Hitch

Viewed: 2.27.05 Theater
Anyone in it: Will Smith, and Kevin James

Plot: While helping his latest client woo the fine lady of his dreams, a professional "date doctor" (Smith) finds game doesn't quite work on the gossip columnist (Mendes) with whom he's smitten.

Comment: It's good, funny and feels real, with the exception of the chick flick moments (the weak climactic pitch rubs weary by the time it is dramatically needed, and the happy fluffy ending scene which definitely makes it feel like a chick flick). The movie had a good balance for a dating type film. I also really enjoy Kevin James (from King of Queens), and he was just as good here. The director Andy Tennant has worked on Sweet Home Alabama, Anna and the King, Ever After, Fools Rush In, Sliders (TV), and The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. to name a few. Which makes sense in the balance of comedy, and chick flickness.

Score: B

Cloak & Dagger

Viewed: February, Own
Anyone in it: Henry Thomas (ET, Suicide Kings), and Dabney Coleman

Plot: 11-year-old Davey, whose mother is dead and whose father is preoccupied with his own problems, has retreated into a world of video games and an imaginary hero-pal, the swashbuckling superspy Jack Flack. When an FBI agent about to be murdered slips him a video cartridge containing top-secret data, Davey is suddenly plunged into the intrigue and danger of real-life espionage.

Comment: As a christmas gift from my gf, this 1984 film is merely two months old on DVD. And as for a kid’s movie, it has a few corny moments, but I still like it as I enjoyed an aspect I had overlooked.

Score: C+

Radio

Viewed: 2.19.05 Rental
Anyone in it: Cuba Gooding Jr., and Ed Harris

Plot: The story of a high school coach and the developmentally challenged man whom he took under his wing.
Comment: Granted this movie has been out for a while…I had only heard of it the day we rented it. Gooding was pretty good in this, and the film is based on a true story to boot. The story takes place with football around, but is about the struggle between and with the two characters. Te ending even shows a clip of the actual real life guy, which was a cool treat.

Score: A

Daredevil-Directors Cut

Viewed: Own (a gift from a friend)
Anyone in it: Ben Affleck, Michael Clarke Duncan (who is an excellent choice, love this guy), Kevin Smith, Joe Pantoliano (like this guy since Bad Boys), Jennifer Garner, and Colin Farrell

Plot: differs vastly from original.

Comment: Daredevil was re-released as a Directors cut, and all I can say, is watch it. What was in theaters was bad. This one gives back the story that they cut out, and it is great. There is a whole trial gone, and the biggest part, which was taking down the Kingpin, shines through in a superb manner. The theatrical release seemed more like a love story, here the true darker version is out and perfect. As a sidenote, the director, Mark Steven Johnson, will be directing the Ghost Rider movie, which I am even more so inclined to go see after viewing the effort placed into this original version of DD.

Score: A