Omar-Epps Movie Reviews

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VHS movie reviews for "Omar-Epps" sorted by average review score:
Brother
Released in VHS Tape by Columbia Tristar Hom (04 March, 2003)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Takeshi Kitano
Starring: Takeshi Kitano and Kuroudo Maki
It's hard to describe the hypnotic authority of director and actor Takeshi Kitano. In his first American venture, Brother, Kitano plays a yakuza who's been exiled from Japan after the death of his boss. In Los Angeles, he discovers that his half-brother has become a small-time hood. Kitano quickly takes over, casually setting in motion gang wars and killing sprees. But a basketball game gets as much emphasis as an assassination; Kitano's camera watches a dead body lit up by the flash of gunshots, completely ignoring the shootout that's causing the light. Yet his movies don't seem arty, just efficient--and effective: you may not know whether to laugh or flinch, but you will not stop watching. As an actor, Kitano slouches, twitches, and stares blankly--but you won't stop watching him either. If you like Brother, check out Fireworks and Sonatine; gangsters will never seem the same. --Bret Fetzer
Average review score:

Brother Doesn't Let You Down !
Take it for what it's worth !!! It's clean and explosive visual and aural action ! One cannot get confused or lost with the plot (not much of a twist to it but still suffices)...For those who liked La Femme Nikita (original 1990 French version) and Leon/The Professional will definitely find themselves hooked on this film from the lead actor to it's cinematic/somewhat classical score ! A friend of mine said the musical score did not fit this movie;he's wrong ! The soundtrack avoids making the stereotypical cliche of using cheap synthesized pulsating pop music...The score gives the film it's dramatic edge without getting campy.Actor/director Takeshi Kitano does a suave yet brutal portrayal as a yakuza leader from the "old school" who begins to clean house and claim territory from other rival mobs and gangsters.

On the dvd audio/video technical side, the video transfer is clean and the digital surround is mind-blowing ! Special off screen sound effects pan around the room convincingly and effectively.The bass produced by the explosions and weaponry used is simply an adrenalin induced experience...

A Stunning Gangster Movie--and a Breath of Fresh Air
As introspective as it is violent, "Brother" manages to do what few Hollywood gangster films can--entertain and make you think. To call the plot Shakespearean almost seems an insult, as its sensibilities are so obviously Japanese, with the emphasis not on the action but on the effects of it, but careful observers may see strains of "Macbeth" and "Richard III" in this very grown-up feature (with a little Sergio Leone thrown in). Director and star Takeshi Kitano follows the last days of a disgraced Yakuza in America, whose brilliant but brutal rise to power in modern L.A. is matched only by the intensity of his loyalty to his friends and half-brother. Omar Epps is a likable presence as one of those friends, and the many familiar Japanese-American faces--including veteran James Shigeta--blends ably with the mostly Japanese cast. But it is Kitano that delivers the goods, wisely choosing to underplay Yamamoto as a pillar of quiet strength rather than allow him to become broad-based caricature. In fact, the understated tone of the film is what gives it so much style and intensity; few American films would be bold enough to focus less on the shoot 'em ups and more on the aftermath or to raise the issue of black-on-Asian racism in a gangster movie. That the story ends up pretty much where you expect it to is less a flaw than the culmination of a satisfying slow burn, making this gem a must-see.

Excellent Movie
Bottom line: This movie is incredible. Beat Takeshi is amazing in this gangster flic. I suggest everyone to buy at least 2 copies of this DVD , one for yourself and one for your mother. This movie is a must-have for anyone who enjoys off-beat , original gangster movies.

Major League II
Released in VHS Tape by Warner Studios (14 September, 1998)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: David S. Ward
Starring: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Corbin Bernsen
Average review score:

basically Major League
this movie is almost exactly the same as the first with some subtle differences it is funny though

a decent baseball comedy
This movie I thought in some ways, was better than the first. The profanity was less extreme and there was more humor to this sequel than the original. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed watching the first Major League, but this is a sequel that does a good job continuing where the first one left off and I think that Omar Epps did a good job playing Willy Mays Hays even though most people probably disagree with me on that.

