Pearl Harbor

Release Year: 2001
Director: Michael Bay

Review: You can count on Michael Bay for two things: big explosions and even bigger stakes. The man just doesn't do anything small. This is the problem with 'Pearl Harbor'. He tries to fit too much into a movie that should have a tightly constrained frame. Instead of focusing on the cruxes of the story, the attack, he gets waylaid in an obtuse love story. The attack on Pearl Harbor is one of the most devastating events ever to take place on American soil and should invoke strong emotions of anger and patriotism, but the long winded, glossy portrayal here only ignites feelings of frustration.

Rather than focus on intimate details, Bay opts of grandiose spectacle that adds nothing but an empty feelings and a vague hint of the epic nature of the tragic battle. What is most puzzling is why Bay tried to stretch the material so far and take the love story to such preposterous lengths. What is sad is that he actually has a nugget of truly moving conflict with the love triangle he creates, but he takes the scenario and blows it way out of proportion. What could have been a heart-wrenching saga becomes a far-fetched hypothetical played to fruition. I may be too hard on the movie, as besides being entirely too long and, at times absurd, it is an enjoyable popcorn war drama. Given the subject matter I just wanted so much more.

Rating: 2.5/5

Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi)

Release Year: 2001

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Review:A brilliantly imagined, masterfully animated and utterly original piece of filmmaking.  Miyazaki is a master at creating completely unique and imaginative worlds to explore.  Every detail is so complete and interesting, that the visual oddities alone are enough to make this a great film.  It's as if you were privileged enough to witness someone's dream, only the person dreaming was a storytelling master like Miyazaki.  

The story of a young girl getting trapped working in a bath house for spirits may take a leap of faith to follow, but there is a beauty in such a bizarre tale.  Although the surroundings may be odd, the true story is basic and touching.  Miyazaki takes simple morals, such as the dangers of greed and gluttony and enhances them with fantastic visuals of people turning into pigs, or being eaten by a spirit.  At its core its about a little girl overcoming her fears, showing courage and falling in love. It's a completely weird, but never twisted, world and one that is endlessly interesting.

Rating: 4/5

Mulholland Dr.

Release Year: 2001
Review: A very difficult movie to digest, 'Mulholland Dr.' is none the less captivating and absolutely engaging. The plot is difficult to describe, but its roughly about an actress who is starting out in Hollywood who meets an woman who has amnesia after a car crash. What the movie is actually about is the key question to ask yourself through out the film, and one that no one has really been able to say with any certainty. The non-linear, often chaotic and always stylized film making employed by Lynch is nothing short of masterful. I often review movies stating that I didn't like them "moment to moment". 'Mulholland Dr.' is enjoyable second to second, scene to scene. There are countless stunning scenes that are flawlessly executed and instantly classic. It is hard, at times, to keep your jaw from dropping as you watch them unfold. As soon as the film finishes you will want to watch it again. Don't try to over think the plot, but enjoy the films beauty. 'Mulholland' is truly a remarkable piece of film making.
Rating: 5/5

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Release Year: 2001
Review: The first chapter in the Harry Potter saga. Being a fan of books its hard to objectively review the films since I like the source material so well. It's hard not to fault the film for leaving out large chunks of the plot. The wonderfully detailed wizard world seemed to be truncated without all the small tidbits of information Rowling carefully worked into the books. Also missing was the inner dialog and subtle emotional queues the characters give which are spelled out for you in the book, and are largely lost on the very young cast. Important parts of the plot seemed to be glossed over with a quick montage and orchestral music. However, the film could not cover everything. Even with its liberal trimmings the film comes in at nearly two and a half hours. All things considered the film stays remarkably close to the book and successfully introduces the rich cast of characters and the imaginative wizarding world. In the end I appreciated the film, but wished there was less time spent on flashy scenes like the Quidditch match and more time spent on character development.
Rating: 3/5