Rush Hour 2

This movie is about two cops investigating the bombing of US embassy in Hong Kong. Their attempts bring them to LA and then to Las Vegas where the finally find the forces of evil printing fake currency.

Rush Hour 2 deals with you in fake currency too. It is one of the weakest sequels to a weak movie you will ever find. Low on funny, low on effects, this movie wants to make you laugh just because it has Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in it. It wants to make you laugh because the first one was funny. In the name of funny, all it has is some stale, repetitive racial jokes.

The only actor who does not sleep walk through this one is Ziyi Zhang, the young brat from Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. She fights with a lot of energy and is fun to watch. However, I think she will have to do something different if she wants to continue to be likable.

Moonstruck

Cher is Loretta, an Italian widow in her mid thirties trying to get married again. She finds a man she feels comfortable with but soon she meets his brother...

Normal Jewison, who has produced several great movies like Fiddler on the roof, Other people's money and the old comedy Russians are coming, directs this interference of a glowing November moon in the lives of a New York Italian family, full of stereotypical and predictabke folk. This movie won three Oscars. Cher took best actress which I don't think she deserves. Olympia Dukakis as Cher's mother plays an excellent role that got her a best supporting actress award.

Nicolas Cage is at his shouting best or worst whatever you prefer. John Mahoney ( Frasier's Dad ) plays the only likable character in the movie. An excellent little cameo for him.

This picture, though neither very romantic nor very funny does work because of some nice moments and a great soundtrack.

Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

This movie is about the hijacking of a New York City subway train by a group of armed men demanding a million dollars.

This is a brilliant example of the 70s thriller. Clear, crisp and exciting. The movie takes no time to start and soon catches speed much like a subway train. A lot of dry politically incorrect political humor and fast pace make this movie a treat. This is one of those rare completely unpretentious movies that gives you complete excitement -- but mind you -- nothing else.

The premise in itself is exciting. It is easy enough to hijack a subway train as there is little or no security but the catch is the escape route. There just isn't any.

Walter Matthau plays Lt. Garber, chief of subway security. He is cool and confident but not too cool -- a bit aging. He is indeed very good. Robert Shaw ( Jaws ) plays the chief hijacker brilliantly. He is systematic and cruel and very efficient.

It is interesting to note that the hijackers use name of colors for each other -- Mr. Blue, Mr. Grey, Mr. Brows, etc; a technique used to a brilliant effect by Mr. Tarantino, eighteen years later in 1992 in his classic caper 'Reservoir Dogs'.