Joe's Movies In Review

" Basic " - (2003)

4.0/5

"Taut, no-nonsense performances by Travolta and Jackson create a suspenseful film. Intriguing storyline, wherein events unfold from different perspectives of each of the film's characters. Trying to predict the film's outcome will provide the viewer with an unexpected surprise. I found it extremely enjoyable !"

" Gladiator " - (2004)

4.75/5

"With Ridley Scott as director, Russell Crow as the enigmatic "Maximus", and a superb supporting cast, it's little wonder that Gladiator won a slew of Oscars, and a Best Actor Oscar for Crow. The special - effects (computer generated graphics) were awesome. The film's opening battle scenes depict Rome's armies at the zenith of their legendary might. Award winning composer Hans Zimmer created a Soundtrack that enhances both the mood and flavor of the film. A visually stunning experience for both the soul and senses."

" High Crimes " - (2002)

4.0/5

"Excellent Action / Suspense / Crime drama..."

"Morgan Freeman just keeps on getting better and better! As an over-the-hill attorney, Freeman gives yet another outstanding performance. A convoluted plot keeps you guessing up until the film's climactic ending."

" Chicago " - (2002)

3.0/5

"Shades of Flappers and Speakeasies move this musical melodrama through a bygone era. It kept my attention, and the three main characters proved beyond a doubt that singing and dancing were well within their talents. Authentic set reproductions and a good supporting cast made this film a delightful experience."

" Along Came A Spider " - (2001)

4.0/5

"Reprising his role as detective / criminologist Alex Cross, Morgan Freeman investigates the diabolical kidnapping of a young child. Unusual plot twists add to film's tempo and suspense."

"Recommended for Mature Audiences"

" Rules of Engagement " - (2000)

4.0/5

Was this film perhaps prophetic? "I found this film to be an interesting look at the State Department's Diplomatic Corps, and the Marine Corps justice system. Heading an all-star cast, Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel Jackson give stellar performances in this dramatization of combat veterans entwined in events involving a middle-eastern country that's hostile to American presence, our embassy, and alleged atrocities committed during rescue efforts of the embassy's ambassador. Brought up on court-martial charges for supposedly disobeying direct orders, Jackson asks Jones to be his attorney, and together they plunge into a defense that seeks to unveil the real truth. In light of today's climate of middle-east tension, the premise of this film doesn't seem so far fetched." Recommended For Mature Audiences

" Entrapment " - (1999)

4.0/5

"The unusual teaming of Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones provides the audience with beauty, brains and brawn. Beguiling as an insurance fraud investigator, Jones manages to wrap the devil-may-care Connery (a professional art thief) around her little finger with the proposal of stealing millions of dollars using state-of-the-art electronic means instead of muscle power. An engaging film that keeps the viewer engrossed in the action, as well as the scenery."

"For the mature viewer !"

" The General's Daughter " - (1999)

4.0/5

"The mysterious death of a female West Point graduate (a prominent general's daughter) leads a military criminal investigator (John Travolta) into the bizarre world of a cover-up so involved that the discovery and realization of "Who, What and Why" becomes the journey as well as the destination. A highly intelligent, suspenseful, criminal investigation drama that keep you guessing from one scene to the next. The outcome will surprise the most discriminating viewer."

" Kiss The Girls " - (1997)

4.0/5

"As detective / criminologist Alex Cross, Morgan Freeman investigates the disappearance of a family member from a college campus. Ashley Judd portrays another kidnap victim from the same campus who manages to escape from her captor. She eventually assists local police and Cross in their unrelenting pursuit of the of the sociopath responsible for the series of abductions." An intriguing, suspenseful crime drama that doesn't insult the intelligence of the audience."

"Recommended for Mature Audiences"

" Se7en " - (1995)

4.0/5

"Having been immersed in the dark, seedy world of street crime and violence for many years, Detective Lt. William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) eagerly looks forward to his forthcoming retirement. Unaware that events are about to change his plans, Somerset is thrust into the position of acting as a mentor to a rookie detective (Brad Pitt), while they begin their investigation of a hideous and bizarre murder. With a second murder close on the heals of the first, The Seven Deadly Sins, as written about by Thomas Aquinas, becomes the focus of their investigation, and the ensuing manhunt for the serial-killer, whom they dub "John Doe. This film is without a doubt the best 'thriller" to have come out in many years! Uncompromising in it's stark reality, the film's cinematography heightens the intensity of this classic crime drama. The ending is still beyond comprehension."

"Not Recommended for the squeamish"

= Outstanding - Oscar Quality

= Excellent

= Really Good 3- 3/4

= Above Average

= Average 2-1/2

= Not Good

= Forget It