Beetlejuice ~ 1988

Michael Keaton takes this role and creates one of the most zaniest, craziest, kooky characters ever made for film.  He is phenomenal as Beetle-juice. Keaton is an actor that has never been appreciated for his versatility and superb acting skills.

This movie also stars the great Geena Davis, and remarkable Winona Ryder, Alex Baldwin and the forever wonderful Cathrine O’Hara, another under-appreciated star. Jeffrey Jones plays his typical character as he has since Ferris Bueller.

Geena Davis and Alex Baldwin are a couple in love with each other and their simple home town, so much so that when they die unexpectedly they want to remain in their home, however in order to do so they have to call on Beetlejuice to help them out.

Tim Burton directed this Oscar winning film, yes it won a Oscar for best make-up.  It has now become a cult-classic. B+

Bedazzled ~ 2000

Befuddled, is what I thought when I first saw this film. The 1967 original, starring Dudley Moore and Peter Cook and directed by Stanley Donen was a droll dark comedy that bombed when it was first released to theatres but has developed a very strong cult following over the years. This 2000 version, directed by Harold Ramis is not so much a remake as a latter-day re-imagining of the story. Harold Ramis directs this 2000 version and does a fairly good job.

Brendan Fraser is great in 7, yes 7 different roles. But Elizabeth Hurley, I really did not like her. I never have. She just seemed out of place in this film, look much too old to play against Fraser.

The film moved fast, and the jokes, were funny, but they moved way too fast as well. I prefer this film over the 1967 version, but this one left me a little befuddled. But then it is a comedy. C

Beauty Shop ~ 2005

Queen Latifah can sing, make you laugh and even act. In this film she plays Gina Norris, a hairdresser that has worked for Jorge (Kevin Bacon) for too long and is determined to open her own shop. With disaster from the beginning she works her way through with her charm and her witty one liners and makes a success of her shop.

Alfre Woodard, Alicia Silverstone, Keisha Knight Pullman, Della Reese, Andie McDowell and Mena Sevari also star.

It’s not the greatest comedy aever put on film, but it is good and it will make you laugh in the way only Queen Latifah can. B-

*batteries not included ~ 1987

I love this film.  It’s corny and full of sappy storylines, but it is also heartwarming and a delightful film.  Five tennants of an apartment house, over the Riley Cafe is set for destruction, and alien life forms come to their rescue.

It’s not your typical alien movie, well maybe for the 80’s, where Hollywood tried to make aliens seem like our friends.  But it is a blend of comic relief and still tells a heartwarming and enchanting tale.

The famous stage and screen couple, Hune Cronyn and Jessica Tanday star as husband and wife, Faye and Frank Riley.  Married in real life over 52 years, these two make this movie.  They were a delight on screen.  A young Elizabeth Pena stars as a pregnant single women who falls for her neighbor, played by Dennis Boutsikaris.  Frank McRae plays the dim-witted repair man that befriends the mechanical aliens. Michael Carmine plays the tough guy who works for the company that wants the tennant home destroyed.

A beautiful yarn, and a great movie for the entire family A

Batman Begins ~ 2005

Christopher Nolan brought a real and true Batman story to the eyes and minds to viewers that had yet to have been seen. This story was briefly touched upon in the first Tim Burton Batman, however latter films in that series, especially when Joel Schumaker took over the reigns, the true story of Batman was left in the shadows.

This story tells us more than any other story has ever told about Bruce Wayne’s background and the reason he became who he is. It was done in a very intricate way, however did not take up too much screen time which it could have caused some sleepy eyes in the theater. Christian Bale is excellent as the millionaire Wayne, and even better as the winged super hero. Michale Caine as Alfred was an excellent addition. Morgan Freeman added to the cast was superb. The only casting that had me a bit befuddled was that of Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes, was, well lets say too Dawson Creek for me. She didn’t seem like she fit in the story at all. She was not connected with the rest of the cast, aloof and one sided. Cillian Murphy, however as the Scarecrow was absolutely incredible. By far my favorite role next to that of Liam Neesons’ Henri Ducard.

The cinematography and special effects were great, and in your face, however not over the top. This was a film one to wait for. Finally a batman movie that brings us closer to what the creator Bob Kane envisioned those many years ago when Batman came upon the comic scene. B+

Bambi ~ 1942

What can you say negatively about this Disney Classic? Not a thing. Disney was in its glory days when this film was released in 1942. The pencil-drawn Impressionistic renditions of the rhythms of the woodlands makes me realize that modern animators have been spoiled by computer graphics. The animation is by far incredible for the year in which it was created, and it still rings a realism when watched over 60 years later.

The storyline does not sugar coat the realities of life, birth and death, but creates them in a way that are enduring, but understandably painful. A classic that will remain long after we are all forgotten. A