Ladder 49 (2004)

Netflix Synopsis: Trapped in a horrendous factory fire that may kill him, a fireman (Joaquin Phoenix) looks back at his life, career and marriage while he waits for the remote possibility that his company — Ladder 49 — may rescue him, if they can just reach him in time. John Travolta plays Phoenix’s fire chief and mentor, and Jacinda Barrett plays Phoenix’s wife. Directed by Jay Russell.

Review: I don’t know why, but for the longest time I thought this movie had to do with September 11th and the New York City firefighters. It wasn’t at all related, except that it was a movie about being a firefighter. After I saw this movie, I was convinced this was the best movie I had seen in months. It has a little bit of drama, a little bit of romance and a lot of explosions, so there is something here for everyone. John Travolta plays one of his best roles in my opinion as a fire chief, and Joaquin Phoenix is amazing in every role he plays. I highly recommend this one.

Rating:

Submitted by: Heather 5/7/05

Ocean’s Twelve (2004)

Netflix Synopsis: In this sequel to the 2001 hit Ocean’s Eleven, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) reunites with his old flame (Julia Roberts) and the rest of his merry band of thieves and con men (Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Casey Affleck and Don Cheadle, among others). This time, the caper concerns three huge heists in Rome, Paris and Amsterdam. Catherine Zeta-Jones co-stars, and Andy Garcia returns as casino owner Terry Benedict. Steven Soderbergh reprises as director.

Review: You know what I loved about Ocean’s Eleven? The interaction between all of the characters just seemed fun and natural. Especially George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Thankfully I can say the same about Ocean’s Twelve. It was a very silly movie, but it knew it, so it never seemed cheesy. It was fun to watch. If you were a fan of the first movie, you will love this one.

Rating:

Submitted by: Heather 5/7/05

Alfie (2004)

Netflix Synopsis: Jude Law reprises the title role made famous by Michael Caine (who got an Oscar nod for his portrayal) and makes it his own in this stylish remake. Alfie (Law), a self-aware British cad living in New York, falls in lust too easily and can’t commit to one woman, leaving a string of heartache in his wake. When one of his many lovers gets pregnant and it appears he’s finally smitten with a woman for good, Alfie begins to question his existence.

Review: I heard a lot of people didn’t like this movie because it didn’t follow the original. This was not a problem for me, I never saw the original. I figured, Jude Law plays a single guy who likes to be with as many women as he can… great stuff. Unfortunately, I thought this movie was awful. It wasn’t sure if it wanted to be a romantic comedy or a human drama, and as a result, it felt very confused. Jude Law was still sexy though.
Rating:

Submitted by: Heather 5/7/05

Ray (2004)

Netflix Synopsis: This biopic tells the life story of rhythm and blues legend Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx, who won a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal). Born to a poor family in Albany, Ga., Charles contracted glaucoma at age 6 (which robbed him of his eyesight) and nonetheless went on to become a world-famous pianist and performer. He dealt with racism, romantic letdowns and his own heroin abuse, but managed to triumph over all obstacles. Taylor Hackford directs.

Review: This was an awesome movie. It tells the story of Ray Charles, and to be honest with you, I really wasn’t that interested. I only wanted to see it because I was so impressed with Jamie Foxx’s performance in Collateral.

Jamie did a fantastic job in this film, and he won an Oscar for his performance. Throughout most of the movie he looked nothing like Ray, but yet he became him in such a way that his looks were not important. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, I highly recommend it. It is a wonderful human drama about making mistakes, and being human.

Rating:

Submitted by: Heather 5/6/05