R

Red Planet

Seen: November 18, 2000 - Matinee
Very Brief Synopsis: A space crew is sent out on a mission to Mars, but their trip meets with misfortune upon arrival.
Comments: Neat effects, but everything seemed forced -- the robot, for example. The whole mission was jinxed in too tidy a way, and the whole trip seemed pointless. The flashbacks sucked big time; so did the writing. The only thing I truly liked in the movie was the female character because she was resourceful and determined.

Grade: B-

Remember the Titans

Seen: October 29, 2000 - Matinee
Very Brief Synopsis: A black man is appointed head coach of a high school football team, replacing a much beloved white man, and the two work together to make the recently integrated races into a strong and indivisable team -- based on a true story.
Comments: I don't normally like football or stories about football, but I loved this movie. There's just something about high school football; you have more of an investment, so you root harder for your team than you would at the Super Bowl. This movie reminded me especially of my own high school's football team. It was ethnically mixed and very strong. We were undefeated and ranked fourth in the nation. We had the best coach, one who stressed academics as well as sportsmanship. I guess you could say he was a white Denzel Washington.

Grade: A+