Film Forum

Episode Recap

Episode 4

11/1/05

Films Reviewed: Jarhead and The Legend of Zorro

Commentary: Actors retiring before their time?

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Domino

Regarding Jarhead:

Matt: I don't care for war films, but this one may become a classic in this lifetime.  Jake Gyllenhaal gives the best performance in his young career and he is matched by an excellent supporting cast.  That is California and Mexico subbing for the Middle East, believe it or not.  Three and a half stars.

Aron: I really liked this one, too.  Jamie Foxx redeems himself nicely after the debacle that was Stealth as the "gruff but fair" platoon leader who can only observe, but not participate in the boredom that is known as "the suck".  (Matt: "That is the best tagline for a movie I've heard since Alien Cubed.").  To be remembered at Oscar time.  Three and a half stars from me as well.

Average Rating: ***1/2 (out of ****)

Regarding The Legend of Zorro:

Aron: The movie is fun.  Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are back to save the day in pre-statehood California and are joined in the fun by their young son.  No classic, but you'll have a good time.  Three stars

Matt: This movie needed more Zorro on screen and less Richard Lester-esque comedic set pieces.  The story could have been an aborted script for Wild Wild West 2 and nothing topped the opening action sequence.  But Catherine Zeta-Jones was fun to watch.  Two stars.

Average Rating: **1/2 (out of ****)

Commentary:  Gerard Depardieu announced that the current film he's working on would be his last.  Jamie Lee Curtis announced she was considering retirement to be a full time mother.  Is this a good idea?  Aron and Matt explored who had retired, who should retire and hopes Peter O'Toole will come back to make more movies.

Featurette:Behind the scenes of Domino, featuring Keira Knightley, Mickey Rourke and Delroy Lindo.