National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

Seldom laugh-out-loud funny, but very consistently entertaining. I appreciate the rare silly comedy that doesn't get all its humor out of gas, vomit, and sex jokes. Many kudos to them for that. I didn't know going into it that it was written by John Hughes, but it certainly has the feel of a Hughes movie - silly but very warm at the same time. Nicely done. 3 stars.

The Story of the Weeping Camel (2003)

It does a good job of portraying life in a culture *extremely* different from my own, but in its attempt to build up some of the drama of the camel rejecting her colt, it left everything feeling a little bit anticlimactic. It's a much better documentary than it is a story - which I suppose is fair. However, I'm giving it a low ranking based on how much I personally enjoyed it. 1.5 stars

Die Hard (1988)

I really don't like action movies, so 3 stars is really the equivalent of about 4 for non-action movies. It held my attention and, although it really didn't play with the characters much (which is what makes action movies stand out for me), Alan Rickman does make for a great villain. No desire to see any of the sequels, but at least now I can silence the "WHAT? You've never seen DIE HARD?" crowd. 3 stars.

Super Troopers (2001)

As I watched it, I kept wanting to like this movie, and there were so many moments where I ALMOST did. But in the end, thinking back on it, my emotional reaction is almost entirely negative. I now can't think of a single moment i found genuinely funny. All that comes to mind is the dozens of uninteresting vulgar jokes that overpower anything else entertaining the movie had to offer us. 1.5 stars.

Pretty in Pink (1986)

It's no Breakfast Club or Ferris Bueller... but it's a satisfying flick. After reading about the varying endings, I'd have preferred the original (but then I'm always one to fight for the underdog) but it's to John Hughes' credit that this one worked almost as well. I could recommend this to people. 3 stars.

Educating Rita (1983)

There's nothing about this movie that's going to blow anyone away, but it's a very solid, very heartwarming little updated version of Pygmalion. Michael Caine and Julie Walters are both very good in this - deserving of the awards and nominations they got for their roles. 3.5 stars.

To Kill a King (2003)

A very slow, muddled movie. The performances are fairly disappointing, given the strength of the actors. The characters all blended into the background as the political conflict became central. Left me disinterested. 2 stars.