Oh, I’m picking out a thermos for you….! This movie has so much classic material it’s sick. Steve Martin in his zany prime. The wild and crazy guy triumphs. One thing I never understood though, the title. The Jerk? Navin isn’t really much of a Jerk. An idiot maybe, a dork perhaps, possibly even a weirdo, but a Jerk? No.
Jefferson in Paris
An OK movie, but a terrible portrayal of Jefferson. He deserves a lot better. We do now know that Jefferson was indeed boofing Sally Hemmings to the tune of at least a few kids (or do we? It could have easily been his brother or cousin, etc.). He was a complicated guy. I have to wonder though, would it be better to be the master’s mistress or just another random slave? (of course it’d probably be better to be free, but that option didn’t arise). Anyway, I hope that somebody makes a real good movie about Jefferson’s life, and maybe his relationship with John Adams. I hope it’s just a matter of time.
James and the Giant Peach
A very interesting film (loved the animation) – a very imaginative story.
Jabberwocky
A very strange movie. Most people forget about this one & the links to Monty Python… I’m not sure how many links there are actually, Terry Gilliam directed it, and I think a couple of Pythoners were in it. Everyone is afraid of the evil Jabberwocky, but nobody really knows what it is. I only saw this movie once, and I remember being confused. I think I’ll have to rent it again someday.
Jaws 4 (The Revenge)
Somebody figures that they can make one more really cheap movie. There should be enough die-hard fans to turn a profit. But the key is, the investment in the movie has to be really small. Jaws 1,2,3,4 is a perfect example of this series of events. Jaws 4 was so bad it was laughable. The shark follows the family to Florida? Is this a comedy? What began as a real work of art (the original) finally fizzled and faded away with Jaws 4. It’s a shame that this movie even has “Jaws” in the title.
Jaws 3D
This is how it goes: the first movie is a classic and makes tons of money. So, “they” decide to make a sequel. It’s crap, but everyone goes to see it anyway since the first one was so good. Since the second movie made so much money, “they” figure that they can make another sequel. But, by this time the public has caught on. The third sequel is crap too, and it flops. Thus ends the cycle… or does it?
Jaws 2
A silly attempt to cash in on the original. The only thing I cared about was: “What crazy scheme will they use to kill the shark this time?”. Ahhh! power cable, good one.
Jaws
Despite the best of efforts, the shark looks fake. But, of course that doesn’t matter. It was a great movie – man battling nature – human nature, inner nature, and mother nature.
Jackie Brown
Story of a lady who’s time has finally come. I love how Jackie is portrayed as so “average”, yet deep down she isn’t average at all. My favorite scene? when Bridget Fonda gets whacked in the parking lot.
I Shot Andy Worhol
That’s one wacko lady. This is the true story of the woman who shot Andy Warhol (didn’t kill him though, just screwed him up a bit). Why did she do it? Well, it’s more complicated that I can even understand. I guess she needed to feel connected with him again, maybe she was just pissed at him for cutting her out. In any event, this movie is a good study of a disturbed individual. Seeing this movie is a lot like having a conversation with that crazy old lady on the sidewalk who talks to the traffic lights… Remember, she used to be younger and a bit more sane.
I, Robot
First off, I don’t know why the Fresh Prince gets these roles… He’s always the same guy, I think they should have cast someone else… Second, the premise of this movie was completely absurd – the only way the inventor of the robots can prove they’re dangerous is to have one of them kill him? and then leave a trail of breadcrumbs for some marginal cop to figure out? Give me a break! There are about a thousand other ways he could have “gone public”, and more effectively too. His bizarre scheme ended up getting all sorts of people killed when the “evil robot program” kicked in. Could have nipped that in the bud with a simple press-conference! Still, the movie did have some neat effects and some light, thought-provoking dialogue, but the premise just killed it.
I.Q.
Dang, that Meg Ryan is just so darn cute. This movie is off the “Meg Ryan cuteness” charts. Oh, she’s perky too! Very perky in this movie. This film proves that she does her best “work” when she just gives in and lets the perky cuteness take over. (Gotta love this movie, it even has Einstein!)
It’s a Wonderful Life
Hey, your life isn’t that wonderful. You’re stuck in a dead-end job in a small boring town. Now, you owe everybody in the town money too. All of them know that you’re a loser who can’t manage a bank. Kill yourself & do it right, you’ll be doing everybody a favor.
Into the Wild
I was surprised at how much I liked this. I appreciated the acting, the direction, the story, the message – and the music. It was really a full package. I’ve heard people criticize Christopher McCandless – the real person behind the movie. They simply know nothing, and don’t get the point. To me, they’re missing out on the experience and joy that is freedom and life. I’ve met many people like McCandless who by luck or skill lived a happier ending. They are the reason the world is interesting.
Into the Night
Liked it. Before Jeff Goldblum got onto his whole super-scientist kick. I especially liked the Iranian bad guys, they were really likable.
In the Bedroom
A charming love story. After a young man tragically dies, his parents grow to accept the love of his girlfriend. The father also gets involved in community service, helping to put away trash that had been polluting their quaint seaside town.
Interview with the Vampire
I’ll have to say that I liked this. I didn’t even mind that it was really long. Just when you thought every possible vampire movie had been done…
The Interpreter
One thing that’s always bugged me about these types of movies is that they rely on the audience coming to really hate some character. To do that, they really need to give you a good reason. Although, we know the leader is a bad guy (or good guy gone wrong), we never get direct evidence of him personally living up to that reputation. I think it would have helped to have a scene where he betrays someone. Other than that, it was a decent movie.
The Italian Job
Completely ridiculous at every turn… at every car chase, at every explosion, and with every uninspired one-liner.
Into Great Silence
Sometimes the biggest truths don’t require a single spoken word. We live, we die, inbetween, we what?… think? What a fantastic meditation of a film… In case you don’t know, this is a documentary about some monks in France. The monks don’t speak, and there is no dialogue in this entire movie (aside from some very short bits). The film simply shows the life of these monks, so that you can better understand it. The movie took decades to plan, and the film followed an entire year. Truly fantastic for anyone looking for a fresh approach to moviemaking.
The Innocent
A cold war drama. I guess it was a decent movie, but I still don’t understand the woman’s character… why was she so cruel to the main character? When it comes down to it, there wasn’t any reason.
Innerspace
Gee whiz, what a nice fun movie. If you’re feeling just a little down on a rainy day, see this movie.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
I guess it was good, but it was essentially the same thing as Raiders of the lost ark. I’ll have to say that the Monty Python troupe had a lot more fun looking for the holy grrrrail.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
I have a theory that Spielberg intended to make this a really bad movie. He’s a smart guy with a proven track record. There is no reason he would resort to such stupid scenes and plot devices that are sprinkled throughout this movie. The pacing makes no sense – it just jumps from scene to scene, etc. There are so many things wrong with this movie from start to finish… But, why would he do this? Perhaps it’s because he really did want to emulate the original inspiration for the series – the movie reels – which weren’t very good either. Or, perhaps he wanted to kill the series himself, and not let it turn into some kind of long-running james bond thing. Or, perhaps he’s just screwing with everyone. I’m more and more convinced this wasn’t just a mistake.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Although it was the weakest of the series (especially with that annoying little kid), it was in a sense the most true to the original concept – a serialized thrill-seeking, adventure movie… with a little campiness thrown in like icing on the cake.