KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
IN GOOD COMPANY
XXX 2 's STATE OF THE UNION
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Director: Ridley Scott
I would, beyond doubt, have been peeing my pants in excitement over "Kingdom of Heaven" if the movie had been made before "Gladiator" and "The Lord of the Rings." "Kingdom of Heaven" has splendid special effects, grandiose battle-sequences and an all-star cast, but it doesn't have anything new. The feature follows the formula of these Hollywood epics, which keep coming and coming. Unfortunately, we have become spoiled (at least I have) and unable to appreciate these grand features, because they aren't unique 's and lately haven't even tried to be. All we can do is compare them: Orlando Bloom is no Russell Crowe, "Kingdom of Heaven's" battles are as good as "Troy's" but worse than those of "The Lord of the Rings" etc. The feature works, but 's well, I said it already.
(Julie Vintent)
Balian (Orlando Bloom) is a distraught blacksmith who is persuaded to go to Jerusalem by his newly discovered father, Godfrey (Liam Neeson). This film's action takes place during the Crusades some 800 years ago. The enormous success of Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" started the head-over-heels rush to make grandiose historical epics. Nevertheless, most of them ("King Arthur," "Alexander") failed miserably at the box office. Apparently British academics are already up in arms about the gross historical inaccuracies found in Scott's newest gambol through history. Though the plot is twisted and bewildering, there is something bubbling beneath all the pomp and circumstance. Most likely it's Bloom, who calmly leads us through the wilderness. The talented British thespian has become a household name since playing an elf in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
(Laimons Juris G)
IN GOOD COMPANY
Director: Paul Weitz
This lighthearted and charming comic drama isn't going to change your life, but might make you feel better about yourself and life in general. "In Good Company" is about love, relationships, family bonds and the heartlessness of modern corporate politics. The feature is sentimental, but without becoming too mushy. It boasts a dynamic story and likeable characters. Topher Grace, Dennis Quaid and Scarlett Johansson complement each other well. It's the kind of movie that cares so much for its characters you can't help but think that, although they struggle, nothing seriously bad will ever happen to them. This serves as both the film's strength and weakness. One of the reasons why "In Good Company" never becomes notable is because it lacks real conflict and true bite.
(Julie Vintent)
"In Good Company" turns out to be the most pleasant surprise this year. Writer and director Paul Weitz's kindhearted comedy rises above the formulaic fodder coming out of Hollywood lately. It's genuinely funny, recklessly romantic and downright sweet, without being cloyingly saccharine. A big corporate shake-up finds veteran ad executive Dan (Dennis Quaid) demoted. His new boss (Topher Grace) is a brash upstart half Dan's age who aggravates things further by secretly dating his eldest daughter (Scarlett Johansson). The charismatic Grace practically steals every scene he's in. However, a deep-voiced Johansson gives him a run for the money. Together they are dynamite. It's intelligent entertainment further enhanced by the most appropriate soundtrack imaginable. The prolific Sam Beam with his Iron & Wine band sets a light but serious tone.
1/2 (Laimons Juris G)
XXX 2 's STATE OF THE UNION
Director: Lee Tamahori
The first "XXX" wasn't extraordinary, but at least the movie had a story, some interesting characters, and made a good star-vehicle for Vin Diesel. The sequel sees Diesel replaced by Ice Cube, which is an interesting matter. Whoever managed to convince the producers that Ice Cube would be just the right person to step into Vin Diesel's shoes must have had some heavy hypnotic skills. The man is a terrible actor, and makes an embarrassingly clumsy and slow hero. Action takes up a great deal of the movie, and some of it (especially when Ice Cube isn't on screen) works okay. However, the story is completely unconvincing and true mumbo-jumbo 's same as Ice Cube's apparently overwhelming skills when it comes to attracting women. What a stud. Sheesh.
1/2 (Julie Vintent)
It's rather embarrassing to admit, but you will actually miss Vin Diesel's presence in this unsatisfactory sequel. It's certainly not director Lee Tamahori's ("Die Another Day") fault. If you thought Diesel was a bad actor, then Ice Cube comes across a lot worse. The African-American rapper falls flat on his big fat ass. The Cube should have stuck to his rapping or taken a few hundred hours of acting lessons (and lost some weight) before attempting to carry a big-budget hardcore production such as "XXX 2." Anyone could have been put through the paces. Some people are born with a natural talent for acting, while some are not. Cube's transition from "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted" to a contemporary super hero is just not believable, not in a million years.
1/2 (Laimons Juris G)
