Film Forum

Episode Recap

Episode 6

February 15, 2005

Films Reviewed: Because of Winn-Dixie and Constantine

Commentary: The Screen Actor's Guild Winners

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Because of Winn-Dixie

Regarding Because of Winn-Dixie:

Matt: The family film is making something of a comeback, and this film will go some ways in to getting more of these kinds of films made.  It's rather inoffensive, features some cute animals (including the title dog) and boasts a wonderful performance by Eva Marie Saint (Aron: Yes!  She's finally back on the big screen!).  I recommend it.  Three stars.

Aron: The dog is really cute, but the fake CGI used to make him smile is very unnatural.  Plus, the movie is filled with southern stereotypes that could go a long way in dating us back.  But it is charming and the dog (when he's not fake smiling) is a real winner.  Three stars.

Average Rating: *** (out of ****)

Regarding Constantine:

Aron: A really creepy film based on the "Hellblazer" graphic novel.  Keanu Reeves is good as a meta-physical exorcist trapped on earth because neither afterlife wants to claim him.  His fight meets him up with a cop (Rachel Weisz, also really good) and they get together to save mankind.  Again, creepy and quite a bit of fun!  Three stars.

Matt: Keanu Reeves was very wrong for the part of John Constantine.  He is supposed to be an alcoholic chain smoker, but sounded rather healthy to me.  And, like most modern day horror/action films, this one failed to give me nightmares.  A good performance by Tilda Swinton (as an androgynous angel) and better than average FX can't save this.  Two stars

Average Rating: **1/2 (out of ****)

Commentary: With the Oscars coming up in two weeks, Aron and Matt discussed the winners from SAG.  The winners included Morgan Freeman, Hilary Swank, Cate Blanchett and Jamie Foxx.  More discussion about the Oscars will occur next week at our Oscar show! 

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Because of Winn-Dixie, starring Jeff Daniels, Cicely Tyson, AnnaSophia Robb (in her film debut) and Dave Matthews.  The film was made in Louisiana, but takes place in Florida.