Anger Management
Much of Adam Sandler's post-Waterboy work is negligible, but I found particular joy in watching Jack Nicholson go whacky in this one.
Sandler and Nicholson go head-to-head when they Sandler's mild-mannered character because involved in an airplane incident, and is sentenced to anger management.
His counsellor? Nicholson, who seems to have some issues of his own. With a hilarious supporting cast including Luis Guzman, Heather Graham and John Turturro, it's not a classic comedy, but it will sure get you through a difficult day with some big laughs.
Nicholson is a delight here.
3.5/5 Stars
Hear No Evil, See No Evil
This is quite possibly one of my favourite comedies of all time.
Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder come together as a blind man and a deaf man who witness a murder. One of them saw it, while the other heard it.
The script is full of great jokes and one-liners, and Kevin Spacey, at a young stage of his career, plays the villain role well. Not surprising given recent revelations.
This is one of the funniest movies ever put to screen, and Pryor and Wilder are a hoot together.
5/5 Stars
Casper
This was one of my favourite kids movies growing up, about a friendly ghost who becomes friends with the daughter of a paranormal investigator tracking the spirits in an abandoned home.
It's at once immensely entertaining, partially spooky and funny, and is a great Halloween flick for the kiddos.
I will root for Bill Pullman in anything, and it's nice to see his lighter side as the investigator here. Christina Ricci plays his daughter, and even as a child actress, she was fantastic.
This is one everyone can enjoy.
4/5 Stars
Hands of Stone
This boxing flick about the rivalry between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran is pure escapist entertainment at its finest.
It's got some great substance, interesting writing, and a game cast. Edgar Ramirez and music star Usher Raymond trade punches, and both show an acting prowess I didn't know they had.
Rounding out the cast are veterans Robert De Niro and Ellen Barkin, who give showy performances.
The film is not without its flaws, but it's the perfect type of mindless film to watch on Netflix on an afternoon.
3.5/5 Stars
Spy Game
This movie has bounced on and off Netflix for the last few years, but now that it's back, I have to talk about it again.
This, in all honesty, is my favourite film from the late, great Tony Scott. Sorry to all you True Romance and Top Gun fans, but this is his most nuanced work.
It follows retiring FBI agent Nathan Muir, who discovers an agent he trained is being held captive by the Chinese.
Robert Redford and Brad Pitt give it all in this dark, evocative picture, and it hits my heart every time.
If you haven't seen it, you have to. If you have, it's time to revisit Spy Game.
5/5 Stars
