has it's moments of bloody violence, the movie never shows us carnage for the sake of shock value. An all around excellent movie, "Narc" will achieve an even greater reputation with the passing of time and be fondly remembered as one of the best cop films in cinematic history. Highly Recommended.
674252
Last year's "The Sixth Sense" is a very unique film in that it's both a very scary supernatural tale and a sublime story of friendship.  The film stars Bruce Willis as a childpsychologist with a traumatic past who decides to counsel a disturbed little boy named Cole Sear who is played by Haley Joel Osment.  Cole has a special gift that most adults wouldn't want; he can see and hear ghosts.  Willis then tries to help young Cole to cope with his ability and live a normal life.
This film has a very interesting premise, but more than that perhaps it's strongest asset are the strong performances by Haley Joel Osment and the underrated Bruce Willis.  Osment gives a star making performance showing an almost scary amount of maturity for a young child.  As for Willis, he gives his most earnest and best performance to date showing what a fine talent he really is.  While most of the story centers around Cole's performance, Willis doesn't try to outshine his young co-star.  Instead he shows the younger actor much respect by reacting and listening to him instead of out-act him.  Much recognition should go to Willis for Osment's performance, and for his own as well.
Another great ability Willis has is having complete trust from the audience.  He has always utilized this talent in his "Die Hard" films and other action adventures, but it has never been so useful than in "The Sixth Sense".  We react to his humanity has he tries to heal this sad little boy, and we sympathize for him has he desparately tries to mend his marriage.  Being as huge and important a star as Willis is, he shows restraint from turning this performance into a star vehicle.
One more wonderful thing about "The Sixth Sense" is the writing by director M. Night Shyamalan.  This isn't a trendy thriller with 90's gimmicks and one liners.  However, this film has undoubtedly become a trend setter.  Many of the films wonderful plot turns come naturally and are done with great care as to show the audience that these aren't artificial scares and suprises.
"The Sixth Sense" is a film like "Ghost", an emotional supernatural tale with a suprisingly sweet heart.  There are emotional responses from the audience ranging from genuine fright to overwhelming suprise and delight.  It is because of these wonderful suprises and performances that "The Sixth Sense" may reaffirm your belief in movies.
4605718
I loved loved loved Death Race with Jason Statham.  The next installment was ok so I expected that this flick would be mediocre at best.  Many of the original characters are gone but indeed replaced with fairly good actors.  Its set in Africa with those Baja vehicles so while it was ok I just wasn't that into it.  BUT the last 10 min really made the film go from just ok to pretty good.  If you liked how "The Usual Suspects" ended you might like how this one ends as well.  I'd say if you liked the two other installments this is worth your $3.99 to see what i'm talking about.  Besides they brought back Lists and he plays his part well.
3100773
Though it is a very good film -- actually two films in one -- it does not equal the perfection of The Godfather (now known as Part I).  The best half is that of the young Vito.  The less than superb half is the continuing story of Michael.  Everyone knows these films, so I'll just say that the Michael half is humorless and some scenes do not ring quite right.  Would Kay and Michael really throw that overblown day long party with every Corleone acquaintance, including the senator from Nevada, to celebrate their son's first communion?  How could would-be assassins get outside Kay and Michael's bedroom window on that fortress-like compound?  I don't believe that Kay Corleone would have a healthy baby son aborted to stop "This Sicilian Thing."  Would Fredo really have instigated a hit on his brother that could well have killed Kay also?  I realize these are fictional characters, but their personalities are clearly drawn and understood by the end of G Part I.  So Coppola I think stretched credulity a bit in G Part II.
I also think Michael's dealings with Hyman Roth are a little difficult to understand as presented.  This was potentially a very fascinating relationship that could have been developed more fully. ("Michael, we're bigger than US Steel.")  I could go on with even little things (for instance the way Mama Corleone is dressed while in her casket), but I'll just assume that the director didn't consider these particularly important.
Still, as a sequel (and a prequel) to G Part I, this is a very fine film.  It is not a masterpiece as G Part I is, but it is exponentially better than the ill-conceived G Part III.  The cinematography is beautiful, and the musical score is, once again, superb.
