Movie Rental Recommendations -- G
The Game
Certainly unlike any movie I've ever seen. You just don't know what is really going on during the entire movie. Pace is good and story is excellent; kind of like Hitchcock with a man stumbling through, trying to cope with situations out of his control. Perfect "thriller, suspense" for a cozy weekend night at home.
IMDb | Other Reviews Parker Hodges
The during the entire movie I had no idea what "the game" was and yet my stomach was in one giant knot. Michael Douglas is a wealthy man who has some "issues" and gets this gift from his brother, Sean Penn. The action is great and you can't turn away because you want to know what is going on. A great dark and stormy evening date movie (my girlfriend wouldn't let go of me the whole time).
Jon Errickson
Michael Douglas in the only role he ever plays: a self-absorbed rich man. After a slow start, the story lures in the audience and it's a fast-paced ride right to the very end. One of the best psychological thrillers I've ever seen. A great script that keeps you guessing until the final minutes.
Erik Nelson
Michael Douglas, everyone's favorite yuppie in peril, takes yet another walk on the wild side in this fashionably dark tale of manipulation and redemption. Douglas plays an ultra-wealthy cold fish who, after receiving an unwanted birthday present from ne'er-do-well brother Sean Penn, gets caught up in a whirlwind of conspiracy. Despite some extremely shaky plot points (most paranoia-suspense thrillers ask you to suspend your disbelief from time to time - this one requires you to bungee jump with the darn thing), director David Fincher ("Fight Club") does a remarkable job keeping the audience on its collective toes and trying to guess what comes next. I just have one question?What's up with that freaky clown doll?
Andrew Wright
G.I. Jane
This one is so predictable you already know virtually every scene without even reading the back of the box. Wait until it shows up on free TV.
IMDb | Other Reviews Parker Hodges
Not one of Demi Moore's better flicks, although she must have worked out 24 hours a day forever to prepare for it. The movie is pretty predictable. Watch this some afternoon when you're sick and there's nothing else on.
Jon Errickson
The Gingerbread Man
Pairing maverick helmer Robert Altman with the ultra-conventional John Grisham may seem like a recipe for disaster, but this legal thriller beats the odds and succeeds marvelously. Some of the credit must go to the ridiculously talented cast (including Robert Duvall, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Berenger, and a effortlessly Cajun Kenneth Branaugh), but the lion's share of the praise must go to the director. Altman, a filmmaker with a unique talent for creating an atmosphere that extends beyond the frame, is in fine, sinister form here, instilling each scene with a palpable tension that not even the script's abundant cliches can fully dissipate. One of the best films of the year, warts and all.
IMDb | Other Reviews Andrew Wright
Girls Town
A gritty story of borderline delinquent high school friends who, after one commits suicide, set out to empower themselves. The solid storyline and fluid dialogue is only made stronger by the performances of Lili Taylor, Idina Harris and Anna Grace. This is also a story about how best friends can spend time together everyday for years, and never really know each other.
IMDb | Other Reviews Denise Felder
Good Will Hunting
I can't say enough good things about this movie. It explores how tight the male friendship can be; truly is a "guy flick" that everyone will enjoy. Matt Damon and Robin Williams give such excellent performance I laughed, I cried and all that other stuff. I saw it on a Sunday night date, but it is perfect to bring a date to on Friday or Saturday night, or if you're just out with the guys.
IMDb | Other Reviews Jon Errickson
Robin Williams is in his element in this movie. He recreates the character that made his movie career outside of comedy in "Dead Poets Society." He plays the same type of role in this movie, well-written by the young tandem of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. They also provided strong performances in their characters. The story is excellent and I strongly recommend this as a weekend feature.
Kelly Peterson
The Goonies
I have no idea why I love this movie so much, but I do. It embodies so stuff that makes movies magical: likeable, smart-mouthed kids; a strong reverence for the splendor of childhood; and a truly thrilling pirate adventure. A must see for the whole family.
IMDb | Other Reviews Denise Felder
Grand Canyon
When I first saw this movie in the theaters, I loved the writing and the cinematography. Now I see it's just filled with a lot of early-1990s Babyboomer angst. Kevin Klein, Danny Glover, Mary McDowell, Alfre Woodard and the rest of the cast all deliver strong performances, but everyone in this movie is wound so tight the film should have been called "Grand Mal." Maybe I'll appreciate it more when I'm 40.
IMDb | Other Reviews Denise Felder
Grease
A classic. I've seen this movie more than any other and practically have it memorized. The ultimate Saturday afternoon flick.
IMDb | Other Reviews Denise Felder
Grosse Point Blank
I wanted to like this movie, I really did. But the premise of a professional hit man returning home for his high school class reunion is just laden with problems. A comedy movie like this can take either two stances on violence: either it treats it in a cartoonish, inconsequential manner, which lends itself better to comedic possibilities. Or it treats the violence in a semi-realistic manner, with characters being disturbed by hit man's John Cusack's murderous way. This adds to the dramatic tension, but isn't very funny. Unfortunately, "Grosse Point" tried to do both -- some characters don't care that he's a hit man, others are bothered by it, Likewise, we're supposed to laugh at some kills, but be drawn into the drama of others. For the most part, this is a quirky, funny romantic comedy, dragged down by some messy loose ends.
IMDb Denise Felder
As a disillusioned hitman reluctantly attending his 10 year high school reunion, John Cusack has rediscovered the quirky charm that made him so memorable in films like "Say Anything" & "Better Off Dead", and the entire film bops right along with him. Boasting a stellar supporting cast, an almost too clever soundtrack (dig that muzak version of "Live And Let Die"!) and a director (George Armitage, who also did "Miami Blues") who knows how to mix violence & comedy in just the right proportions, this movie has a loopy charm all its own.
Andrew Wright
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