Soda Movie Reviews

The film takes place in Detroit, Michigan, a predominantly black city. Zack (Michael Rappaport) is a white, middle class, jewish, urban teenager whose mother died when he was young. He lives with his father, Richard (Ray Starkey), an erstwhile swinger and owner of an inner city music store. Zack attends the predominantly black, local public high school, and his best friend, Dee (DeShonn Castle), is also black and middle class. Zack is very taken with black culture.

When Dee's cousin, Nikki (N'Bushe Wright), who is black and from East New York, Brooklyn, moves into town, Zack, who has just been dumped by his white girlfriend, finds himself smitten by her. They gradually begin a romance that attracts a lot of unwanted attention. When the high school hot head and bad boy, Nut (Ron Johnson), a black gang banger wanna be, develops the hots for Nikki, it is the beginning of the end with the inevitable violent result.

This is a surprisingly good film with superlative performances by Michael Rappaport, DeShonn Castle, Ron Johnson, N'Bushe Wright, and the late Ray Starkey. The tension throughout the movie is kept taut and believable. Though somewhat predictable, the film manages to keep the viewer engaged throughout. This is a well made film that deserves a viewing.

Which is what I like most about this movie. It doesn't end with everyone singing. Or dancing, or marching towards the camera, or anything like that. The goomba and the Spike Lee guy duke it out while the Asian girl despairs, and the white guy and black girl embrace each other hopelessly. That is life. Some differences will never be resolved, and the best you can hope for is that *some* people will reach each other. I was praying all along that this would not have some pat ending that could never have happened at my school, and I was rewarded. There are no resolutions, just moments.

Jane Deluca (Whoopi Goldberg) decides to head west after she loses her job in New York. She hooks up with Robin (Mary-Louise Parker) who is heading the same way and wants to share the driving with someone else. The pair picks up a third traveler in Pittsburgh when Jane's friend Holly Pulchik (Drew Barrymore) joins the westward trek in order to escape her abusive boyfriend Nick (Billy Wirth). Along the way there are a series of revelations with one in particular leading to a painful loss.

"Boys on the Side" is a film with the dramatic twists and turns of a soap opera. However, it fares much better in comparison because of the higher quality of acting and the more mature approach to the material. The whimsical interaction between the three women is a joy to watch as Goldberg, Parker, and Barrymore light up the screen from start to finish. Parker's performance is especially powerful and will most likely be the one aspect of the film that will continue to linger in your thoughts after it concludes. "Boys on the Side" is about the strong bond of friendship and how this strong bond helps friends to deal with the sad realization that life is difficult and unfair. It is not the easiest film to sit through but it is a rewarding experience for those that manage to do so.

"Sometimes...if you don't have anyplace to go, it's probably best to stay where you are" is one of Whoopi Goldberg's bits of wisdom in this film. So that's what they did....

Two strangers, women who couldn't be more different then night and day begin on a journey that will take them places far better than their intended destination. A journey of life, discovery and a friendship that knows no bounds is what unfolds in this wonderful story.

The journey begins in New York. Jane(Whoopi Goldberg) and Robin(Mary-Louise Parker),both for their own reasons want to start a new life. Looking to share a ride to California, they meet and agree to make the trip together,even though from the outset it's obvious these two woman have nothing in common.When they hit Pittsburg, Jane stops in on good friend Holly(Drew Barrymore). There's trouble amiss in Holly's life though, her drug-dealing boyfriend is abusing her.The girl's take matters into thier own hands and free Holly(leaving the boyfriend tied up and injured), grab her and take her along with them.On the road with them we come to realize each has a secret of their own. As their stories unfold, these three very different woman become close and are there to help each other at any costs.The become their own little family. Men, as Robin's mother puts it,"are merely side dishes, you girls stick your fork in, when you want a taste."

It's not just a story for women though. It's a story of bonding. Sharing one's own strengths with the people you are close to. It's an emotional roller coaster, you'll need the kleenex for this one!(But there's lots of laughs as well).If you like "Terms of Endearment", you'll love this one.It's a story from the heart that will touch your soul.

The casting of the three stars is a stroke of genius. Goldberg, Parker, and Barrymore have a connection to each other that is a joy to watch.They put THEIR hearts and souls into this film. The supporting cast includes Anita Gillete, Estelle Parsons and Matthew McConaughey(who is just so,... well Matthew McConaughey).
The music is as much a part of the story as the characters and is excellent with songs by Bonnie Raitt, Melissa Etheridge,Pretenders,Sheryl Crow, and Whoopie herself does some singing.Oh and don't forget to see whose band is playing in "The Cantina".

