Based on one of the most popular and beloved characters in Marvel Comics, we meet Bruce Banner, a timid and shy scientist who performs experiments on animals using Gamma radiation. An accident in his lab causes the gamma radiation to explode and exposes Bruce to a lethal dose. To the surprise of his girlfriend Betty Ross, he is fine but soon discovers that his suppressed rage, when released, unleashes an incredible large green beast known to him as “The Hulk”. An evil military scientist named Talbot wants the hulk to extract his DNA and create a race of super soldiers. All the while general Ross wants him dead at all costs. Now, Banner must confront his horrible past and come to grips with his curse all the while clashing with his psychotic father David who wants to use the hulk for his own benefit.
City by the Sea (2002)
For a film that’s identified as a bonafide thriller, the concept and entire plot is completely downplayed and low-key. I was never sure which direction it wanted go but it definitely does not become a thriller. It segues into all directions of plots never sure where it’s headed. The film is a story about relationships; the relationship Lemarca has with his ex-wife represents his past, the relationship with his new girlfriend represents his current life, and his son represents the past he abandoned. This could have been some amazing metaphors to mesh into the film, but it’s ultimately ruined.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chosen
So, after seven years and seven seasons, the hit cult series that redefined horror and action has come to an end. What has seemed like a torturous season for the “Scoobies” has ended. We have seen all the potential slayers, young scared girls from around the world trained by the best, fight the demons and vampires, minions of the darkness, without any experience and many have died, some tragically. We saw a demonic being called “The First” wreak havoc on each of the heroes minds one by one, causing some to question their allegiance, and some to commit brutal acts of violence, we saw, a once evil nemesis become a hero once again as Faith, the rival slayer to Buffy, returned to fight off “the first” and seek redemption for her murders.
Cube²: Hypercube (2002)
Taking off from the original fan fave, we meet eight people who wake up in a giant cube full of deadly puzzles, obstacles, and rooms that never end. Do they make it out alive? Do they ever make it out? I did not like the first one, so I was curious to see if the second one would be better, and this is basically the same deal. We have a bunch of people, each with unique characters, figuring their way through the constant white rooms and puzzles.
Rollerball (2002)
Now, granted, I’ve never seen the original “Rollerball” starring the great James Caan, but I think I can assure you, that it might have been better than this fiasco. The movie force-feeds us predictable and uninspired action scenes of people rolling around on their amped up blades and motorcycles as different growling and hooting players wearing ridiculous costumes and helmets bash each others skulls in etching to grab a hold of the rollerball attempting to score a point for a specific country as different announcers from the countries broadcasting the games holler at us through the screen play-by-play.
The Tuxedo (2002)
Jackie Chan seems often bored and detached from this film, never giving the charisma he displays in his movies. It dawned upon me that he might be aging or running out of ideas as he starts using wires to help with most of his stunts. We open with him attempting to ask a sexy art dealer on a date and ultimately screw it up. I found it hard to believe that an art dealer would go out with a creepy stuttering taxi driver, so I wasn’t surprised when she rejected him like a bad habit.
The Ring (2002)
After the mysterious death of a loved relative, reporter Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) discovers the source behind the death and begins to investigate. What she begins to discover will be a descent into darkness and evil that will forever change her life. This was based on the original Japanese horror series of movies that took Japan by storm and became a classic. The execs at America took notice and decided to remake it hoping to spawn an equally engrossing hit. What is spawned by it is a truly horrific movie that has the makings of a masterpiece. The one thing that stood out from this movie is the incredible cinematography.