gemini313

What would you do if you had to struggle between doing what was right, or doing something to get what you wanted? Would you do the right thing?

I was lucky to see an advanced screening of "Changing Lanes". I must say, Ben Affleck was at the top of his game and more confident than ever. This is the Ben I've grown to love. Samuel L. Jackson was fantastic as always, and William Hurt (in a small role) gives an inspired performance.

The cinematography was some of the best I've seen for a Hollywood release, especially in a world of Van Wilder's and Sorority Boys. The score was outstanding and complimented the movie.

So, what was wrong with it? As with every movie, there are certain events that don't seem plausible. There were some things (in fact, a major plot point) that just wouldn't have happened. Of course, it *could* happen, because stranger things have happened, but it seems highly unlikely. Also, the drama takes place in one day. That's a whole lot of drama for just 24 hours, but as you know, when it comes to life, crap happens. There was a reason why all these events take place on a holy holiday (take a guess on which one).

As a side note, I don't like how the trailers make the movie seem as though it's action all the time. You will be disappointed if you study the trailer, because most of what see was not in the movie.

With the exception of the cursing (there was no sex but minor violence), I even think young adults could watch with their parents so they can discuss "good vs. evil".

It's an above-average popcorn movie that adds some twists and turns. Check it out on the big screen.

Nicole Sullivan, Kamar de los Reyes' body (Oh yes!!), Tessie Santiago (*singing* "Behind the mask . . ."), and the choreography, this movie would have been terrible. That's unfortunate, because I feel VH1 has produced some of the most original movies/series on Basic Cable.

I like stories that have cultures coming together, because that's how it should be (!), but I REALLY feel they should have gotten a better lead actress. Annabeth Gish acted like she ate a cold, 3 day old burrito prior to shooting this movie. She was extremely dry. There was a moment when she was supposed to look pensive, but she looked braindead for about 40 seconds. I thought it was an outtake. Nicole Sullivan would have been so much better in the lead role.

The movie had a decent plot, but the screenplay lacked. Plus, everyone was pushing someone away from something they wanted without a significant reason for pushing them in the first place. That's not drama, that's a reason to take a screenwriting class--or to pick another career.

I have to give this one a 4, because what I did like, kept it from being disqualified. I can't save the last dance, because the dancehall is closed--indefinitely.

This animated program is odd. Abnormal. Unusual. Strange. I could keep going, but I can't think of anymore words. Actually I can, but, anywho.

I know you're thinking, "What the *bleep* is a Ripping Friend?". Well, my friend, a ripping, umm, friend is a superhero that wants to rip (or destroy) all that stands in the way of freedom and justice. In order to prepare themselves for this on-going battle, they go through rigorous training. Ummmmm . . . yeah.

It's aimed at kids, but I can't see how (or even why). Let me take that back, I can see it (the characters look funny and say funny things), but I think the average child probably wouldn't get the majority of the jokes. Half of those jokes are dealing with the characters names: Crag (the oldest of the RF's), Slab (the group's little lamb--that's a joke in itself), Chunk (the RF's teenage rebel yell), Rip (I call him 'Rip the Roid'--if you've seen the show, you know what I mean), Jimmy (the everloving man b**ch), and, I saved the best for last, He-Mom (the RF's foster mom).

Here's a sampling of the dialogue in the recent episode I saw: [sic] "Don't die on me. If you do, I will kiiiiiiill you!"

Later in the episode, one of the RF's gets shocked as part of his training. He screams, eyes bulging, "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!" When the current is finally shut off, he says, "Aww, I was just starting to have fun!"

I've never seen anything like this on network television for kids, and I love and watch cartoons frequently. Then I remember, it IS Fox. What did I expect?

You know what? I still have to give it an 8. Hey, I grew up watching the Fox Network. What did you expect??