Zack_Hobson

Iron Monkey (Siunin Wong Fei-Hung tsi titmalau), released in North America on the coat-tails of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, was actually made in Hong Kong in 1993. Plenty of special effects augment the fight choreography, which brings to mind Matrix and Crouching Tiger, but this film, in its simplicity, is more enjoyable to me than either of these.

I didn't realize how much I liked this movie until it came on digital cable and I watched it every chance I could get. This movie is eye candy. It's not bothersome or preachy or heavy. It's just fun to watch. And the utter absence of Hollywood is like a cool breeze on a hot summer day.

Thought Provoking movie directed by Steven Soderbergh (Traffic) and produced by James Cameron. Kelvin (George Clooney) is a psychiatrist mourning his wife's death, asked by a friend in deep space to come and rescue him, crew from strange psychological affliction. Deeply troubled crew include Jeremy Davies (Saving Private Ryan), and Viola Davis (Antwone Fisher).

Kelvin's relationship with deceased wife Rheya is exposed through flashbacks as he quickly begins to confront his own image of her and his feelings about their time together. Soon, life, death and sanity hang in the balance as Kelvin's rationality and emotions do battle.

Set in outer space, this movie is a fascinating exploration of 'inner space' which can be even more enigmatic. Solaris is a powerful mirror, which, once gazed into, forces us to question our own tenuous grasp on reality. A different movie. Thoughtful, intensely emotional. Could not have worked without excellent acting all around. Soderbergh's stark visuals are also well done. Recommended.

William Friedkin directs an exciting 'Cat & Mouse' movie which is pretty much all edge-of-your-seat action chase/fight scenes set in the picturesque Pacific Northwest. L.T. Bonham (Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones) is brought out of retirement to track down a serial killer who preys on big game hunters. He quickly homes in on the culprit, but Aaron Hallam (Benicio Del Toro) will not be brought to justice easily. Connie Nielson (Gladiator) supports as the FBI agent in charge of the manhunt. Chases, captures and escapes ensue, enough action to keep it interesting.

Unfortunately, the plot and character development that I had hoped for when I rented this movie never materialize. With actors as fine as Jones and Del Toro, this is a real crime. All the more frustrating are the little hints (the letters, the parallels between L.T. and Hallam) at character development and plot which are never followed up. I don't know if this movie lacked the ambition to turn out some really interesting characters, or if it was just cut to pieces in the editing room. Either way, it is very disappointing.