Transporter 2

(Say what you want, but Kate Nauta is devilishly hot!)

My friend Bill and I went to see an afternoon showing (matinee prices, whoo hoo!) of The Transporter 2. We figured, what the hell, we saw the first, so why not see the sequel. The fact that Kate Nauta was scantily clad throughout the film had nothing to do with our decision, I can assure you. The reviews were mixed - not that I put stock in film reviewers - but the Luc Besson adventure was tops at the box office last weekend.

Right up front, here's the bottom line: Transporter 2 was a very good summer popcorn movie. The first was a little better, and this one won't win any Oscars, but it was a solid film. And totaling only 90 minutes, it's good on the ol' bladder. Order a large soda with confidence, my friends!

Now that the boring stuff is outta the way, lemme tell you about Lola. Nauta's character steals the film, although it would have been nice of her to steal some clothes while she was at it. (The most she wore at one time was a police patrol jacket on top of the outfit pictured above. Sweet!) The funniest moment came when Gianni (the villain) told Lola to "get dressed." At the time, she was naked save for a conveniently placed comforter. She goes upstairs and comes down wearing . . . a bra and panties!!! Bill and I look at each other and whisper, "That's getting dressed?"

Transporter 2 won't appeal to everyone, but I would go see Jason Statham in almost anything. The star of Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels is a terrific actor worthy of your time. And guys, Kate Nauta is worth your time, too.

I Feel "Sleepy"

(Relax, Hessian; it's nothing to lose your head over!)

One of the goals of my weekend (sans family) was to catch up on some DVD's I haven't yet seen. The first on my list was 1999's Sleepy Hollow, which was directed by one of my faves; Tim Burton. Burton's creepy take on the Washington Irving tale stars Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane, the lovely Christina Ricci as Katrina Van Tassel, and the legendary Christopher Walken as The Headless Horseman.

Okay, why the hell am I reviewing a six-year old movie??? Cripes, I need to get out more often!

Since most of you have probably seen the film, here are a few things that caught my attention:

• The Star Wars Connection: Three SW alums are in the film; Christopher Lee (aka Count Dooku), Ian McDiarmid (aka Emporer Palpatine), and Ray Park (aka Darth Maul - who was the fight double for The Horseman).
• Johnny Depp: This guy is fast becoming the most versatile actors in the industry. Like Jimmy Stewart and Tom Hanks, Depp appears to be able to play any role.
• Christopher Walken: I frakkin' love this guy! End of message.

Fantastic Four: A Review

Just when you thought it was safe to come out of your homes, yet another comic book movie hits the big screen. Geeks of the world unite! Fantastic Four is another Marvel Comics classic-turned-film, pulled from the mind of uber-genius Stan Lee. The film tells the tale of a group of astronauts (Ioan Gruffudd, the yummy Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, Chris Evans, and Julian McMahon) who are exposed to cosmic radiation (damn global warming!) which gives them super powers.

Mr. Fantastic (Gruffudd) gains the ability to stretch his body; Sue Storm (Alba) can create force fields, and become invisible at will; Johnny Storm, aka The Human Torch (Evans) can control fire and take flight; and Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, (Chiklis) is transformed into a powerful rock man who is nigh invulnerable. The team's popularity soars after a daring bridge rescue, which enrages Victor von Doom, aka Dr. Doom (McMahon), who can control and manipulate electrical currents. As usual, mayhem ensues.

Fantastic Four is a very good summer flick. Chiklis and Evans have great chemistry together - especially when they're bickering - and there's plenty of "eye candy" for everyone. Alba is a fabulous babe, and McMahon - according to Mrs. Earp - is "gorgeous." It's not gonna win any Oscars - and it's no Batman Begins - but it's a highly entertaining film.