Pretty good
Pretty good sequel. I like the returners.
Rick Vaughn(Charlie Sheen) tries to clean up his act but his speed gets slower and he gets in a slump.
Jake Taylor(Tom Berenger) becomes a coach who helps rookie catcher Rube Baker with his problems throwing the ball back to the catcher.
Willie Mayes Hayes(Omar Epps) hits long balls and keeps saying his leg hurts.
Pedro Cerrano(Dennis Haysbert) stops practicing voo-doo and keeps hitting pop flies.
Roger Dorn(Corbin Bernsen) buys the team, has to sell it back to Rachel Phelps (Margaret Whitton), then activates himself and is benched the entire season.
Lou Brown (James Gammon) is back to manage the Indians and then gets cancer.

Now the new Faces:
Jack Parkman (David Keith) is a slugger catcher who is arrogant and hates his teammates, later he gets traded to the Chicago White Sox.
Komakazi Tanaka(Takaaki Ishibashi) comes from Japn in the Jack Parkman trade.
Rube Baker(Eric Bruskotter) is a rookie catcher who can't throw the ball back to the pitcher.

Major League II
Released in VHS Tape by Warner Studios (14 September, 1998)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: David S. Ward
Starring: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Corbin Bernsen
Average review score:

The Cleveland Gang is back
The first Major League movie was a good one but this is better. The Cuban Crusher Pedro Cerano, Rick "The Wild Thing" Vaughn, Willie Mayes Hayes, and newcomer Rude Baker are one fire. Rick comes to this season as a ... pretty boy pitcher who cares too much about injuring his arm that he can't even throw 90. Cerano comes back as a spiritual Budha and is so stupid now that he hits a bird with a baseball and runs in the outfield to save it's life while he gets tagged out... Willie comes back without the speed but has a lot more power and as a movie star with a leg injury. New-comer Rude Baker can't throw to the pitcher even though he's a catcher. See if they'll come back. Also a funny Japenese outfielder is added on who has spritual fights with Cerano.

basically Major League
this movie is almost exactly the same as the first with some subtle differences it is funny though

Great movie, could've had a couple more extras though....
I swear, the Major League Trilogy is the greatest trilogy that's ever graced the movies. And this 2nd one is my 2nd favorite of the 3, with the original being the best. Let's get to the categories:

---------

The Movie

---------

If you saw the first M.L. this one is pretty identical. Indians fans think they're gonna have a great season because the all-star team is returning, plus they signed a new ball player, Jack Parkman, who's suppose to be a franchise player. Roger Dorn has retired, and became club owner. So everything is looking good right? No, because the pitcher, Rick Vaughn(Charlie Sheen) went from bad boy to clean cut, and has lost all his pitching power, and all the other players have their own sets of problems too. We see 2 other new players, catcher Rube Baker, and fielder, Tanaka, both are hilarious. This movie was great, and has some of the best baseball action I've ever seen.

-------

Visuals

-------

You got widescreen version here, and it really looks great on the DVD player, and the transfer rates look pretty smooth. Plus the layout of the DVD menus are some of the best I've ever seen.!

-----

Audio

-----

The usual, great, Dolby Digital experience is here, so feel free to hook up your speakers and get a great sound fest.

------

Extras

------

Well, this movie was made in 1994, and if re-released DVD's from earlier than '98 don't say "Special/Collector's Edition" than don't expect much for extras. All you get here is your basic subtitles, and a theatrical trailer as well. Then you got this "starting lineup" feature which might look like a cast & crew filmographies off most DVD's but it's just photos of the 9 major actors of the movies on baseball cards instead. Oh, plus there's 2 other trailers for other movies in here too. But nothing special.

Ratings:

Movie: 9/10 Visuals: 9/10 Audio: 8/10 Extras: 3/10

Overall: 8/10 (About 4 stars)

Major League II
Released in VHS Tape by Warner Elektra Atlan (01 October, 1996)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: David S. Ward
Starring: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Corbin Bernsen
Average review score:

The Cleveland Gang is back
The first Major League movie was a good one but this is better. The Cuban Crusher Pedro Cerano, Rick "The Wild Thing" Vaughn, Willie Mayes Hayes, and newcomer Rude Baker are one fire. Rick comes to this season as a ... pretty boy pitcher who cares too much about injuring his arm that he can't even throw 90. Cerano comes back as a spiritual Budha and is so stupid now that he hits a bird with a baseball and runs in the outfield to save it's life while he gets tagged out... Willie comes back without the speed but has a lot more power and as a movie star with a leg injury. New-comer Rude Baker can't throw to the pitcher even though he's a catcher. See if they'll come back. Also a funny Japenese outfielder is added on who has spritual fights with Cerano.

