Skip the scary and tune into the ‘Radio’
By Hollie Smith
Movie Review, Nov. 13, 2003
If you love animated movies or films geared toward a younger crowd, you’re in luck this week for movies! Disney’s “Brother Bear” is doing great at the box office because, well, it’s a Disney movie. Keep your eyes open for “Elf” starring funny guy Will Farrell, and “The Cat in the Hat” starring Mike Myers; they’re sure to be comedies for all ages to enjoy.
Other than that, movies have been…. disappointing. I’ll begin my review with a remake of an older thriller that hit theaters just in time for Halloween: “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” Many critics have compared watching it to sitting in on an autopsy. It was very gory and very creepy, but I liked the original so much more. The weirdest part? This movie wasn’t entirely a true story, but some parts were based on a real killer. My grade: D+
“Scary Movie 3” has ruled box office charts since it opened, but for the life of me I can’t figure out why! The previews of this #1 movie looked pretty funny; I mean come on, I’m sure you’ve seen the part with Michael Jackson! But sadly, all the funny things that appeared in the previews were the only funny parts in the movie. “Scary Movie 3” was terrible in comparison to its hilarious forerunners. Be prepared: a “Scary Movie 4” has already been shot. My grade: D.
Obviously, not all the shows out in theaters are terrible. I’ve saved the best for last: “Radio”. This movie (starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Ed Harris) is about a small town where football players reign and people are very set in their ways. The head football coach makes friends with a boy known as Radio; a boy that’s “the same as everybody else, just a little slower than most.” As their friendship grows and they celebrate their differences, they try to open the stubborn eyes of the people in their town. This movie is touching but not sappy – a great combination due to the key performance by Gooding. Would I pay to see it in a theater? Of course! My grade: B-
In the next issue: Get ready for the Australian stud Russell Crowe to play a big part in a coming attraction, plus the third edition of the popular “Matrix” movies. Reminder to all the Tupac fans out there: “Tupac: Resurrection” hits theaters 11/14! Don’t miss it!