Jeff's Reviews | Thoughts on every movie I've ever seen.

recent product reviews

The Great Dictator (1940)

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2014

My immediate reaction to The Great Dictator was that it is horribly offensive to Jews. They were victimized and ultimately exterminated by the German regime in the 40’s, and here we have a popular actor making light of the whole situation in a comedy with off-the-cuff remarks about concentration camps…

Full Review

12 Years a Slave (2013)

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2014

A very realistic, depressing, and gruesome look at an unfortunate period in American history. What we have in this film is a valuable historical document for those who want to know what slavery in the US was really like. But where’s the dramatic arc? Where’s the personal story of growth…

Full Review

Mrs Henderson Presents (2005)

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2014

Cute movie. Not one of Dench’s best, but she’s snappy and articulate and engaging as usual. Kelly Reilly is a stunner.

Full Review

The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2014

Everything happens to peak suspense, everything neatly contributes to the story. The plot reminded me of La Femme Nikita and the Bourne movies which would come later. Davis plays a pretty good bad-ass. And yes, she’s pretty sexy. Jackson’s got some good lines. Why the title? Because it sounds cool?

Full Review

Snake Eyes (1998)

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2014

De Palma having fun with extremely long takes and multiple camera angles. And Nicolas Cage being Nicolas Cage. Other than that, story and dialogue and direction is 90’s plain.

Full Review

Beethoven (1992)

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2014

Silly. Grodin can be a lot funnier. Good for the kids, maybe? Turner & Hooch found success as a sloppy dog movie a few years earlier. I guess it was worth another shot.

Full Review

Lone Survivor (2013)

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2014

One the most intense, violent, bloody movies I’ve ever seen. Up there with Saving Private Ryan, and this one might have been worse. But it’s good. Most movies about the American military overdo the machismo and bravado to the point where it’s disingenuous and, to me, borderline offensive. But this…

Full Review

The Hunt (Jagten) (2012)

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2014

A small story, but a good one. This is a frustrating, unsettling movie to watch, but I guess that’s a testament to its storytelling. Mikkelsen is great. So is everyone else, for that matter. Non-American actors just seem much more natural. What’s the secret? A remarkable performance from Wedderkopp. When…

Full Review

Rush (2013)

Reviewed on Jan 7, 2014

This might be Howard’s best film. His movies are usually pretty safe and sterile, but he takes some chances here. Intense subject matter, edgy characters, really great shots, creative editing choices, and some pretty gruesome scenes. Hemsworth is pretty good, but Brühl’s performance steals the show. Nice to see him…

Full Review