Trask Avenue

About a month ago a new irregular segment was introduced where I give snap reviews of ten totally random movies. The rules are simple. Reviews can only consist of one sentence not exceeding 20 words. The rating system is the widely used 4 star one, with ½ star increments. After posting I’ll add each new entry on the “Shorts” page listed above. Not much more to say other than here are today’s selections.

Airport ’77 (1977) – Disaster film in more ways than one with lots of old movie stars trying to chew non-existent scenery. (1½)

Cedar Rapids (2011) – Quiet slice of life movie about regular guy thrust into unusual circumstances I generally find very appealing. (3½)

Easy A (2010) – Man, that Emma Stone is some kind of actress. (3)

Baby Boom (1987) – Guilty pleasure finds discarded NYC executive unexpectedly raising a child in rural Vermont. (3)

Almost Famous (2000) – Aspiring 15 year old rock music journalist’s adventures with B-level rock band and pitch-perfect “Band Aid” Kate Hudson. (4)

Glitter (2001) – Amazingly, an unbelievable story, terrible script, bad direction and wooden chipmunk-cheeked Mariah Carey does not achieve “camp” gold. (½)

Casino (1995) – Fair-to-middling Scorsese retread combining elements of several of his past films set in a different location. (2½)

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) – It’s corny, dated and idealistic, but still appeals to our dim hope for a just legislative government. (4)

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) – Much more than a martial arts exercise, this wonderful film glides along on a sense of duty and suppressed emotions. (4)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – The ONLY way to be able to sit through this thing is at a midnight show with crazed devotees. (3½ – midnight show in theater) (1 – anywhere else)