3087241
Expecting Bruce Willis to have played the action part instead of the godfather part. Good action.
4815341
This is a rather dark violent movie with a somewhat unique twist and reasonable performances that keep you watching. Bruce Willis has a nearly cameo appearance but, the others do a respectable performance so, old Bruce didn't need to be in it in my opinion. Bruce Willis' picture did cause me to start watching the movie however.
4796006
I enjoyed this film. It reminded me of the 1950s and early 1960''s war films. Patriotic,
filled with attractive and well known actors; it moved right along. The message - the
importance of art, the life of the mind, creativity and the worth of culture - was made
clear . I did not think it was too heavy-handed, perhaps due to the cast.

I did not think this was a great film. But It did get me more interested in who the
'Monuments Men' were, what their project was and about some of the art and other
 valuables they sought and found or didn't find.
2757075
This movie displays Paul Walker's more complex acting abilities. What a terrible shame he died so young. He did a terrific job in this movie. Unlike most films of this genre, it wasn't all just brute force action, although there was plenty of that. There was time, however, for some personal interaction, reflection, and humor which made it really enjoyable. The other character whose name escapes me was incredible at par corps...or however it's spelled. He was astonishing! They had the sense to let Paul Walker hesitate at some stunts, and find a different path. He almost looked clumsy compared to that other guy...but not quite. It was more realistic that way, and added some light humor.
4183671
I heard some reviews of this movie before I actually got to watch it so I knew that there was a twist.  Although the reviewers I heard didn't mention the exact nature of it I figured it out after a few minutes of the film.  I think I might have enjoyed this movie more had I not known, but I will say that even the second time I watched it, it was still entertaining.
This kind of movie has to be really good to be enjoyable the second viewing, so I will say it's a good movie.  The child actor had to be good and they picked a winner here.  Willis is better and more entertaining in action flicks (at least that is my opinion) but here and in the movie The Kid, he is good, there is no doubt.
If you haven't somehow overheard the twist in this movie, hurry and watch it before someone ruins it for you.  This is the kind of scary movie that can be watched with older kids as it is very scary at points, and while it has some gruesome scenes in it, it doesn't have outright gory violence like a slasher flick nor does it have any sex scenes.  A strong recommendation for anyone that likes good drama and doesn't mind a couple of frightening images.
4971709
WWE Films continue to surprise, giving us a string of terrific action thrillers from an unlikely source. Their latest straight to video release is a sequel to 2009s, 12 Rounds. While Randy Orton wasn't nearly as good as John Cena was in the first film, he gives a more than adequate performance as Nick Molloy, a paramedic who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. After failing to save a rich mans wife at the scene of a drunk driving accident, the man decides to punish all those involved, including the paramedic who failed to save her. The story here is pretty solid, especially for an action film, but what bothers me is that this sequel was in no way connected to the first film. Reloaded is a different story in a different city, with an entirely different cast, so how did the bad guy manage to come up with the same game, from four years earlier? As for that game, the rounds weren't as long or as complicated, but what really makes this better than your average action movie is the compelling back story and the depth of the characters involved. Randy Orton, while having very limited film experience was pretty good and that will come as a surprise to many. It's hard to think of WWE Superstars as actors, but that is exactly what they are. Aside from wrestling in their underwear every week, they have to play a charterer and follow a script 52 weeks a year, so is this really such a stretch? For the most part the WWE Superstars have made for some pretty exciting action stars. The supporting cast of this film was also very good, in particular Tom Stevens, formerly of the Diary of A Wimpy Kid series. Stevens plays Tommy, another person caught up in this madman's game, and he is not only thrilling and charismatic, but he's pretty funny too. 12 Rounds 2 won't win any awards, but it is 90 minutes of non-stop action, packaged in a compelling story, which I found to be extremely entertaining.
