They’re not the police. They’re musicians. They’re on a mission from God, and will do whatever it takes to fulfill that mission. In “The Blues Brothers,” that includes trashing half of Chicago, including a shopping mall, the Daley Center and about one-hundred police cars. “The Blues Brothers” is marvelous mayhem, one outrageous stunt or gag after the other. Read the rest of this entry »

Director-writer Atom Egoyan’s somber drama about the meltdown of a small town after a tragic school bus accident was one of 1997’s best films. Based on the novel by Russell Banks, Egoyan’s screenplay is a bittersweet affair, but tackled with conviction and honesty, it emerges as a touching portrait of the human spirit. Ian Holm is sensational as lawyer Mitchell Stephens, who descends on the small town immediately following the accident. His presence and claims of retribution empower some while distancing others. Fighting demons of his own, Stephens slowly begins to realize that not everything is picture perfect in the little town. Bruce Greenwood is outstanding as the father of two children who died in the crash, desperately trying to get on with his life. Filled with exceptional performances and honest dialogue, “The Sweet Hereafter” touches your heart and your mind. Read the rest of this entry »

Another variation on the “Ghost in the Machine” theme, this Sci-fi thriller based on the Dark Horse comic book is a moderately engaging effort. Directed with assurance by veteran effects designer John Bruno, “Virus” is a visual and special effects extravaganza, only marred by a pedestrian screenplay that seems to serve up every cliche known to the genre. Read the rest of this entry »

Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro) is going through a mid-life crisis, and like most men his age, he’s having a tough time dealing with the stress. Under normal circumstances, Vitti would turns to a professional therapist for help. That’s the rub. As one of New York’s two mob bosses, Vitti must maintain an image of strength. Seeing a therapist might help him overcome his stress, but to his rivals it would be a declaration of weakness that could ignite a hostile take over of his business. The trick is to find a therapist he can see on the sly, and that’s where Ben Sobel (Billy Crystal) comes in. Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve always admired television stars like Mary Tyler Moore, the cast of “M*A*S*H” and more recently Ray Romano, who would rather close up shop while at the top than beat their shows to death until they become an embarrassment. Read the rest of this entry »

If history has taught us but one thing, it is every time Robin Williams plays a dramatic role in a film with three words in the title, he’s Oscar bound. Look at his relationship with Oscar: “Good Morning, Vietnam,” “Dead Poet’s Society,” “The Fisher King,” and finally a win for “Good Will Hunting. Read the rest of this entry »

“Is that another chicken joke?” Not since Joanne Worley bellowed that line on “Laugh-In” has fowl been so chic. After roosting with the fine feathered friends of “Chicken Run” for an hour-and-a-half, you would assume that you’ve heard and seen every chicken joke and pun imaginable. Read the rest of this entry »

“Lethal Weapon 4” was the first film I’ve ever known to gross $140 million and be considered a disappointment. Perhaps it was because the film cost something like $100 million to make and market, and that the major players had a first piece of the pie deal in place before agreeing to reprise their roles. Read the rest of this entry »

t’s hard to believe that “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is over fifty years old. It doesn’t look a day over thirty. Honestly, someone took good care of the Technicolor negative that was used to strike this DVD. Aside from the visible reel change marks and a couple of small scratches, the negative is absolutely beautiful. Read the rest of this entry »

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but not nearly as frightful as “Jack Frost,” possibly the oddest and least comforting holiday family film to come around since David Cronenberg’s “Crash.” Read the rest of this entry »