basically Major League
this movie is almost exactly the same as the first with some subtle differences it is funny though

Great movie, could've had a couple more extras though....
I swear, the Major League Trilogy is the greatest trilogy that's ever graced the movies. And this 2nd one is my 2nd favorite of the 3, with the original being the best. Let's get to the categories:

---------

The Movie

---------

If you saw the first M.L. this one is pretty identical. Indians fans think they're gonna have a great season because the all-star team is returning, plus they signed a new ball player, Jack Parkman, who's suppose to be a franchise player. Roger Dorn has retired, and became club owner. So everything is looking good right? No, because the pitcher, Rick Vaughn(Charlie Sheen) went from bad boy to clean cut, and has lost all his pitching power, and all the other players have their own sets of problems too. We see 2 other new players, catcher Rube Baker, and fielder, Tanaka, both are hilarious. This movie was great, and has some of the best baseball action I've ever seen.

-------

Visuals

-------

You got widescreen version here, and it really looks great on the DVD player, and the transfer rates look pretty smooth. Plus the layout of the DVD menus are some of the best I've ever seen.!

-----

Audio

-----

The usual, great, Dolby Digital experience is here, so feel free to hook up your speakers and get a great sound fest.

------

Extras

------

Well, this movie was made in 1994, and if re-released DVD's from earlier than '98 don't say "Special/Collector's Edition" than don't expect much for extras. All you get here is your basic subtitles, and a theatrical trailer as well. Then you got this "starting lineup" feature which might look like a cast & crew filmographies off most DVD's but it's just photos of the 9 major actors of the movies on baseball cards instead. Oh, plus there's 2 other trailers for other movies in here too. But nothing special.

Ratings:

Movie: 9/10 Visuals: 9/10 Audio: 8/10 Extras: 3/10

Overall: 8/10 (About 4 stars)

Major League II
Released in VHS Tape by Warner Studios (01 October, 1996)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: David S. Ward
Starring: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Corbin Bernsen
Average review score:

The Cleveland Gang is back
The first Major League movie was a good one but this is better. The Cuban Crusher Pedro Cerano, Rick "The Wild Thing" Vaughn, Willie Mayes Hayes, and newcomer Rude Baker are one fire. Rick comes to this season as a ... pretty boy pitcher who cares too much about injuring his arm that he can't even throw 90. Cerano comes back as a spiritual Budha and is so stupid now that he hits a bird with a baseball and runs in the outfield to save it's life while he gets tagged out... Willie comes back without the speed but has a lot more power and as a movie star with a leg injury. New-comer Rude Baker can't throw to the pitcher even though he's a catcher. See if they'll come back. Also a funny Japenese outfielder is added on who has spritual fights with Cerano.

basically Major League
this movie is almost exactly the same as the first with some subtle differences it is funny though

Great movie, could've had a couple more extras though....
I swear, the Major League Trilogy is the greatest trilogy that's ever graced the movies. And this 2nd one is my 2nd favorite of the 3, with the original being the best. Let's get to the categories:

---------

The Movie

---------

If you saw the first M.L. this one is pretty identical. Indians fans think they're gonna have a great season because the all-star team is returning, plus they signed a new ball player, Jack Parkman, who's suppose to be a franchise player. Roger Dorn has retired, and became club owner. So everything is looking good right? No, because the pitcher, Rick Vaughn(Charlie Sheen) went from bad boy to clean cut, and has lost all his pitching power, and all the other players have their own sets of problems too. We see 2 other new players, catcher Rube Baker, and fielder, Tanaka, both are hilarious. This movie was great, and has some of the best baseball action I've ever seen.

-------

Visuals

-------

You got widescreen version here, and it really looks great on the DVD player, and the transfer rates look pretty smooth. Plus the layout of the DVD menus are some of the best I've ever seen.!

-----

Audio

-----

The usual, great, Dolby Digital experience is here, so feel free to hook up your speakers and get a great sound fest.

