Review of Even Money (2007) by Jennifer A — 17 Sep 2007

Mini-Reviews: Premonition, Even Money, 40 Year Old Virgin & Hot Fuzz.....

[b]Premonition (2007) - 2.5/10[/b].

Director - Mennan Yapo.

Starring - Sandra Bullock, Julian McMahon, Nia Long, Kate Nelligan.

This "supernatural thriller" is anything but thrilling. It's an Alfred Hitchcock wannabe for the Lifetime set. Sandra Bullock's slump continues.

[b]Even Money (2007) - 4.4/10[/b].

Director - Mark Rydell.

Starring - Kim Basinger, Danny DeVito, Ray Liotta, Forest Whitaker, Tim Roth Nick Cannon, Kelsey Grammar, Jay Mohr, Carla Gugino, Grant Sullivan.

The evils of gambling are explored in this "Crash" wannabe. Too many cliches and stock characters handicap a very capable ensemble cast. This should have been much better.

[b]40 Year Old Virgin (2005) - 4.9/10[/b].

Director - Judd Apatow.

Starring - Steve Carrell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks.

Finally got around to seeing the comedy hit of 2005 and I must say I don't understand it's wide appeal. Sure the film had a few funny moments, but for the most part it relied on overused juvenile humor, the stuff National Lampoon churns out regularly. Despite a few laughs, count me as unimpressed.

[b]Hot Fuzz (2007) - 6.8/10[/b].

Director - Edgar Wright.

Starring - Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine, Timothy Dalton, Bill Nighy, Julia Deakin.

The cop buddy film gets a new twist with the hilarious "Hot Fuzz". It's a step above most spoofs due to the undeniable chemistry between Pegg and Frost, plus support from some of UK's finest actors. Ironically I wasn't much of a fan of "Shaun of the Dead" but this one had me laughing.