'THE MOST EXCITING ZOMBIE MOVIE IN YEARS'
Dawn of the Dead (2004) - Zach Snyder, a major-motion picture newcomer, has been charged with remaking "Dawn of the Dead," the second film in George Romero's classic trilogy. To zombie and horror fans alike, this is the equivalent of being asked to remake "The Godfather II." Except there's zombies -- in a shopping mall. This is no easy feat.
Fortunately, Snyder prevails and brings us one of the most exciting zombie movies in years. The gore is serious and graphic, the situations are darkly humorous and the character arcs exceed expectations for the genre.
The opening sequence in this film is jaw-droppingly fun and the ride doesn't stop until the credits are over. This reviewer cared more for the characters in this film than half the dramas he's seen in the last year. In terms of combining character development and excitement, the new "Dawn of the Dead" can sit on the same shelf as "X2" and "The Boondock Saints." It's just that good.
Must... eat... brains... Erm, I mean, see... this... movie...
NOT-SO-GREAT COMEDY
The Lady Killers (2004) - In the latest Cohen Brothers comedy, Southern Professor G.H. Dorr (Tom Hanks) assembles a motley crew of criminals in a get-rich-quick scheme to burglarize the vault of a Casino River Boat. The only person in his way is his landlord, a kind if not senile elderly church lady. Madcap adventures, etc.
The movie populated with almost all of the Cohen Brothers trademarks: fun performances, good music and clever, meaningful symbolism. It just lacks one ingredient: laughs. Other than the speech of G.H. Dorr, this may be the most poorly written Cohen Brothers effort to date. Even Tom Hank's all-or-nothing performance can't save it.
The Cohen Brothers can be credited with the greatest comedies of the last 15 years, but "The Lady Killers" isn't one of them. In fact, they haven't struck gold since "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" in 2000. One wonders if perhaps this trend isn't permanent.
WELL-MADE AND TACKY
Jersey Girl (2004) - In his first Jay and Silent Bob-free effort, writer-director Kevin Smith tackles single fatherhood as his central theme: Ollie Trinke (Ben Affleck) is a widower/movie star publicist with a little girl to raise by himself. When he loses his job he moves back to New Jersey with his father (George Carlin) and learns about life, love, sugar, spice and everything nice.
The film's problem is that it has all kinds of sexual humor and a fair amount of language. If you drop the crude Kevin Smith-esque trademarks, you have a really nice, solid PG family movie. Instead we get a sappy PG-13-rated flick that nobody wants to watch.
Still, the performances aren't horrible and George Carlin is just plain terrific. "Jersey Girl" is a well-made, tacky movie. Guys, offer to take your girlfriends to go see it. Girls, if you have even a shred of decency inside of you, don't make them go.
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