------

Extras

------

Well, this movie was made in 1994, and if re-released DVD's from earlier than '98 don't say "Special/Collector's Edition" than don't expect much for extras. All you get here is your basic subtitles, and a theatrical trailer as well. Then you got this "starting lineup" feature which might look like a cast & crew filmographies off most DVD's but it's just photos of the 9 major actors of the movies on baseball cards instead. Oh, plus there's 2 other trailers for other movies in here too. But nothing special.

Ratings:

Movie: 9/10 Visuals: 9/10 Audio: 8/10 Extras: 3/10

Overall: 8/10 (About 4 stars)

Big Trouble
Released in VHS Tape by Buena Vista Home Vid (14 October, 2003)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Starring: Tim Allen
The frantic pacing of Big Trouble is surely intentional, but the movie leaves you wanting more of... something. Not more characters--it's got plenty of those--but more room for them to breathe in a top-heavy plot that recalls Get Shorty (also directed by Barry Sonnenfeld) without reaching those heights of ingenuity. Based on the bestseller by syndicated Miami Herald columnist Dave Barry, this Miami-based mayhem bears the distinct imprint of Barry's humor, in which absurdities pile up like rush-hour traffic, involving a former journalist (Tim Allen) connected by circumstance to a wealthy schemer (Stanley Tucci), his bored wife (Rene Russo), Russian mobsters, mismatched cops (Janeane Garofalo, Patrick Warburton), power-crazed FBI agents (Heavy D, Omar Epps), a Frito-loving drifter (Jason Lee), cretinous criminals (Tom Sizemore, Johnny Knoxville), and a gigantic toad that shoots hallucinogenic saliva. Culminating in an airport bomb smuggling (prompting the film's delayed release after the tragedy of September 11, 2001), Big Trouble needs the brilliant cohesion of Dr. Strangelove; what it gets is Sonnenfeld's knack for sustained chaos, and a few decent belly laughs. --Jeff Shannon
Average review score:

You are indeed sir...
For the love of all that's holy, will actors ever learn to use some discretion when considering their roles? Tim, I thought you were the Toolman, Rene I thought you...nevermind. Tom, come on man you were Sgt. Horvath for Pete's sake! I just don't get it and I never want to.

Try and enjoy it, I dare you.

Lance Manion

Roll out the Cliche: Big Trouble = Big Laughs
I haven't yet read the Dave Barry novel from which this movie was adapted, yet I enjoyed it very much. Tim Allen plays Eliot Arnold, a former pulitzer prize winning journalist that wrote satirical columns, much like Barry, but is finally fired for overreacting to an order from his editor. He finds himself divorced and stuck in an advertising job that he loathes. On top of that, he can't get the respect of his son.

Rene Russo plays Anna Herk, the house wife of an executive that is embezzeling money from his employer, which earns him the sights of assassins (Dennis Farina among them). Her daughter is targeted by Allen's watergun toting sun in a school game of 'assassin' in which everyone draws names and attempts to 'terminate' their victim. Everyone seems to show up at Herk's house at once and things get confusing.

Before you know it, two dimwits have stolen an atomic bomb, that resembles a garbage disposal, from some Russian arms dealers, and they get tangled up in the plot. Janene Garofalo and Patrick Warburton play unlikely partners with the Miami police department that tag along for the adventure. Throw in some goats, don't ask--just watch, and a call in show that taunts Florida Gator fans after the football team lost, and this makes for an unlikely funny comedy. Barry Sonenfeld, director, did a great job. I highly recommend it.

Not for the weak of humor
Big Trouble (based on the novel by Dave Barry) has a fast-paced, complicated plot that works as well on screen as it does in print. The story is like a knot in a shoelace -- when you try to pull on it, you just end up with more knots. There's an advertising guy (Tim Allen) whose son (Ben Foster) is supposed to shoot a girl (Zooey Deschanel) with a squirt gun as a part of a game at school. Meanwhile, a pair of hit men (Jack Kehler and Dennis Farina) are after the girl's step-dad (Stanley Tucci) - and his wife (Rene Russo) couldn't care less. There's a man (Jason Lee) living in their tree house who works for two Russians who sell weapons to the step-dad. Two small-time crooks (Tom Sizemore and Johnny Knoxville) stumble over the deal and decide to get a piece of the action. And then a pair of cops (Janeane Garofalo and Patrick Warburton), a pair of FBI agents (Omar Epps and Heavy D), and a giant toad get thrown in for a little extra fun.

