Many of you probably have the impression that movie reviewers go into a film already having formed a strong opinion about it. Well, you're absolutely right. Who doesn't these days? At Cultureshark we are no different, but at least we are honest. We are going to get the jump on everyone by putting up our quick reviews before anybody else-before we even see the movies, in fact! Check out our quick assumptions now, but we'll be updating with our "actually having seen the movie" reviews throughout the summer, so keep checking back. Click on What did I really think? for the "real" review.
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May
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The Mummy Returns **.5 |
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Pre-view Review: Despite some great effects, this film, like its predecessor, falls short of capturing the Raiders of the Lost Ark fun it is going for.
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What did I really think?
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A Knight's Tale ** |
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Pre: It takes a little more than just pretty faces to make a good movie. The rock and roll historical epic may be an idea whose time has come, but it hasn't arrived yet-at least not with this movie, which is too hollow and superficial to make any kind of lasting impact.
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What did I really think?
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Shrek ***.5 |
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Pre: Apart from the snazzy and fun computer animation, the movie is one of the funniest movies of the year. The swipes at Disney provide enough in jokes for the adults, although the movie could have toned down some of the cruder jokes a bit. Another winning animated effort from Dreamworks.
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What did I really think?
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Pearl Harbor ** |
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Pre: Yet another "so "exciting" it's boring," brainless Michael Bay epic. Cardboard characters, empty effects…wake me when it's over if the countless explosions don't manage to keep me awake.
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What did I really think?
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Angel Eyes *** |
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Pre: This moody thriller does a great job of creating an eerie atmosphere. Jennifer Lopez is good and Jim Cavaziel looks born to play haunted souls.
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What did I really think?
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June
The Animal * |
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Pre: This poorly made drivel is bound to give Freddy Got Fingered and Joe Dirt some competition on critics' worst of 2001 lists.
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What did I really think?
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What's the Worst that Could Happen? ** |
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Pre: I will concede that it is sort of a funny idea to pair Martin Lawrence with Danny DeVito, but I have never understood the appeal of Lawrence, and this movie just doesn't get any funnier than the so-so laughs in the trailer.
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What did I really think?
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Moulin Rouge ***.5 |
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Pre: Visually groundbreaking and never dull, this movie feels like one of the fresher ones to hit theaters in quite some time. Great chemistry between Kidman and McGregor kicks this up a notch.
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What did I really think?
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Evolution *** |
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Pre: The ads didn't do this entertaining blend of comedy and wacky sci-fi much justice. It isn't a masterpiece, but it is a fun summer movie and well worth the admission if you're in the mood for it.
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What did I really think?
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Swordfish ** |
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Pre: John Travolta's latest comeback vehicle isn't quite enough to make us forget his recent bombs. It tries, loading itself up with a good supporting cast and all sorts of slick visuals, but the story is too nonsensical to maintain interest.
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What did I really think?
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Tomb Raider *** |
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Pre: The movie is weak on story, plot, coherence, and all that stuff. But Angelina Jolie is hot. Sadly, that is enough to deserve a three-star review sometimes.
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What did I really think?
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Atlantis ***.5 |
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Pre: Another visually impressive, often spectacular Disney effort-lacking the heart of many of its classics, but still miles better than most of the other movies out this year.
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What did I really think?
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Dr. Dolittle 2 ** |
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Pre: I actually enjoyed the first one, in a way, but I certainly wasn't clamoring for a sequel. Instead of watching Murphy talk to the animals, watch him talk AS an animal in Shrek.
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What did I really think?
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The Fast and the Furious * |
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Pre: Fast, it is, but it's also loud and dumb. Not a combination we can't get elsewhere at the movies.
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What did I really think?
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A.I. **** |
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Pre: Spielberg can take some unwelcome journeys into sentimentality, but here he has crafted a provocative, thoughtful tale exploring the nature of life and humanity. Perhaps this performance will finally give Jude Law the stardom he deserves.
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What did I really think?
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Bonus Review: The Anniversary Party
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