Hulk (2003)

hR5PQ8JBased 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.

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City by the Sea (2002)

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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.

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The Sum of All Fears (2002)

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In the fourth of the Jack Ryan series of movies, we rewind back to when Jack Ryan (Ben Affleck) was a lowly analyst and historian who watches the world’s current events with awe. He is called upon by DCI William Cabot (Morgan Freeman), a CIA operative for his extensive knowledge of the world. There’s a new ruler in Russia whom the CIA is not happy about. In the background an evil mercenary has seized a nuclear bomb and is constructing it. Now Ryan must stop the bomb’s inevitable activation before Baltimore is destroyed.

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X2: X-Men United (2003)

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In one of the most anticipated movies of 2003, we join the mutant superhero team from the hit comic, the X-men yet again from the throws of the surprising hit from 1999. In this one, after a coordinated attack on the president by a mutant terrorist, William Stryker, a mysterious military operative who has been doing reconnaissance on the Xavier mansion has discovered secrets within the house along with secrets on the students that attend the school. He convinces the president to let him and his army raids the mansion despite the arguments by Senator Kelly. After the X-men learn about the new mutant’s presence, they decide to travel across country and discover it, while Logan, back from his journey of discovery, baby sits all of the students for the night.

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The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002)

kid_stays_in_the_picture-2Based on the book, this great documentary, this tell the story of Robert Evans, the prolific producer of Paramount who green – lit such historic films as “Rosemary’s Baby”, “Love Story,” and “Godfather” just to name a few. This tells of how he became discovered by Norma Shearer who cast him in a supporting role in “Man of a thousand Faces”. Afterwards, he made his attempt at stardom but inevitably failed and gave up on his career. With director Darryl Zanuck as his inspiration, the man who never gave up on him, he became a self-employed movie producer and went on to become a rich man always at war with Paramount pictures over his decisions. Ultimately, this tells the story of a man who created Camelot and lost it to his ambitions.

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Jackass: The Movie (2002)

jackass_movieStill waiting for MTV to pull out a masterpiece from their shops, but still no luck. A bad review and a low rating won’t surprise anyone. It may, in fact, draw people more towards watching this. It’s what ultimately drew me in. This movie is like a car wreck: violent, vicious and intense, but you can’t bear to turn away. This is not a “movie” per se, but more of an uncensored extended episode of the original series. Many of the stunts are scattered throughout the entire movie with no evidence of organizing or editing. The stunts are humorous at times, but most of the time are just plain crude and obnoxious. Many of the sadomasochistic players in the movie perform idiotic and stupid stunts and often laugh like morons on medication when in pain.

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The Time Machine (2002)

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For a movie with such a big budget and such incredible special-effects, it’s hard to believe this is so terrible. I think Guy Pearce is a great actor and should be in roles better suited for him rather than starring in low-level cheesy roles such at this. He tries his best to work with the material he’s given in this movie and seems to work hard but it doesn’t pay off simply because of the story. Director Simon Wells, great grandson of H.G. Wells and director of animated films such as “Balto” and “The Prince of Egypt” completely misses the point of the novel and turns it into a cheesy science fiction flick. The movie is loud and gaudy, often giving to the audience more style than substance and presenting a paper thin adaptation.

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