Big Trouble is a wonderfully goofy movie -- but what else would you expect from Dave Barry? Sure, some of the gags miss the mark a bit, but there are plenty more where those came from. Be warned -- this movie is not for the weak-humored. If you can't handle silliness, steer clear. If, however, you love the occasional downright goofiness, you're in for a treat.

Big Trouble
Released in VHS Tape by Buena Vista Home Vid (08 October, 2002)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Starring: Tim Allen
The frantic pacing of Big Trouble is surely intentional, but the movie leaves you wanting more of... something. Not more characters--it's got plenty of those--but more room for them to breathe in a top-heavy plot that recalls Get Shorty (also directed by Barry Sonnenfeld) without reaching those heights of ingenuity. Based on the bestseller by syndicated Miami Herald columnist Dave Barry, this Miami-based mayhem bears the distinct imprint of Barry's humor, in which absurdities pile up like rush-hour traffic, involving a former journalist (Tim Allen) connected by circumstance to a wealthy schemer (Stanley Tucci), his bored wife (Rene Russo), Russian mobsters, mismatched cops (Janeane Garofalo, Patrick Warburton), power-crazed FBI agents (Heavy D, Omar Epps), a Frito-loving drifter (Jason Lee), cretinous criminals (Tom Sizemore, Johnny Knoxville), and a gigantic toad that shoots hallucinogenic saliva. Culminating in an airport bomb smuggling (prompting the film's delayed release after the tragedy of September 11, 2001), Big Trouble needs the brilliant cohesion of Dr. Strangelove; what it gets is Sonnenfeld's knack for sustained chaos, and a few decent belly laughs. --Jeff Shannon
Average review score:

You are indeed sir...
For the love of all that's holy, will actors ever learn to use some discretion when considering their roles? Tim, I thought you were the Toolman, Rene I thought you...nevermind. Tom, come on man you were Sgt. Horvath for Pete's sake! I just don't get it and I never want to.

Try and enjoy it, I dare you.

Lance Manion

Roll out the Cliche: Big Trouble = Big Laughs
I haven't yet read the Dave Barry novel from which this movie was adapted, yet I enjoyed it very much. Tim Allen plays Eliot Arnold, a former pulitzer prize winning journalist that wrote satirical columns, much like Barry, but is finally fired for overreacting to an order from his editor. He finds himself divorced and stuck in an advertising job that he loathes. On top of that, he can't get the respect of his son.

Rene Russo plays Anna Herk, the house wife of an executive that is embezzeling money from his employer, which earns him the sights of assassins (Dennis Farina among them). Her daughter is targeted by Allen's watergun toting sun in a school game of 'assassin' in which everyone draws names and attempts to 'terminate' their victim. Everyone seems to show up at Herk's house at once and things get confusing.

Before you know it, two dimwits have stolen an atomic bomb, that resembles a garbage disposal, from some Russian arms dealers, and they get tangled up in the plot. Janene Garofalo and Patrick Warburton play unlikely partners with the Miami police department that tag along for the adventure. Throw in some goats, don't ask--just watch, and a call in show that taunts Florida Gator fans after the football team lost, and this makes for an unlikely funny comedy. Barry Sonenfeld, director, did a great job. I highly recommend it.

Not for the weak of humor
Big Trouble (based on the novel by Dave Barry) has a fast-paced, complicated plot that works as well on screen as it does in print. The story is like a knot in a shoelace -- when you try to pull on it, you just end up with more knots. There's an advertising guy (Tim Allen) whose son (Ben Foster) is supposed to shoot a girl (Zooey Deschanel) with a squirt gun as a part of a game at school. Meanwhile, a pair of hit men (Jack Kehler and Dennis Farina) are after the girl's step-dad (Stanley Tucci) - and his wife (Rene Russo) couldn't care less. There's a man (Jason Lee) living in their tree house who works for two Russians who sell weapons to the step-dad. Two small-time crooks (Tom Sizemore and Johnny Knoxville) stumble over the deal and decide to get a piece of the action. And then a pair of cops (Janeane Garofalo and Patrick Warburton), a pair of FBI agents (Omar Epps and Heavy D), and a giant toad get thrown in for a little extra fun.

