CAPSULE REVIEWS

Matthew Goltz
24 May 2003

Anger Management
You've probably seen this one by now and have realized that while Jack Nicholson is fun and Adam Sandler's decent -- though not nearly as good as he was in last year's Punch Drunk Love -- the film remains a far cry from their best work. Uninspired and far too jokey (the eggs-scene is the kind of moment it needed much more of), the screenplay never gives the stars the release we all waited our two hours for. Despite the laughs we have, the film also takes pointless celebrity cameos to all new heights and sputters to its finish pretty much leaving us wanting more. And better.
** 1/2

Phone Booth
Joel Schumacher, destroyer of Batman, brings us his tightest and most solid movie since Falling Down. Raising interesting points about self-serving wannabes, retribution and ultimate responsibility, the film gives us some of Colin Farrell's best work so far (it seems working with Pacino rubbed off, somewhat). Forest Whitaker is dependable as always and loyal viewers of FOX TV's "24" will spot the voice work of the film's true star -- we never fully comprehend the sniper's real motives, but the movie's so fast and the performance so strong we barely even think about it.
***

Bulletproof Monk
The work of Chow Yun-Fat in this attempted-action-comedy is far better than the film deserves. Yes... it's redundant, it's lazy, it's badly shot. There are moments, though -- mostly fights and kung-fu in-jokes. Far from the wild and colorful blast it could have been, it's still mildly diverting. Think of it primarily as a kiddie picture, but with an actor you can actually stand watching for two hours -- like, if Jet Li suddenly starred in a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie.
**1/2

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
This sci-fi anime has impressive animation, fun characters and a somewhat-interesting plotline that slowly drifts to a near-stop in its last half hour. While I'm a newcomer to this anime sensation, I would like to see more of these Bounty Hunters of a future-populated Mars. The film has a decent mix of high-tech action and retro sensibilities. What it needs is are more solid hands guiding those sketchpads and computers behind the scenes.
**1/2

Identity
James Mangold, director of Copland, brings us this handsomely crafted and genuinely compelling thriller that sports a great first two acts. The far-above-average cast (including John Cusack, Ray Liotta and Amanda Peet) keeps us rooted in-the-moment like no thriller since The Ring. However a "surprise twist" comes up and, while clever and well-conceived, it actually makes us care less about the fate of our heroes. Edgy and smart, but possibly too clever for it's own good.
**1/2

X2: X-Men United
Director Bryan Singer succeeds again in translating 40 years of Marvel Comic history into a cohesive and entertaining 2-hours-plus. Compared to the original, it's less glossy and fun... but deeper and more dramatic. The continuing storyline of Mutants -- ordinary people with extraordinary powers -- vying for their freedom and their lives takes on great weight in this installment making this sequel rare, by being both a better-than-average summer-movie and a far-better-than-average sequel. Oh, and the fanboy side of me just wants to say "Nightcrawler, Mystique and Wolverine kick ass."
***1/2

The Matrix Reloaded
Though it takes a while establishing its characters and the world of the future Earth, Reloaded is so jam-packed with symbolism and meaning that these passages are just as impressive as the all-out special effects blow-outs that follow. Keanu Reeves impresses as he comes to grips with his "One-ness," Carrie-Anne Moss commands the attention and Lawrence Fishburne's power is unmatchable. As in X2: X-Men United, there's more depth to be had this time around -- and the drama actually plays better with a second viewing. Heavier in philosophy and sci-fi concepts than even its predecessor, this chapter in the trilogy-plus (see below) isn't really concerned with rampant violence for action's sake. In fact, perhaps as a response to the social criticism of its predecessor, much here has to do with keeping people alive. Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) informs Neo that he exercises "all the muscles but the one that matters." The same can't be said of the Wachowski Brothers; they're helping make this a great season for sequels.
***1/2

A side note: Be sure to stay all the way through the end-credits for a look at footage from The Matrix: Revolutions, coming this November. Also, the short-films of The Animatrix and the videogame Enter The Matrix feature storylines that weave in-and-out of the plotline of Reloaded. While they're not required viewing for those who wish to enjoy the films, they do richly enhance things for the more-than-casual fans out there.

--MG