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Anger Management (2003) --> Sandler and Nicholson do a credible job in this 2003 comedy. Sandler plays Dave Buznik, an executive secretary whose passive-aggressive nature results in a stint of anger management therapy with Dr. Buddy Rydell (Nicholson). Nicholson is his usual crazy self and he and Sandler play well off each other. But what makes this comedy worth watching is all the supporting roles. The anger management classes are populated by some funny and interesting characters highlighted by a couple of lesbian porn actresses. Peter Segal directs and it is his first collaboration with Sandler. He will go on to work with Sandler in the movies 50 First Dates (2004) and The Longest Yard (2005).


Full Spectrum Staff

Daddy Day Care (2003) --> Eddie Murphy has been irrelevant since the '80s. His stand up act (brought to video in Delirious (1983) and Raw (1987)) was arguably the best from any comedic artist for both humour and popularity that the '80s had to offer. It translated well in three feature films: 48 Hrs. (1982), Trading Places (1983) and Beverly Hills Cop (1984). But since then everything he has touched has been mediocre in comparison including this forgettable film. Except for the children, the only act worth watching is Steve Zahn who has made a name for himself since his standout role in Happy, Texas (1999). You can predict the plot from the title and there is no need to bore you with the details as the movie will do that stupendously.


Full Spectrum Staff

xXx (2002) --> The action scenes, although not based on anything realistic (especially the avalanche snowboarding part), were interesting to watch. Rob Cohen is an average director but does has his moments. This wasn't his best movie, The Fast & the Furious (2001) would take that prize. Add in Vin Diesel's sub-par acting skills and you get an average action movie at best. As a side note the soundtrack, with Rammstein as a highlight, is a good purchase if you are a fan hardcore metal or hip hop.


Full Spectrum Staff

The Thin Red Line (1998) --> Many critics were quite impressed with this movie, but I was disappointed. Based on the novel by James Jones, The Thin Red Line falls prey, as many films adapted from books do, to a narrative that takes away from the progression of the film. Narrative is best left to move the plot along, or in a few circumstances, explain a situation that occurred or is about to occur. But in this movie, when each character voices his thoughts the progression of the film dies. You listen to babble that you need a PHD in psycho-analysis to decipher. Not only that, but there are so many characters who speak that it becomes impossible to figure out who actually said what as the film continues. The best narratives keep the speeches to a single character not half a dozen or more. Where this film does not fail is its action sequences and its cinematography. The shots are at times breathtaking and the war scenes are realistic and penetrating. A second and third viewing also enhances your appeciation for the film.


Scott D. Brown

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