Summer 2007 Movie Review Round-Up

Ah, summer. It feels like it just begun, and now it's just about over. A short time to relax and enjoy the multitude of popcorn flicks, sequels, etc. streaming through the multiplex. Summer is the perfect time where critics usually take a backseat to the audience's need to escape from the blazing heat. Some were exciting to watch, while others could not have ended soon enough. This summer brought a mixed bag of those that were both unforgettable and ones burned into our corneas long after the nightmare on screen vanishes into the bargain bin at local video stores.

Here are a list of fifteen summer films that fit into three categories: good, bad, and in the middle. The first two are not hard to determine. The third signifies films that do not fit in either category. They are not bad films, but are not entirely good ones either. Let's see how the summer movies rank and you could decide for yourself if you agree or disagree.

Best

1. The Bourne Ultimatum: A fitting and entertaining conclusion to the trilogy. Matt Damon has become an Indian Jones for this generation. He is not the typical muscle man type that populated most of the 80s and 90s action films. Damon brought depth and an energy not seen for a long time. His Jason Bourne will be sorely missed, unless the studio is foolish to do another one. Let's hope not.

2. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Two word: Harry Potter. Need we say anything more.

3. Hairspray: What movie musicals should be: fun, energetic, and full of dancing. The sight of John Travolta in drag is a sight in itself. See it and sing along to the songs. (Not aloud of course. Everyone in the theatre might not be too fond of that.)

4. Live Free or Diehard: Like the earlier films in the Diehard franchise, Willis demonstrates that his John McClain has suffered for his heroism. He has gotten older, and certainly a little wiser. But, not wise enough to avoid danger when it unexpectedly comes his way. The story allows the audience to believe that McClain is still a credible even though he is no longer a spring chicken.

5. Becoming Jane: Anne Hathaway's performance as Ms. Austen indicates that she is going to be a force to be reckoned with. She would do Julia Roberts, and even Ms. Austen herself, proud in creating a heroine that any man would be stupid not to fall in love with.

Worst

1. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End: Sorry, Johnny Depp, even you could not save this overblown, drawn out, and trippy movie. The movie would have been so much better if they trimmed off a good 45 minutes from it and took out some of Depp's hallucinations. (See the movie for yourself for elaboration on the last part at your own risk of course.)

2. Next/The Invasion: Memo to Nicole Kidman and Nicolas Cage. Stop reverting to form. Stop doing roles in films that you should have passed on after reading the first page in the script. Seriously, spare the audience of even cringing over the previews.

3. El Cantante: Jennifer Lopez and serious actress do not belong in the same turn of phrase. It seems that America agreed and based shunned Ms. Lopez's vanity project with husband Marc Anthony playing (what else) his wife.

4. Georgia Rule/I Know Who Killed Me: This is definitely not Lindsay Lohan's summer. Both of her films were terrible wastes of valuable multiplex space. Georgia Rule could have had potential if it were not for the clichéd rehash of Steel Magnolias and every Lifetime movie imaginable. Everyone in that cast deserved better than this Southern fried mess. On the other hand, Lohan's other film should be shown in Driver's Ed to educate what not do when people allow fame to get to your head. The all-important star picks tripe junk like this that no one in their right mind would do. No one would purposely play a torture victim like Lindsay Lohan, unless they were bucking for critical acclaim. Sorry, Lindsay, no dice.

5. Rush Hour 3: Unfortunately, the third time is not the charm this time around. This movie is among one of the better summer three-quels, but that's not really saying much. Although, it is funny is various parts of the film. By the end of the film, Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker make it painfully clear that a fourth film is not in the works.

On the Fence:

1. Shrek 3: Funny still and wearing thin.

2. Spiderman 3: This film was entertaining in its own right, but took one too many detours to excessive special effects and a subplot involving behavior changing black gunk.

3. 1408: Entertaining and filled with numerous horror film clichés.

4. Knocked Up: Funny in spurts and just as awkward when trying to be serious.

5. Mr. Brooks: Strangely unsettling and just plain strange. Kevin Costner as a psycho. Believable. Dane Cook as a potential psycho. Not so much. Costner's imaginary id controlling his actions. Something even Freud would scratch his head over.

Overall, it has been an entertaining summer. The anticipation for the fall movie season is growing as September approaches. This new season will be filled with some cheers, jeers, and confusion. Cannot wait.