Quick 'n Dirty Movie Reviews

by Jeff McGinnis, Lead Usher

A few bite-size reviews, as I saw a lot in the past week and had no access to a computer...

"Live Free or Die Hard" - *** stars

Good to have John McClane back, and good to see him in exactly the kind of rip-roaring action flick the series has become known for. The plot is as ludicrous and entertaining as it traditionally is, and Willis is excellent in the role that made him a movie star, with newcomer Justin Long along for the ride as a computer geek who may hold the key to America's survival. Just great dumb summer fun.

"Sicko" - ***1/2 stars

Michael Moore's long-awaited documentary about the health care industry is not the typical Moore work, but one of discipline and genuine emotional impact. Instead of snidely commenting throughout, Moore instead lets the stories of those who have been damaged most by the health care system - the patients, both insured and uninsured - tell the tale. Even when a standard Moore-ish stunt pops up toward the end (in the form of the much-publicized trip to Cuba), it brings with it astounding power. You've heard about how, Republican or Democrat, everyone would be able to identify with this film. Well, I saw it with several Republicans, and I can honestly say it plays to both sides of the political aisle.

"Ratatouille" - **** stars

One of the sweetest, funniest, most entertaining movies to come along, since...oh, "Finding Nemo." Or "The Incredibles." Or "Monsters, Inc." Or...but you get the idea. The Pixar geniuses have done it again, this time with the unlikely story of a rat named Remy who loves to cook and gets to try his passion through a partnership with a young garbage boy named Linguini. In true Pixar fashion, the story never quite proceeds the way you might expect it to, and as the emotional climax of the story arrives, it comes heralded by some of the funniest sequences this year. A farce with a heart, a film that is genuinely for the whole family (young and old), this IS the best film of the summer so far.

I hope to write longer reviews of all three eventually (especially "Ratatouille," hopefully after a second viewing), but I wanted to make sure to get these up here while I'm on the computer. And for those who haven't seen it, enjoy the full-fledged "Transformers" review below!