• Fantastic Four Not bad! LOVED the characterization of Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm. First time he said "Flame on!" I had goosebumps. Well played by all except the characterization of Sue Storm... She was too young IMHO. She wasn't bad per se, just not who I'd have picked. Reese Witherspoon (also young but more the Sue Storm type) or Charlize Theron probably would have been better choices. But the rest were excellent. Some liberties were taken with the origin of Dr. Doom though. Grade: B-
• Mr. and Mrs. Smith Really good- probably my favorite of the rentals we did this week. Very fun movie, with some laugh-out-loud moments. I'm not a big Jolie fan but she was good in this movie. Lots of fun, lots of cartoony gunplay, and all in all, very good flick. Grade: A
• Sahara Liked it for the most part, but the characterization of Giordino I had problems with at first. McCounaghey (SP?) was excellent in the role of Dirk Pitt. I hope they continue the series with McConaahayyyy (SP)- he's a a very good Pitt. Grade: B- for Zahn as Giordino. Ack.
• Ocean's Twelve Decent, very stylistic, but the Julia Roberts thing SUCKED. Grade: C- for the Roberts thing as well as the total screw job on the "twist" ending (with movies like this you're supposed to put all the facts out there for people to see so that when you tie it all together, the audience says "OOOOHHHH!"). Other than that, it was a cool flick.
• Batman Begins Excellent! The Batman series is back on track! I really liked this movie despite the changes they made to the storyline and some characters. I do hope they don't forget that Batman isn't simply an Avenging Angel type- he's the Darknight Detective AND an Avenging Angel. Grade: A