The DVD is as beautiful as the movie. A sharp clear picture( a little dark in some places but nothing to distract from the enjoyment of the film),nice colors, and great sound(Dolby stereo surround)is what you'll find. You have the choice of widescreen or a standard format. There are no special features(might have been nice to have a music video with all this great music), but there are subtitiles in English and French and may be viewed in those languages as well.

So get the popcorn, Kleenex, and maybe a side of Brad Pitt ready for this one.....enjoy..Laurie

I think the whole movie is summed up where Cole (Bruce Willis) has trouble deciding what is real about half way through the movie. And, also, the theme that goes along with that is who is crazy and who decides that they are crazy that I think is echoed in the beginning mental institution scenes. I can't say much more. Yeah, too much, and I'll give away the movie; which I hope I haven't already.

Brad Pitt, Madeline Stowe, and Bruce all do a good job. It's funny, and frightening (a little), and deep. I'm still trying to figure out a few things. I've watched it about 8 times.
Brad Pitt is pretty funny throughout the scenes that seem to be important for the movie. Maybe the writers did it on purpose- to lighten it maybe, but nonetheless they are pretty powerful and moving scenes.

And that's about it.

I think the whole movie is summed up where Cole (Bruce Willis) has trouble deciding what is real about half way through the movie. And, also, the theme that goes along with that is who is crazy and who decides that they are crazy that I think is echoed in the beginning mental institution scenes. I can't say much more. Yeah, too much, and I'll give away the movie; which I hope I haven't already.

Brad Pitt, Madeline Stowe, and Bruce all do a good job. It's funny, and frightening (a little), and deep. I'm still trying to figure out a few things. I've watched it about 8 times.
Brad Pitt is pretty funny throughout the scenes that seem to be important for the movie. Maybe the writers did it on purpose- to lighten it maybe, but nonetheless they are pretty powerful and moving scenes.

And that's about it.

The movie introduces a cynical, narcissist and ambitious famous lawyer Martin Vail, he is played by Richard Gere, and of course he has no problem with the role because Richard Gere is cynical, narcissist, ambitious and famous. Anyway, when Martin Vail watches on TV the arrest of a boy accused of the homicide of a Chicago archbishop, he immediately sees the opportunity of raise his profile by defending the boy.

Then he meets Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), a quiet and harmless boy; then the lawyer realizes that Aaron is innocent. After that, the movie becomes an entertaining thriller / mystery / courtroom drama, with some plot twists, interesting characters and revelations.

But the most interesting part is to see all the changes and emotions that Edward Norton prints in his character; he is just an amazing actor, his performance is by far the best in the movie. After this film, Norton delivered his best performance in American History X, and established himself as the best actor of his generation.

Ed Norton delivers an amazing and very disturbing performance. Although this was his first major movie, he created a character that one moment you feel for and the next ... well I will let you learn that from the movie. Richard Gere is also very good in this movie. He sheds light on the good and bad side of defending the accused. The movie takes you step by step through his investigation and you understand why his character believes in Norton's character so much. As a law student, the court room aspect of the movie is a little weak, overall it is the best legal thriller avaliable.

However, Robert Redford ruins most of the film with his dull uninspired take as a British expatriate living and trekking in South Africa. I have never particularly liked any of this mans' performances, and his role here only serves to reiterate that he is one of the most overrated American actors of all time. I can even imagine Tim Curry or Danny DeVito doing a better job here than he does. His character is supposed to be British. Why on earth does he then sound as if he just stepped off a trailer in Mobile, Alabama? Did Mr. Redford do no research on this part? This is truly unpardonable and one of the reasons why I have to ultimately give this film only three stars. And they all belong to Meryl.

Mildly recommended.

In short, a must rent and watch! If you got a good 5.1 AV system, it's a must buy.

The movie is ACTION packed to say the least. There is action, brief nudity, a lot of cursing, violent and digusting killings, and a lot of drugs. It is not a kid's movie and I was disapointed to see how many people brought their kids with them to see this movie.

Anyway, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence make a great team and yes their jokes were sometimes annoying and dry but not enough to be overshadowed by the really funny scenes. I liked the first Bad Boys film but I really feel that the sequel is much better. I would not be surprised to see a third installment.

If you like action, good special effects and great stunt coordination, this film is for you. I can't wait to watch it again!

In short, a must rent and watch! If you got a good 5.1 AV system, it's a must buy.

The movie is ACTION packed to say the least. There is action, brief nudity, a lot of cursing, violent and digusting killings, and a lot of drugs. It is not a kid's movie and I was disapointed to see how many people brought their kids with them to see this movie.

Anyway, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence make a great team and yes their jokes were sometimes annoying and dry but not enough to be overshadowed by the really funny scenes. I liked the first Bad Boys film but I really feel that the sequel is much better. I would not be surprised to see a third installment.

If you like action, good special effects and great stunt coordination, this film is for you. I can't wait to watch it again!