A. . . I. . .

Saw A.I. last night. It is good, I won’t deny that. However, I did find it rather syrupy sweet Spielbergian near the end. He was doing his best Kubrick work right up until the last quarter of the movie, then the Spielberg “magic” kicked in and almost made me gag. I actually was shocked at the direction that the movie suddenly decided to go. I was following very closely, I was hooked, I was ready to go wherever the movie took me, right up until that special moment. You’ll know it when you see it.

I’m of the opinion that the movie could have ended at one particular point. Now, I wouldn’t have been satisfied with but I would have accepted it. I know that sounds strange, but I feel that not all movies have to end with a happy ending. The movie, if it indeed had ended at that particular point, would have blown me away. Instead, I feel that the movie was lengthened artificially to provide us with a happy ending instead of just letting the story end.

However, focusing on Spielberg would take away from the incredible Haley Joel Osment. Watch this movie for him, he’s incredible. Did I say the word incredible enough? This movie succeeds with his acting.

He should have been Anakin. Episode I might have been a much more watchable movie (as opposed to an exercise in special effects) with his acting.

Also.

Jet Li fans, I managed a sneak Preview of Kiss of the Dragon. My thoughts are that Jet Li is doing his best Bruce Lee impression, ever. And that’s not to bust on the man. He’s great throughout this entire movie. And I’m also not saying that they both look alike–because that would be wrong. But what I am saying is that I think I preferred Mr. Li without the scruffier hair. I don’t know. I guess I’m just used to Fist of Legend Li.

Without going into too much spoiler, I will tell you that accupuncture needles are involved, and Jet Li just about kicks the holy living crap out of a bunch of french people.

I don’t think you need to hear anything else if you’re in any way interested in seeing this movie. If you’re the kind of person that knows about Jet Li, you’re not watching it for the pathos and plot development.

Quote of the evening:

“Okay , you are officially banned from looking at any more ass the rest of the evening.”

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