Big Trouble is a wonderfully goofy movie -- but what else would you expect from Dave Barry? Sure, some of the gags miss the mark a bit, but there are plenty more where those came from. Be warned -- this movie is not for the weak-humored. If you can't handle silliness, steer clear. If, however, you love the occasional downright goofiness, you're in for a treat.

Higher Learning
Released in VHS Tape by Columbia/Tristar Studios (09 January, 1996)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: John Singleton
Starring: Omar Epps, Kristy Swanson, and Michael Rapaport
This ambitious 1995 film by John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood) doesn't quite succeed at painting the illuminating, collective portrait of college life in the '90s that the director seeks. But Singleton does do a fine job of defining some conflicting impulses for young people on the cusp of adulthood, particularly the desire to broaden horizons on the one hand and circle the wagons with like-minded allies on the other. Students in the film's Columbus University divide themselves along lines of race, sexual preferences, ideology, and, most dangerously, levels of paranoia. Among the fine cast is Michael Rapaport, who portrays a loner drawn to a local community of neo-Nazis. His resultant problems with the school's African-Americans takes over the story at the expense of other, parallel dramas, but Singleton's insights into race hatred on campus--a microcosm of the surrounding culture--is not to be dismissed. --Tom Keogh
Average review score:

An Average Movie on Campus Life.
This is a movie in the backdrop of Columbus University, on the different issues of college students often divided along the lines of race, ideology and sexual orientation. John Singleton's attempt is to bring out almost every problem on the campus to light, but ends up focussing on a psychotic young man in a neo-Nazi group. His encounters with the African-American group of students, leads to a high drama of race hatred and violence on the campus. The story line is rather spread out, but the characters are well-portrayed e.g. Omar Epps, Michael Rapaport etc.

Intelligent insight into college life
'Higher Learning' is one of those rare college movies that actually has a lot to say and doesn't come across as pompous, schmaltzy or boring. It focuses on several students from different backgrounds who have all come to Columbus university with different expectations of what uni life will be like. First of all there's Epps, a scholar who has to use his spare time on the track to fund his tuition fees and who gradually finds himself involved in a race war on campus. There's also Swanson as a pretty white girl who, after being date raped, finds herself palling up with Connelly, the college feminist and a lesbian. However, perhaps the most powerful performance of all comes from Rapaport as a lonely kid who finds himself falling in with some neo-Nazis.

The emphasis here seems to be on the conflict between wanting to be your own person but still craving conformity and acceptance from others. The racial friction is handled with a sensitivity and intelligence which unfortunately seems abnormal in many films, not just teen ones. It's also a mercy that such stunning actors were given the roles, with both Epps and Rappoport bringing real sympathy to their roles. This is some feat considering Rappoport becomes a neo-Nazi towards the end. The fact that the director shows such sensitivity to such obnoxious characters speaks volumes of the quality of the movie.

If there's any quibbles it's over the stereotyping of Connelly's role, as it comes over that her lesbianity must breed a hatred towards men. This is something that Connelly should not be given, as she is an incredible actress in her own right. Apart from that though, this really is a very good film indeed that will really make you care for its characters, especially because even their most heinous actions are shown to have a reason. This is the thinking teen movie, and actually quite unnerving too.

another Singleton powerhouse
though it deals with a lot of racism and depicting Nazi's in here, it deals a good job with problems that people have. Epps does a great job in the title role and Michael Rapaport is really evil and he is also the one who kills Tyra Banks at the end which is one of the most powerfulest scenes in that movie and Epps watches her die and then he runs to go find Rapaport. Fishburne as the Professor is again always good in roles. Ice Cube also does a good job as well. other actors like Kristy Swanson and Jennifer Connelly appear as well.