3720877
There have been a lot of boxing movies over the years. Rocky and Raging Bull stand apart as the greatest the genre has to offer. The Fighter is not far behind. In the works for years with a revolving door of directing and acting talent, the only constant was Mark Wahlberg. Seeing this film made has been a passion of Wahlberg's for over five years now, and once you see it, you'll understand why. David O Russell has crafted an intelligent, compassionate, and funny film about the concurrent rise and fall of boxers Micky and Dickie Ward, two Irish brothers living in Lowell, Mass in the early 1990s.

Based on the true story of seemingly washed-up Micky Ward's rise to glory despite the downward spiral of his brother and the mismanagement of his lecherous mother, The Fighter had the potential to be just another syrupy underdog story. Luckily for all involved, a strong screenplay and the wealth of talent involved help to create a film that resonates much deeper than you might initially think. Russell has long proven to be a special director, with Three Kings and I Heart Huckabees, both past collaborations with Wahlberg, serving as high points on his resume. Those two films contain some of Wahlberg's best work, and the trend continues in The Fighter. Wahlberg gives a thoughtful, at times almost understated performance that really holds the film together. He doesn't make the character a clich or stereotype, as easy as that might have been. It's not the flashiest role, and is nearly swallowed up by Christian Bale's performance, but Wahlberg's performance stands as further proof of a solid career, with many highlights yet to come.

Speaking of Bale, a lot has already been said regarding his performance as the troubled crack-addicted former boxer Dickie Ward, but it bears repeating as his presence looms over the film regardless of whether or not he's on screen. Sporting a bald spot and gaunt frame, Bale appears here as a ghostly figure, a constant reminder to Micky of where this hard-luck life can lead. It's a wild, take-no-prisoners performance and the kind of stuff Oscar statues are made of, both hilarious and tragic. In a career chock-full of special performances, Christian Bale's riveting, manic portrayal of Dickie Ward stands alongside Patrick Bateman as the best of his career. The Oscar for Best Supporting Actor is a foregone conclusion. Melissa Leo and Amy Adams also deliver standout performances as Micky's mother and girlfriend, respectively. The two woman serve as opposing forces in Micky's life, and with Dickie serving as the wild card, there is plenty of turmoil surrounding Micky's battered career .

I was surprised at the amount of genuine humor in The Fighter, as a film dealing with family turmoil, crack addiction, and violent beating for small paydays didn't initially seem a candidate for large helpings of comedy. It's never too much, however, and unlike True Grit, the director Russell seems to know when to draw the line and avoid compromising the tone of the film. Oddly enough, the film's only misstep comes in the ring, as the fight scenes lack the speed and intensity of Rocky or the cinematic verve of Raging Bull. Russell opted to shoot them from a broadcast perspective, and the resulting effect, complete with commentary, HBO graphics, and a marked change in cinematography, feels disjointed and underdeveloped. Still, Wahlberg is in fantastic shape and is more than convincing as a welterweight fighter. The punches pack a wallop, but suffer in comparison to the stomach punch of family drama that permeates Micky's climb to the top. Despite the tragedy of Dickie Ward and the awfulness of his = mother and sisters, The Fighter is a feel-good movie. We all know how it will end; it is based on a true story, after all. What matters is the fight to get there and, thanks to a screenplay which rises above clich and a host of excellent performances, The Fighter is still standing tall at the final bell. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
2416875
This movie does to football what "Saving Private Ryan" did to war.  "Any Given Sunday" puts you on field of battle and makes  you see the violence and the pain from the perspective of the participant.  The cast on paper is first rate but, other than Pacino, the acting is  mediocre.  Jim Brown is embarrassing as Pacino's defensive coordinator.  I  found the violence in the movie a bit excessive.  I watched and played  numerous games and understand the brutality of the game, but some of this  stuff reminds me of the "Friday the 13th" series.  The characters  are predictable and learn profound life lessons too easily.  Oliver Stone  does offer an effective ending, using a press conference during the credits  as an epilogue.
"North Dallas Forty" still reigns as most  entertaining, realistic, and well-done movie about professional football.  "Any Given Sunday" steals a lot from that movie but falls far  short in its effectiveness.
All in all, Any Given Sunday is a watchable  and entertaining movie.