Random Thoughts: Cellular, Collateral, Ginger Snaps Back, Hero

Cellular - 5/10

Solid performances by an interesting cast can't save this standard thriller from being all too conventional. Kim Basinger does her best at looking scared and being highly fuckable. Chris Evans does his best at trying to save the day and being highly fuckable. The film does not run over 95 minutes, yet still feels loose for a thriller. A different director giving a tighter feel could've helped. William H. Macy is left to chew scenery in a role that while being perfect for him seems low when compared to his other work.



Collateral - 8/10

The city of L.A. comes alive in Collateral the way Lance Accord brought Tokyo alive in Lost In Translation. The film's look and feel is so good that the rest of it almost seems like a disappointment. Almost. Tom Cruise is interesting as the assassin, his movie star looks finally letting loose a lethal side. Jamie Foxx is really shaping up to be a great actor. This film provides a great foreshadowing of what he'll be like in Ray. I loved the opening with Jada Pinkett Smith and their chemistry together. I could've watched an entire film of just those two talking as they drive around LA to the fine cinematography.



Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning - 6/10

If you haven't seen any of the installments in this Canadian werewolf trilogy, you should. The first one used werewolvism (?) as a metaphor for a young girl becoming a woman. The second film was a werewolf movie crossed with Girl, Interrupted. Now comes the third: a prequel set in 1800's. You wouldn't know it considering the sisters oh-so-modern demeanor. The film isn't nearly as good or gripping as the previous installments, but it has its moments and some great gore.



Hero - 8/10

Running a short time like Celluar yet epic feeling, this martial arts saga combines human drama and romance into the mix much like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. That's almost too unfair a comparison, though. This one has a lot more action, and like Collateral is one of the most visually stunning films of the year. (Loved the fight between the two female characters.) The structure of the film could have easily made the film episodic, but its pulled off grandly and remains involving throughout.