Wes Craven Presents: Dracula 2000
Released in VHS Tape by Dimension Home Video (04 December, 2001)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Patrick Lussier
Starring: Jonny Lee Miller, Justine Waddell, and Gerard Butler
As a director, Wes Craven has been able to infuse his horror movies with humor and some smart, often genuinely creepy, thrills, even on his lowest-budgeted films. As a producer of horror movies, well, his record has been spotty at best. Craven tapped his longtime editor Patrick Lussier to direct Dracula 2000, and the movie ends up with all the good and bad of "a Wes Craven production." A modern-day update of the Dracula legend, the script has some genuinely good ideas. Christopher Plummer (The Insider) takes a relatively juicy role as Van Helsing, owner of an antiques shop specializing in ancient weapons. He takes exception to how his namesake was portrayed in Bram Stoker's classic novel, which he's more than happy to tell his assistant (Jonny Lee Miller, "Sick Boy" from Trainspotting) without telling him the whole story. When Omar Epps leads a band of high-tech criminals to break into Van Helsing's high security vault (thinking that with so much security there's got to be something extremely valuable in there), what they end up stealing is the body of Dracula, who of course awakens from his slumber. When the story shifts to New Orleans, where Van Helsing's estranged daughter is working for the local Virgin Megastore (here metaphor is replaced by product placement), Dracula is drawn to her. The undead start to multiply, and the vampire hunt resumes. Another excellent idea deals with a new origin to Dracula, flashing back to biblical times to explain his aversion to silver and crosses. But there is a downside. Under the inept direction of Lussier the movie is never scary, inspiring instead an occasional feeling of pity for the actors. Overall, this a vampire movie for the mind, not the heart. --Andy Spletzer
Average review score:

DEFFINATELY BUY IT!!!
I shouldnt be the only poor schmuk who had to sit through it! It was excellent until the last 1/2 hour. I despise it when a movie sets a great premise and then ends horribly.I really thought this one would go the distance but the end was so campy in comparison to the rest of the movie!

Wes Craven Presents A Pretty Good Movie
'Dracula 2000' isn't very original, but has great cast, good soundtrack, good special effects, and great acting. The opening sequence is a little disturbing but later on in the movie you will understand it. I really thought this was a very good movie. The soundtrack was good, I liked the vampire special effects, the acting had you in the moment. I espically enjoyed the cast full of great performers including: Jonny Lee Miller, Justine Waddell, Omar Epps, Sean Patrick Thomas, Jennifer Esposito, Lochlyn Monroe, Danny Masterson, Colleen Fitzpatrick aka Vitamin C, Christopher Plummer, Jeri Ryan, Shane West, and Gerard Butler as the well-acted Dracula. You should see it.

Wes Craven's Mix
We all know what to expect when it comes to horror and Wes Craven: A mixture of a nightmarish world and dark humour. We've seen it done wonderfully in A Nightmare on Elm Street, Wes Craven's New Nightmare, Scream, The Serpent and the Rainbow, and many more. Dracula 2000 is no exception, except for the fact that it adds something new to the mix. Intense action sequences. Sure they rip off The Matrix, but they work in a film about creatures who are supposed to have unique skills and powers.

The back story created that connected Van Helsing, Mary, and Dracula was very interesting, and kept the movie together. You can tell by the commentary given to the movie by director Patrick Lussier and screenwriter Joel Soisson that research went into coming up with the story, and they wanted the film to be serious and have a story. I believe that's why some people didn't enjoy the movie. They didn't know whether to take the film seriously, or just let it be "eye candy". True, it does have the appeal of "eye candy", but when you understand the going on behind the film, you can begin to take it seriously. So I highly recommend giving the audio commentary on the DVD a listen.

Dracula 2000 managed to snag a talented cast full of up-and-coming stars (Sean Patrick Thomas, Jennifer Esposito) and veterans of acting (Christopher Plummer), and even a pop star (Colleen Fitzpatrick aka Vitamin C). Justine Waddell, who plays the main female lead, Mary, did very well at putting heart into her character, but her given dialogue is sometimes - to me - overacted, but in the end she does quiet well. Her voiceover in the end was effective. And I can't write a review without mentioning the person who played Dracula, Gerard Butler. Butler had the actions, the eyes, and the voice to play a perfect Dracula.

Watch Dracula 2000 the first time with an open-mind, and then watch it with the commentary. Both times, it will be like a different movie.

