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A Bridge too Far: ***

Release Date: 1977
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Richard Attenborough
Epic war film boasts a decent ensemble cast and authentic/convincing battle sequences; a definitive history lesson on Operation Mark Garden.  Definitely too slowly paced for some and goes on for some length.  Still an accomplishment in presenting a rather unknown aspect of World War II, and for being a higher achievement then other senseless war films of that era.

The Abyss: ** ½ 

Release Date: 1989
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: James Cameron
Underwater sequences aren't as gorgeous as they have been called.  First two thirds of the film work very reasonably well as a psychological thriller, but the third and final act goes way off track by leaping to fantasy.

Ace Ventura, Pet Detective: ** 

Release Date: 1994
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Tom Shadyac
Funny, gross and crude.  Contributed to the acting career of Jim Carrey.

Ace Ventura, When Nature Calls: **

Release Date: 1995
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Steve Oedekerk
The same as before, though in Africa.  One of the few films where Jim Carrey reprises a role.

The Adjustment Bureau: ** ½ 

Release Date: 2011
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: George Nolfi
Romantic sci-fi thriller has an original premise and likeable characters, and raises some important questions for us.  In total, not a bad movie, but it should have expanded further from what it was.  It could have been so much more.

The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl: ½ 

Release Date: 2005
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Robert Rodriguez
So bad, it was hilarious.  Entire set up is a 3-D CGI effect.  Story is weak, if there is one.  A horrendous movie simply because it is so poorly done.  Unlikely that most kids will even like it.

A Few Good Men: *** ½

Release Date: 1992
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Rob Reiner
Powerful courtroom drama captivates our attention and never lets go until the final credits roll.  Thoroughly entertaining with powerhouse acting performances.  A definite winner, even if the somewhat rushed ending keeps it from being a four-star knockout.

A Fistful of Dollars: ***
Release Date: 1964
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Sergio Leone
First Spaghetti western is break out role of Eastwood.  Undeniably entertaining and well-done, though the narrative is later improved upon by the sequels. Leone operates well behind the camera. Boosted by the memorable music score.

The African Queen: ***

Release Date: 1951
MPAA Rating: NR
Director: John Huston
One of the most likeable films ever made is also one of the most overrated, but still a good movie.  Quite a story filled with adventure, drama, romance, action and comedy.  Becomes a romantic survival movie that will never be forgotten.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence: * ½ 

Release Date: 2001
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Steven Spielberg
No movie could seem more artificial and and so unenjoyable as this.  So called groundbreaking special effects don't up the ante at all, nor can the impressive child performance by Osment.  Loses it's primary sense of focus after the credible first act.

Air Force One: ** ½ 

Release Date: 1997
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Far fetched action flick is very engaging, but employs a plotline already used before in films like Die Hard and Executive Decision.  Action scenes are well shot, though not believable.  Sound effects are audibly impressive.

Airplane!: ***

Release Date: 1980
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Jerry Zucker, David Zucker
A disaster spoof that doesn't take itself seriously at all, so that it becomes insanely hilarious!  An effortless comedy that's shallow like it should be.  Never loses it's ability to provide laughs.

A Knight's Tale: **

Release Date: 2001
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Brian Helgeland
Surprisingly good story and moderate acting are wasted by the deliberate anachronisms, supposedly to give the film a charm.  Quite frankly, it didn't work out.

The Alamo: ***

Release Date: 1960
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: John Wayne
Poorly scripted, though fairly casted historical epic is an accomplishment in terms of grande scale and set pieces.  Nice cinematography captures the immense Texan landscape and bona fide, authentic battle sequences.

Amazing Grace: ** ½
Release Date: 2007
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Michael Apted
Well-acted though not so well-performed adaptation of the true story of William Wilberforce, who worked tirelessly to convince the British parliament to stop the slave trading process.  Has ambition, but doesn't expand as far as it could have.  Ultimately a disappointing historical picture.

Anzio: **

Release Date: 1967
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Dulio Coletti, Edward Dmytryk
A typical 60s war film that can't take itself seriously at all.  Raises questions for us that are easily answerable.


Apollo 13: *** ½ 
Release Date: 1995
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Ron Howard
Great acting and direction, but what really carries this film is that we know it's actually real, and not science-fiction.  Overlong, but again the acting performances and direction by Howard scores a hit.

The A-Team: **

Release Date: 2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Joe Carnahan
A messy movie, though in a good way.  Works well enough on it's own as a summer popcorn comedy-action flick, but afterwards becomes instantly forgettable.  Has some fun scenes and humor, but derived by an overused plot.  Inconcievable, improbable end action sequence.

Australia: **

Release Date: 2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Baz Luhrmann
A movie that goes to far to be epic.  Unsuccessfully attempts to impersonate Gone with the Wind, though with an Australian setting.  Overall flat and overlly dramatic, but the acting is fortunately convincing.

Avatar: ***

Release Date: 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: James Cameron
Story is all too familiar, but CGI effects are undeniably the best ever commited to film.  Becomes a juicy, feast for the eyes, awe inspiring, cinematic expierence, no matter how flawed it is.

A View to a Kill: **

Release Date: 1985
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: John Glen
Roger Moore is by now way too old to be playing 007, and is evidently showing his age.  A debilitated Bond flick with no strong highlights, other then the final fight on San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.