Breakfast of Champions
Released in VHS Tape by Hollywood Pictures (13 August, 2002)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Alan Rudolph
Starring: Bruce Willis, Albert Finney, and Nick Nolte
Director Alan Rudolph's adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's novel Breakfast of Champions centers on suicidal car dealer Dwayne Hoover (Bruce Willis), his drug- and television-addled wife Celia (Barbara Hershey), his cross-dressing sales manager Harry (Nick Nolte), his dim secretary and mistress Francine (Glenne Headly), and Vonnegut's alter ego of sorts, pulp writer Kilgore Trout (Albert Finney). Dwayne is desperate for meaning in his life and starts to believe that Trout, who has been invited to the town's impending arts festival, will be able to tell him some truth he's never heard before. The EPA is investigating toxic sludge under property Dwayne owns, Celia is losing her already fragile grip on reality, Harry is growing increasingly paranoid that Dwayne knows about his private habits, and Francine is impatient with Dwayne's increasingly erratic behavior. Meanwhile, Kilgore Trout grouses about his failures and finally decides to attend the arts festival as a final act of self-humiliation. On top of all this, there are four or five other characters, all eccentric to the point of overload. It's difficult to get a fix on what the movie wants to be about, but Glenne Headly makes her character an island of sympathy in the ocean of everyone else's self-absorption, and Albert Finney creates some poignant moments as Trout is confronted by people who either scorn or worship his stories without any attempt to understand them. Featuring a cameo by Vonnegut. --Bret Fetzer
Average review score:

Terrible Movie in it's Own Medium
The movie is not as good as the book. It never is.
The movie does not closely resemble the book. It never does.

These are the most common complaints I have heard most people make against this film, but I am going to leave those things adside and judge the film simply as a comedy, but first a brief synopsis.

Wayne Hoover is a well to do car salesman in Midland city and he is having a very bad day. He is starting to see things that are really not there and hear voices that are really not there. He is going insane and he knows it.

Kilgore Trout is a sci fi writer who writes outrageous stories that appear in pornograpyh magazines. On the whim of one of his only fans he is invited to Midland city for an arts festival and decides to go. When Wayne and Kilgore meet all hell breaks loose.

The sad truth though is that all hell does not break loose as it should in a comedy like this. The performances are very subdued. For instance Wayne Hoover has a scene with an employee who is secretly a cross dresser about his clothing! What a hoot huh! Unfortunatley no, it is not a hoot it is barely even a chirp. I expected Wayne to jump up on the desk screaming and ranting as would befit a man going insane, but instead he calmly explains to his employee that he should wear more colorful clothes.

I rented this movie expecting a skillfully crafted black comedy, what I got was a gray farce. If you are renting this movie and you read the book you will be dissappointed. If you are renting this movie and you have not read the book you will be equally dissappointed, it is just all around bad.

As a comedy it comes up short. There are hardly any funny scenes. I do not recall laughing once.

Good Flick, but be Warned...
As the reader may know, this movie is based on the magnificent Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. novel. If you've read the book, then you'll be satisfied with the movie. If you haven't read the book, then you'll think the movie is horrible. Besides, the book is better.

Enter Dwayne Hoover, (Bruce Willis, in an odd role), a nut-case car dealer who seems to be looking for the meaning of life. Confused by the people arounfd him, such as his cross-dressing sales manager, (Nick Nolte), his kind of dumb secretary who's also his mistress (Glenne Headly), a maniacal super-fan who wants to work for Dwayne, (Omar Epps), etc., he decides to seek one of the artists at the upcoming Arts Festival. Enter Kilgore Trout, (Albert Finney), a has-been science-fiction novelist that's coming to the Festival. See the movie, or better yet, read the book to find out what happens next.

A pretty good movie. On one hand it's screenplay isn't that good and the main story works better in the book. On the other hand, it's got a spectacular cast (including Barbara Hershey, Lukas Haas, and the recent Oscar nominee Michael Clarke Duncan who makes a short appearance, among others) and it's weirdness makes "Brazil" look like "The English Patient".

If you are in the mood for a weird movie, see "Breakfast of Champions".

Who said
"Illiterates need not apply"? They were right on. No this movie will not completely mimic the book, however, I think it does an excellent job of capturing the unique essence that is Vonnegut, on film. If you are familiar with Vonnegut's body of work, you will appreciate this film, and might even wet yourself laughing.

You either get it, or you don't.

Related Subjects: Nicolas-Cage
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